Just got this today and I have to say it's pretty excellent.
To begin with, the packaging is very attractive. The CD has the typical Beat Goes On slipcover over the jewel case which makes it seem more an album than a collection of digital tracks on CD. The liner notes are generally interesting (despite several factual errors and an ill-advised reliance on Wikipedia) and the songs are well annotated. The lyrics from the "Cass Elliot" album are a welcome inclusion.
The remastering is from 2010 by Andrew Thompson at Sound Performance in London. The remastering for the "Road" album, like the Collector's Choice twofer, features Cass more prominent in the mix which makes me wonder if the 2009 Merenstein remasters were somehow utilized for this. It sounds fine, but I have to give the edge to the Collector's Choice twofer: the sound on that one is more dynamic and has more presence. Likewise, the 2000 BMG remaster for "Mama" was incredible when released and remains the superior of the two versions.
However nice this collection is, don't toss either the Collector's Choice twofer or the BMG "Don't Call Me Mama Anymore" sets. The awesome bonus material from both are nowhere to be found on this new release: three songs from the CE sessions and three from the BMG set. The new collection presents only the original albums with no extras. Also, as stated earlier, the sound on the older sets appears to be a tad better.
My sincere wish is that this is but a catalyst in the re-assessment of Cass' catalog here in the USA. Rumors that an expanded CD/DVD reissue of "Don't Call Me Mama Anymore" may be released have been circulating throughout this forum for sometime. Someone (Owen?) PLEASE make this happen!
jcg