Cass Elliot (album)

"Cass Elliot" is the 4th studio album released by Cass Elliot and the first album recorded for RCA. The album was originally released in February of 1972 but recorded in late 1971 at RCA’s Music Center of the World in Hollywood. The album was produced by Lewis Merenstein and legendary conductor Benny Golson conducted and arranged the album.

The album

With RCA finally granting her the artistic freedom that she had craved for with Dunhill, Cass lost no time in pursuing a more pared down, sophisticated sound for her first album. As Cass preferred, most of the songs were performed live as opposed to the cut and paste method that was being more frequently used at the time. Granted all the freedom to choose the material that she wanted Cass chose mostly standards but reinterpreted them in her own way and in doing so made them her own as if they had never been performed before. Cass saw this album as her grand opportunity to finally distinguish herself as “Cass Elliot” and not “Mama Cass.”

The album cover was shot by legendary Hollywood photographer George Hurrell emulating the same style and glamour he used on screen goddesses such as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, and Carole Lombard in the 1930s. The elegant black and white photo was the perfect counterpart to the music contained in the album.

The first song, “I’ll Be Home” was written by Randy Newman in 1969. Cass performed the song in the beginning, accompanied only with a piano, with restraint that held back halfway through the song and then unleashing a powerful and persuasive vocal turn used to convey the feelings and sentiment of the lyrics.

The second song, “Baby, I’m Yours” was originally released by Barbara Lewis in 1965 and written by Van McCoy. Instead of completely re-interpreting the song, Cass merely translated the lyrics using the subtle nuances of her voice that added a soothing, elegant quality not present in the initial recording. This was the first single released from the album in February of 1972 with “Cherries Jubilee” on the B-side.

The third song, “Jesus Was a Crossmaker” was originally written, performed and released by Judee Sill just four months prior to the release of this album. The single was originally produced by Graham Nash, a close friend of Cass’, for Sill’s eponymous debut album. Cass’ forceful and fiery rendition of this song adds a playful spin to the lyrics and offers a glimpse into a warm and playful side of herself.

The fourth song, “That Song” was the first original song Cass recorded for the album written by Bill Dean. With its whimsical and nostalgic view of a lost romance, the heart aching single was the second single released in April of 1972 with “When It Doesn’t Work Out” on the B-side. The song was a particular favorite of Cass’ who at the time who was going through a divorce from her second husband.

The fifth song, “When It Doesn’t Work Out” was pinned by Cass’ little sister, Leah Kunkel, and was the second original track performed on the album. The graceful poignancy of Cass’ voice really stands out in this track as she laments the lyrics to the heart break of and over a former love.

The sixth song, “I’ll Be There” was originally written and recorded by Bobby Darin in 1959 and had Cass once again breathing new life to a classic standard. Cass really soars with this track. Cass’ beautiful and heart aching rendition provides a depth of emotion that puts a little piece of heart into every syllable of the song.

The seventh song, “Disney Girls” was originally written by Beach Boy Bruce Johnston and recorded by The Beach Boys on their 1971 album "Surf's Up". Johnston, who was a friend of Cass’, along with fellow Beach Boy Carl Wilson both came by the studio to play and sing backing vocals on it. Cass’ relaxed performance reflects the “turn back the clock” lyrics and out of all the versions recorded by multiple artists such as Art Garfunkel, Jack Jones, and Captain & Tennille is a favorite among fans as well as Johnston himself.

The eighth song, “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today” was originally written by Randy Newman and released on his 1968 eponymous debut album. The song would later become hits for Dusty Springfield and Bette Midler. But while Springfield and Midler would perform a relaxed, gentle rendition of the song, Cass went all out. Backed with a full orchestra and a rousing, sweeping chorus at the end, Cass transforms the song into a powerful declaration of peace and love.

The ninth song, “Cherries Jubilee” was written by Marilyn Messina and was the third and final original track from the album. Although the lyrics suggest the love and devotion of an unrequited party, Cass’ lilting, and bouncy performance can not help but take the listener on an enjoyable and satisfying ride on the gentle and melodic hook of her voice.

The tenth song, “All in the Game” was originally written in 1951 by Carl Sigman and, later U.S. Vice President, Charles Dawes. The song became a hit for Tommy Edwards in 1958 and has since been performed by artists such as Barry Manilow, Van Morrison, and Andy Williams. The whispering and assuring sound of Cass’s voice caresses the listener into believing every word of the lyrics and provides a graceful end to the album

Reception

Although praised by critics at the time the album was not a hit. The early seventies were a bleak time for many female solo artists. Country rock was the sound with Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Eagles dominating the charts. Although many artists would embrace and have success with standards such as Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli and Rod Stewart in years to come, the album was considered out of sync with the current musical trends.

Today

The album was released by RCA again on CD in 1988 and once again by RCA Japan in November of 2000.Today, with artists such as John Mayer and KT Tunstall blending different genres of music into their portfolio, Cass’ stance and diversity in her music is more and more appreciated and understood. Unfortunately, only “That Song,” “I’ll Be There,” and “Disney Girls” have found their way onto current Cass compilations in recent years leaving the rest of Cass’ exceptional vision and artistry behind. Due to it being an import the album is very pricey and difficult to obtain.