 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Although nowadays mostly remembered just for their often covered smash hit "Walk away Renee", Left Banke did cut some of the most interesting records of '67 and '68. Formed by keyboard whiz-kid Michael Brown, he was soon joined by Steve Martin (vocals), Jeff Winfield (guitar), Tom Finn (bass) and George Cameron (drums). They soon developed their own unique sound, a mixture of baroque pop and bubblegum psychedelia, with the distinctive near falsetto vocals of Martin. Plagued throughout their career by line-up changes and in-band disputes they nvertheless cut several very strong singles, and a fairly successful debut album before Michael Brown left. The rest of the band released one more album in 1969 and then called it a day.
Through 1968 and '69, Michael Brown worked with a new project named Montage, which pretty much carried on where he had lef off with Left Banke. The band's 2 singles and one album all failed to chart though, so in 1969 Brown threw in the towel.
In the early 70's Brown finally found the sucess he so richly deserved, after forming The Stories with singer Ian Lloyd and others. They cut a number of melodic soft rock singles, finally topping the chars with "Brother Louie" in 1973. Their albums were not as successful, so in 1974 they all went there seperate ways.
Left banke reformed briefly in 1978 without Brown, releasing one unremarkable single and recording an album that was not released until after their final split up. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Walk away Renee / Pretty ballerina (1967) - Their only full album to be recorded with Michael Brown as a member, this is a masterpiece of haunting baroque melodies, and psychedelic bubblegum pop. Includes such gems as the two title tracks, and lesser known ones such as "Lazy day". The heavily orchestrated yet simple melodies make this album as unique today, as it was in 1967. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
The Left Banke too (1969) - Althoug brown was not a member anymore, his influence obviously still ruled the band at this time, and the albums strongest moment, "Desiree", was from his last single with the band. Not as good or original as the debut album, this is still a very strong effort. Steve Martin's singing is stronger than ever and the songs, although slightly outdated at the time, are fairly strong. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Strangers on a train (1986) - Also released as "Voices calling" this is the album the reformed Left Banke cut in 1978. A rather mediocre affair, it hasn't got much in common with their earlier releases, and has limited appeal to anyone except hardcore fans. |
|
|
|
|
|
There's gonna be a storm (1992) - A 26 track compilation, this includes virtually everything from their first two albums plus the best moments from the later stages in their career. With their original albums long out of print, this is a great choice for anyone interested in the band, or wanting to replace the old vinyl copies. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Buy this CD at Amazon.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
The history of (1985) - Not as good (or complete) as the above compilation, this Rhino release is still a very strong album, gathering all the bands best moments, and beautifully packaged too. sadly this has been out of print for a while now, and as far as I know there are no plans for a re-release. |
|
|
|
|
|
MONTAGE - Montage (1969) - This album, recorded by Michael Brown's Montage project shortly after he left Left Banke, contains all that was great about Left Banke in the first place. Majestic melodys, and grand arrangements make this the Left Banke album that never was. Recent re-releases also include bonus tracks, and great liner notes by Richie Unterberger. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buy this CD at Amazon.com |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
A tribute to the Left Banke (1999) - A tribute album, with relatively unknown bands playing covers of their favorite left banke songs. I have never heard this record, or indeed any of the artists appearing on it, but it looks like an interesting thing |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Home |
|