by jcg » Mon Jul 19, 2010 1:32 pm
I agree with Terry about the "Words of Love" clip; Cass is radiant on it, exuding that magic uniquely hers!
Of the little live material available, musically, I'd have to say "Somebody Groovy" from Monterey is my favorite. It's alot more sinuous and has alot more crunch and swagger than the recorded version (which is not a criticism, as the recorded version is another of my personal favorites). The only thing is the Michelle/microphone controvery. It really sucks that someone couldn't have checked/fixed her microphone before the performance began. It's not like she was some random backup singer; she was 1/4 of a very important vocal group for God's sake! Oh well, excuse me while I mop up the spilled milk.
Despite Michelle's vocal absence, I love "Somebody Groovy". Cass rocks it, and of what little we have to go by, it's one of their harder-edged performances.
Another favorite, for completely different reasons, is the Rodger's and Hart special version of "Sing For Your Supper" that's available as an extra on the DVD California Dreamin' The Songs of the Mamas and the Papas. The group is lip-synching throughout, but in a rare candid moment, Denny and Cass break synch in an apparent argument. Denny whispers something in her ear which seems to irk her. She gives him a harsh stare and whispers something apparently scathing which makes him uneasy for the rest of the performance. It is fascinating to watch, I wish I could make out what they're saying. It looks like a doozy of an argument.
jcg