1971 The Mamas & the Papas People Like Us

1971 People Like Us
The Mamas & the Papas
Louie Selton - Guitar

The Mamas & The Papas broke up in 1968, but they still owed an album on their contract with Dunhill Records (later absorbed by MCA). So, three years later, they reunited to make People Like Us and complete their obligation. The result isn't as bad as that scenario might suggest, though the songs have more in common with John Phillips's 1970 solo album than with the group's hits of the 1960s. But the release did not rekindle interest in The Mamas & The Papas, and this was their last new album.

1971 Cass Elliot

1971 Cass Elliot

Cass Elliot

Louie Shelton - Guitar

Cass Elliot's departure from ABC Dunhill Records and their bubblegum marketing of her was probably the greatest career move that this awesome vocalist ever made. RCA obviously had better things in mind for her, treating her with the same sort of care that they bestowed on Harry Nilsson. The company let this pair of world-class vocalists choose their own material and brought them together with great musicians and arrangers. The end result was possibly Elliot's finest solo album. She was certainly more comfortable with the material.