Ultimate Album Side: Side One, “John, the Wolf King of LA” by John Phillips

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John Phillips was one of the greatest songwriters of the 60s… He was the brains behind the classic group the Mamas and the Papas and wrote many of their hits.. He was also a very tortured and troubled man… eventually dying of liver failure (his SECOND liver) from alcholism.. After the Mamas and the Papas broke up (they had a very brief run only about 2 years yet they yielded so many lasting hits) his solo career never really took off.. But he DID release this gem.. This is a beautiful album.. great songs full of lazy melodies that belie very dark lyrics.. disturbing even.. listen to them closely.. Eben the album’s title is a bit creepy.. The phrase Wolf King is very evocative.. This album typifies the “Laurel Canyon’ sound of the early 70s.. although this is actually the “Topanga Canyon”… the players on this album are some of the greatest studio players that ever lived… the great Hal Blaine on percussion (check out those cymbals on Malibu People), Larry Knetchel on keyboards, Darlene Love on vocals.. James Burton on guitar.. on an on.. The music is absolutely gorgeous on this album…The first side makes you feel like your walking on the beach on a brisk early fall day.. in California.. in 1970… with a joint in your hand… beautiful..

LINK TO BUY

Side One