Name: If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears [Remaster]
Brand: MCA
SKU: 8293
Availability: OutOfStock

Performer Notes

The Mamas & The Papas: John Phillips (vocals, guitar); Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, "Mama Cass" Elliot (vocals).
Additional personnel includes: Peter Pilafian (electric violin); P.F. Sloan, Hal Blaine, Larry Knechtel, Joe Osborn.
Includes liner notes by Andy Wickham, Lou Adler and Andy McKaie.
Personnel: Denny Doherty, John Phillips , Cass Elliot (vocals); Peter Pilafian (electric violin).
Liner Note Author: Andrew Wickham.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Hal Blaine; Larry Knechtel; Michelle Phillips; P.F. Sloan; Joe Osborn.
The Mamas And The Papas' 1966 debut, IF YOU CAN BELIEVE YOUR EYES AND EARS (reissued with the original uncensored cover, which features--gasp!--a toilet in the corner), is probably their best album.
It contains three timeless hit singles: "Go Where You Wanna Go," "Monday Monday," and "California Dreamin'," alongside a handful of originals and some excellent close-harmony covers, including the Beatles' "I Call Your Name," "Do You Wanna Dance," and a lovely take on the Drifters' "Spanish Harlem." As always, the terribly underrated Cass Elliott handles most of the vocals and does the best job. A true sunshine pop classic.

Professional Reviews

Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.126) - Ranked #127 in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time" - "[S]unshine pop with a rustic heart, the Beach Boys for folkies."

Record Collector (magazine) (p.94) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[A]ll glorious harmonies and uplifting arrangements -- the four-piece put their stamp on everything, re-inventing the originals by inverting the mood."