The Left Banke Walk Away Renee

[Smash; 1967]

Styles: psych pop
Others: The Zombies, Love, Pet Sounds

Yet another 1967 pop group smart enough to recognize that Sgt. Peppers was a really great album, The Left Banke didn't have the dramatic flair of the Zombies, or the self-proclaimed subversives of the Velvets and Arthur Lee. As bands like the Kinks, the Beau Brummels, and the Byrds were all hitting their stride after being shown what pop music can do, the Left Banke were just getting started. They had a minor hit with "Pretty Ballerina," but never really scratched the surface. It may be they were around for such a short stint they were never properly recognized, but my guess is that it lies somewhere closer to how easy their sound was to pass by.

Walk Away Renee doesn't jump out and strangle you with new innovation. Instead, the cool organs, harpsichord, orchestral arrangements, and no less than three singers are all part of the equation for backing up simple pop tunes. The result is the precise flashpoint of pop bliss: simple elements working together toward something far greater than the sum of its parts.

The album kicks off with "Pretty Ballerina," which would probably do better later in the proceedings. To be sure, though, "Pretty Ballerina" is one of those songs that escapes context. It may as well have been recorded on the moon. Things don't really get kicking until "Barterers and their Wives," with its sustained Byrds opening that rolls in and out of harmonies and stunning vocal lines. Things build from there until the title track, where the chorus reaches for the sky. With "Evening Gown" and "What do You Know," the band proves they can play a fun rock tune. These tracks make the album seem more like a first offering, but offer a nice respite from the towering harmonies and arrangements.

When the Left Banke dissipated in 1969, two of the members went on to form Montage. That album has its own place in history. Just check the price for a record on eBay. Before songwriter Michael Brown hit his most whimsical, though, the Left Banke proved the market for good pop was more than saturated in those days. Oh to go back in time!

1. Pretty Ballerina
2. She May Call You up Tonight
3. Barterers and Their Wives
4. I've Got Something on My Mind
5. Let Go of You Girl
6. Evening Gown
7. Walk Away Renee
8. What Do You Know?
9. Shadows Breaking over My Head
10. I Haven't Got the Nerve
11. Lazy Day

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