Two quintessential California blonds celebrated a birthday yesterday and today: Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas and Terri Nunn of Berlin. Michelle is now the only surviving member of her group and Terri is now the only of the group that made her famous, although she was not a founding member. Both are also beautiful and, in their time, were often appreciated more for that - and they're romantic or sexual exploits - than for there voices.
"Creeque Alley" is the much loved story of the paths that led to The Mama's and The Papa's own dreams coming true but even this celebration of the turmoil filled groups success has a sad twist: no one seems to know if that is Michelle on the record or Jill Gibson, girlfriend of producer Lou Adler and Michelle's replacement after being fired for her many "indiscretions". There have been many different accounts of the recordings made during that time with Michelle ultimately admitting that the only two people who know for sure are Adler and engineer Bones Howe.
"Sex (I'm A)" is Berlin's most discussed record, "The Metro" is probably the most loved by fans, and "Take My Breath Away" stands as their biggest and most commonly known song but "No More Words", from their second album, "Lovelife", is the record I played and danced to the most. Georgio Moroder's production and mixing skills are as busy as ever and all that percolating syncopation still leaves me craving a cup of coffee.
Both songs are best heard in the versions most difficult to find these days. The mono single mix of "Creeque Alley" has a more ad-hoc feel to it, suggesting an intimate live setting that best fits the material and a triumph repeat of "Becoming a reality" that is missing from the stereo mix. The twelve inch remix of "No More Words" adds more bubbles for your dance floor pleasure and, even after all these years, still brings the smell of poppers to my mind.
Happy birthday, ladies, and a have a great weekend.
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