Strange Young Girls - The Mamas and The Papas
"Strange Young Girls" is a track by the iconic 1960s folk rock band The Mamas and The Papas. The song was released on their debut album, "If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears," in 1966. The theme of the song revolves around the fascination and allure of mysterious and unconventional young women. The lyrics describe these girls as being unpredictable, enigmatic, and captivating, with a sense of rebellion and independence. The song captures the band's signature harmonies and folk rock sound, with intricate vocal arrangements and a catchy melody. "Strange Young Girls" features lead vocals by the band's co-founder and frontman, John Phillips, with backing vocals from the rest of the group - Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, and Cass Elliot. The instrumentation includes acoustic guitar, drums, and tambourine, creating a folk rock sound that was characteristic of The Mamas and The Papas' music. Notable facts about the song include its inclusion on the soundtrack of the film "The Big T.N.T. Show" in 1966. The track showcases the band's unique blend of folk, rock, and pop influences, as well as their ability to craft catchy melodies and harmonies. "Strange Young Girls" remains a fan favorite and a standout track in The Mamas and The Papas' discography.
The Mamas and The Papas
The Mamas and The Papas were an American folk rock vocal group formed in Los Angeles in 1965. The group consisted of four members - John Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, and Cass Elliot. They quickly rose to fame with their unique vocal harmonies and catchy pop melodies. John Phillips, the group's leader, had previously been a member of the folk group The New Journeymen, but he left to form The Mamas and The Papas with his then-wife Michelle Phillips, Denny Doherty, and Cass Elliot. The group's sound was a fusion of folk, pop, and rock, and their songs often featured lush vocal harmonies and introspective lyrics. The Mamas and The Papas achieved great success in a relatively short period of time. Their debut album, "If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears," released in 1966, produced several hit singles including "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday." The album was a commercial and critical success, and it established the group as one of the leading acts of the 1960s. Throughout their career, The Mamas and The Papas continued to release hit singles and albums, including "Dedicated to the One I Love" and "Deliver." Their music was known for its catchy melodies, intricate vocal harmonies, and introspective lyrics that touched on themes of love, longing, and disillusionment. The impact of The Mamas and The Papas on music was significant. They helped popularize the folk rock genre and paved the way for other vocal harmony groups of the era. Their music continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Despite their success, The Mamas and The Papas faced internal conflicts and personal struggles, leading to the group's eventual breakup in 1968. However, their music lives on as a testament to their talent and creativity, and they are remembered as one of the most iconic groups of the 1960s.