by Jason Ankeny
Because of her weight and the rumors concerning the cause of her death, Mama Cass Elliot endures as little more than a punch line, which is a real shame; not only was her voice the linchpin of the Mamas & the Papas' most memorable hits, but her solo records were engaging and unique, capturing the unlikely confluence of bubblegum and the blues. Bubble Gum, Lemonade & Something for Mama, Cass' second solo effort, showcases her brassy, exuberant voice couched in a variety of settings, from the girl groupish &It's Getting Better& to &Blow Me a Kiss,& an ersatz Tin Pan Alley pop number in the mold of her hit &Dream a Little Dream of Me.& The highlight is the closing &Make Your Own Kind of Music,& later covered by Paul Westerberg. Really.