Ain't Nobody Else Like You, Cass
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/02/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cass Elliott gave us so much during her all too short lifetime; I enjoy hearing her sing because her voice was always as clear as a bell and her sophisticated phrasing enhanced her singing all the more. This is a terrific album by Cass with great songs that she performed solo; there isn't a dud in the bunch. In addition, the quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and I like that artwork.
"Make Your Own Kind of Music" is a wonderful way to begin this album; Cass sings this with all her heart and soul and just one listen proves it! The music fits in perfectly on this upbeat tune and it all holds its own very well. "Dream a Little Dream of Me" is absolutely beautiful; Cass sings this with great sensitivity and "Dream a Little Dream of Me" leaves nothing to be desired--this music is all THAT good. "It's Getting Better" has some awesome percussion as Cass belts this out; and "Blow Me a Kiss" has a female backup chorus for Cass as she sings this to perfection--and beyond! Cass handles complex tempo and key changes like the pro she always was.
"California Earthquake" is very well done; and "Move In a Little Closer Baby" is easily one of the best Cass Elliott tunes out there. Cass sings "Move In a Little Closer Baby" with panache and I love to hear this over and over again! "Easy Go, Easy Go" has that late `60s/early `70s flavor to it but don't get me wrong--this is still enjoyable today. "Easy Come, Easy Go" has a fine musical interlude, too; it's wonderful in every way. "Talkin' to Your Toothbrush" is a sensitive ballad; and "When I Just Wear My Smile" is a playful tune that Cass aces as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing; that harmonica sounds great with the rest of the arrangement!
"Don't Let the Good Life Pass You By" again features Cass in her natural element although the music could have been toned a bit; and "Lady Love" is a mighty fine tune that has Cass performing at her usual very best. "Sour Grapes" has a country flavor and those guitars work wonders for the number; listen also for Cass Elliott to do "I Can Dream, Can't I?" with her usual excellent diction and genuine feeling.
"New World Coming" is another song Cass sings beautifully; and "He's a Runner" is brilliantly done. The music makes god use of the strings, too. "Good Times Are Coming" charms me with its natural beauty; Cass makes this shine with her gorgeous voice. "Who's To Blame?" has Cass delivering this ballad with heartfelt emotion and the album ends with Cass Elliott performing "Ain't Nobody Else Like You." What a splendid way to end the album!
Cass Elliott possessed a genius that I rarely hear or enjoy; thankfully we have her recordings on albums like this so we can always remember her. Another reviewer notes that this CD has all the songs except one from Cass' album entitled Bubble Gum, Lemonade & Something for Mama; and they are correct. (The song omitted here is "Welcome to the World.") This album is a must-have for fans of Cass Elliott; and it makes a great introductory CD for anyone discovering the magical artistry of the great Cass Elliott."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1
