Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Left Banke - There's Gonna Be A Storm: The Complete Recordings 1966-69

Bach Rock 101. Sure, you may be familiar with "Walk Away, Renee" and "Pretty Ballerina" -- superlatively fine songs, to be sure -- but what about "Barterers and Their Wives" or "Shadows Breaking Over My Head" or "Ivy, Ivy" or "She May Call You Up Tonight" or "Men Are Building Sand" or "Dark is the Bark"? Hmmmmmmm?


allmusicguide: This New York group pioneered "Baroque'n'Roll" in the '60s with their mix of pop/rock and grand, quasi-classical arrangements and melodies. Featuring teenage prodigy Michael Brown as keyboardist and chief songwriter, the group scored two quick hits with "Walk Away Renee" (#5) and "Pretty Ballerina" (#15). Chamber-like string arrangements, Steve Martin's soaring, near-falsetto lead vocals, and tight harmonies that borrowed from British Invasion bands like the Beatles and the Zombies were also key elements of the Left Banke sound.


Go for Baroque!

2 comments:

Serge Bibikov said...

This is wonderful band!! Thank you for sharing! I had only "walk away renee/pretty ballerina" before

Anonymous said...

ive reported you to the proper authorities for sharing illegal content.

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