Recorded - December 16, 1965
Released - March 1966
#1 for weeks of May 7, 14 and 21, 1966.
The Mamas & The Papas remain one of the most iconic counter-cultural groups of the 1960's. Already in 1965, long before the charts were filled with groups who tried to imitate their sound, these four Los Angeles folk singers were recording songs like "California Dreaming", a song that broke ground for the "Sunshine Pop" genre. Sunshine pop refers to music from about 1966-1970 which is folk influenced, apolitical, and optimistic in nature. It also features immaculate vocal arrangements, usually in fine harmony. Unlike other late 60's pop styles such as the more corporate bubblegum pop, most sunshine pop artists either sided with, or were hippies.
The Mamas & Papas were lucky to be graced with four unique vocalists. You know you have a winning combo when you have a vocalist as powerful and talented as Mama Cass in your group. That's not to say Michelle Phillips couldn't carry a tune either, just listen to "Dedicated To The One I Love" where she delivers one of her most gentle yet effective vocals ever recorded. On the "Papas" side of the quartet was Dennis Doherty and primary songwriter John Phillips. It was Phillips who sang lead vocals on their first #1 hit, "Monday Monday".
The sunshine pop genre appeals to many, myself included, because it evokes a warm summer's day. In "Monday Monday", you only have to hear those opening vocal hooks, followed by the delicate music arrangement, to feel like you are lazing away outside on a summer's day in California. There are several additional hooks such as key changes and a groundbreaking, for the time, few seconds of silence, which no doubt drove radio DJ's crazy.
Lyrically, the song doesn't hold any deep political or social message, (Few sunshine pop songs did). Yet, John Phillips often wrote very poetic lyrics and "Monday Monday" is no exception. It is still the vocal harmonies that remain the song's strong point, particularly those of the "Mamas" of the quartet. Together, Michelle and Cass were a winning combination, and their sound can't be replicated today.
Despite the optimistic and happy image that The Mamas & Papas evoked, the quartet actually had quite a troubled career. From Michelle Phillips briefly leaving the quartet in the summer of '66, to the quartet not even being able to be in the same room together while recording their final album, they really had quite a rocky road. However, they have enough classic songs in their catalog to ensure that their legacy, and your day, remains as cheerful as can be.
Final Verdict - "Monday Monday" is vocally very rich. When you combine this with a baroque influenced music track, you have a very sublime musical experience.
Coming Up Next - "When A Man Loves A Woman" by Percy Sledge.
Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, reviewing a sunny Monday song on a grey and rainy Friday -
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