No English word can quite express the meaning of what the Portuguese call “saudade.” It is often used to describe the music and lyrics of fado—a melancholic longing for an absent something, someone or somewhere you may never see again. Whatever you want to call it, I’m sure it is something that a lot of people have been feeling lately.
And although John and Michelle Phillips did not explicitly use the word in the lyrics of “California Dreamin’” in 1963, there is no question that’s the feeling that Michelle was going for, at least from an interview I read on NPR: it was the Long Beach singer/songwriter’s homesickness that inspired the initial spark for the song.
While originally recorded by Barrie McGuire, it was The Mamas & the Papas—with Cass Elliot and Denny Doherty—that made the charts in 1965, as well as its way into history and into people’s hearts. It’s a fantastic folk rock tune to sing along with and the beautiful harmonies, unusual flute solo and overall sentiment are the perfect music to play in your vintage Mustang.
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About the Curator - Jane Asylum
When my mother wasn’t walking around the house belting out early 60s’ girl-band lyrics, she was collecting compilation albums, specifically from K-Tel. She may not have had the most refined taste, but she enjoyed variety, or at least that’s what I recall. I poured over them all, preferring some sounds to others. And when I found the perfect song, I’d play it over and over until ready to perform my latest theatrical dance incarnation.
With my family all gathered on floral grey sofas in our basement apartment, I’d set the vinyl on the turntable of a brown fibreboard stereo and not-so-carefully lower the needle. It would pop, screech, and crackle before any music spilled from the weaved-wheat speakers. My toes would press, lift, and sweep through the blue-green shag carpet, my arms would flail, and the music would bass and treble through my soul.
I’m no longer that 6-year-old doing private-audience interpretive dance routines, but my passion remains just as intense. I have no special superpowers as a curator — just my love of sounds and lyrics that transport, transform, move, and make your body groove.