Covers of the Week - California Dreaming (Mamas & Papas)

This is one of my all time favorite songs.  I remember walking to high school and jr. high school in San Leandro, CA on many a cold, overcast, gloomy day with it going thru my head, feeling one with song as if it capture some quintessential part of me.  I think I have more covers (~15) of California Dreamin' than any other song in my collection and I would have more but this is the only song where I eliminated covers changed certain lyrics (normally modified lyrics are a plus) (See A Story of California Dreamin').


Here are some excellent covers starting off with Dana Owens' (Queen Latifah) absolutely awesome version:







And a most rockin' version by the John Mayer Trio



The "Classic Rock" sound of the Carpenters



Beautiful choral style of Scala and Kolancy Brothers



A little course but almost sweet



Beach boys



A nice disco version by Royal Gigolos



Brazilian bossa nova and jazz singer-Rosa Marya Colin



The rest of the covers in my playlist:

• Hi-STANDARD - California Dreamin'
• Wes Montgomery "California Dreaming" (1966)
• California Dreaming, (Thursdelight)
• George Benson California Dreamin'
• Michael Chapdelaine: California Dreaming Live TV Performance
• Johnny Rivers - California Dreaming - France
• Stillbruch - California Dreamin'

Plus those who can get the lyrics right

• Jose Feleciano, 
• Bobby Womack, 
• Eddie Hazel, 
• The FlashBulb.
• Neil Byrne

And the original Mamas and Papas Version