The LEFT BANKE: Band History |

[@margaretyerves2748]

I still stop and listen when Walk Away Renee comes on the radio. I’m 76 years old and this song takes me back in time ❤

[@JACOBSJohn81874]

DESIREE.

[@lilajagears8317]

Pretty ballerina is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@maryhart141]

Absolutely.

[@slaphead8835]

Agreed!

[@harvey1954]

About a pretty girl named Renee.

[@richieboy6825]

Love the drum sound - that ‘66 snare just works for me

[@theonetruerobb4852]

There oughta be more songs in Lydian Mode. Lennie Bernstein might agree...

[@peterjohnson1761]

I’m one of the ones who requested The Left Banke …this was magnificent..

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Well thank you for that request, Peter! For a band that didn't release a lot, they sure have an interesting story.

[@BluesHawk.11]

i attended a memorial for Michael Brown shortly after he passed. Alan Merril and George Cameron sang Walk Away Rene with Michael Brown's twin sons playing the violin parts ..beautiful

[@stander-bo4ff]

I met the original Left Banke through my girlfriend's sister. She was a kind of groupie but was close to the band members. They did shows in New Jersey outdoors and asked help to set up which i did several times. Thanks for this vid,. They had a hard time playing live versions of their songs and were quite pissed about that. Overall it was a great experience. My girfriend's sister moved on to the Hollies. All this happened in '67 , I was 20. Thanks for the memories. PS the Banke liked to play pachinko in NYC.

[@TheJudgeraye]

Thanks for the memories you shared. Great band, must have been a magical time

[@richardhirsh4954]

Left Banke played my high school in 1968 with the Tokens and Lesley Gore when our school won the Clark’s Gum Wrapper contest :)

[@babayegajaeger7082]

Man, how lucky do you get.......that's a dream.🤪

[@mattskustomkreations]

Wow! What was the contest? The school who mailed in the most wrappers won? I forgot about Clarks… probably haven’t seen it since the 70s.

[@peterdvideos]

I love Pretty Ballerina!

[@2kenday]

I love this song as well....maybe it's a Day thing!

[@kelseymathias3881]

@@2kenday 🤣

[@cocoaorange1]

I was in diapers then, but it is a pretty classic

[@berzerker1100]

A rainy Day thing ! 🔥💥👍​@2kenday

[@starmanbrinley9936]

Hi there Matt! As a 20 year old Left Banke obsessive (and self-described music historian), I want to commend you wholeheartedly for your brilliant, well-crafted and insightful overview of this great band's career. It's funny that they're so well remembered, yet really on the strength of two tracks - despite a catalogue filled with so many gems (albeit complete commercial failure!) I really appreciate the time you must have taken to find all of these rare images as well (some I've never seen previously!). Their story is certainly a bittersweet one, like many of their songs. I agree totally with your thoughts on 'Left Banke Too' - which for some reason, even among their ardent fans, seems to be swept under the rug as subpar or unnecessary. I think that considering Michael Brown was the effective 'leader' and songwriting spearhead of the band, that Tom, Steve and George overwhelmingly exceeded expectations on their own with the quality of the songwriting and playing (and production from Paul Leka, who was riding high with 'Green Tambourine' and the like!). I also appreciate you mentioning Montage - I'm sure you were already aware of the track 'Men Are Building Sand' featuring on the 'Storm' CD as well in a Bert Sommer-led version pre-dating Montage's conception - to me this is a far superior arrangement, and while there will be ceaseless debate about whether that was really the 'Left Banke,' his vocals are hauntingly out of this world and I think it's one of the best tracks recorded under the Left Banke title. I love 'Ivy Ivy', but perhaps it wasn't very commercial and certainly marked the beginning of the end for chart success! Also, just in case you didn't know, the complete first album's tracks on the 'There's Gonna Be A Storm' CD are all brand new remixes from the multitracks by Rhino's legendary Bill Inglot - great sound quality, highly improved on the originals to my ears, though some songs lose a bit of that 'bite' which the original dodgy mixes have - the originals being inferior perhaps, but very of their time - in an enjoyable way! The original mixes are used on the 2011 reissues from Sundazed however. Finally, in a funny twist besides my own self-discovered love of the Left Banke, my dad was actually lab partners in his high school chemistry class with 'Ricky Brand' (as he remembers him) - he always recalls that Rick could easily nab members of the opposite sex being an aspiring guitarist, and usually missed class to go out on dates. This left Dad in the awkward position of doing all of the work and giving Rick half the credit, which he obliged for quite some time - but at some point called it off, replacing Rick with a female friend of his own...! That was the last my dad heard of him until he was in college and heard from a mutual friend that Rick was now part of the Left Banke, who were then currently local one-off hitmakers...! From my own research, I found that Rick is now a practicing psychologist, still based in the New York metro area - and of course, sadly, the last living member of any iteration of the band. My apologies for leaving such a long comment, but I hope some of this info may be of interest to you, and my sincere thanks again for some fantastic wisdom and entertainment, Matt! Long live the Left Banke!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Your comment is not too long, Brinley! Thank you for the kind words and the Ricky Brand background. This band is somewhat typical of the talent of the time - there was so much that their simply weren't enough places in the charts for all of them!

[@aljabirxiju9475]

gems are not commercial failures. these are mutually exclusive in most cases.

[@paulb8587]

"Walk Away Renee" is one of the sounds of the 1960s. I was a teenager back then and loved the song plus bands like The Association, Mamas & Papas, Lovin' Spoonful, Beach Boys. Listening to the music of the time, on a small medium wave (AM) transistor radio, from a "Pirate Radio" ship anchored in the Irish sea (UK) was part of my history and always will be. Thanks for the series.

[@robinhood480]

I like comments like this. Thanks. USA 🇺🇸

[@dorkstain5455]

@@robinhood480 Radio Caroline

[@Fitzrovialitter]

I don't recall ever hearing bands like The Left Banke or The Tradewinds ever being played by the execrable yet legitimate BBC radio stations. Thank God for Radio Caroline.

[@craigthomson3621]

I have Left Banke’s “There’s Gonna Be A Storm” CD, and it is one you can play all the way through with very few (if any) sub-standard tracks.

[@JoeChrisMorris]

Good liner notes on that cd

[@Gee-no]

I second all of this! Great anthology.

[@artysanmobile]

I agree wholeheartedly.

[@brucifer0]

Can't get enough of Pretty Ballerina. What a great song!

[@kennethosborne6497]

Wonderful. Thankyou so much. I was born in 1947, so grew up with all the great music of the 60's. The Left Bank grabbed me. "Pretty Ballerina" still brings me to tears. Such an undervalued group.

[@recordman64]

I might be in a distinct majority, but I do believe the Left Banke should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@warrenrosen132]

You should get in for one song, if it's good enough.

[@recordman64]

@@warrenrosen132 I'm thinking more than one song. I'm thinking two great albums that reflect baroque-influenced rock/pop music.

[@billinglot4670]

A very nice piece. And thanks for the kind words about the "Storm" CD. Tom Finn was very involved with it and that he was pleased with it meant the world to us.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Bill! I recognize that name - you're one of the good guys! Welcome.

[@JustineLaLoba]

Thanks for push starting my Opal GT to get to the Abba concert Bill.........TN

[@nuwavedave]

Hi Bill,I remember you very well from your pre-Rhino days, when I was with Bomp! You'd drop by for a visit mostly on Saturdays, and we'd discuss '60s bands. And you were a regular at the Pasadena City College Swap Meet, where my friend, Ron Lavery and I had a record booth. You did a great job on every release you put your hand to. All the best!

[@mbuchart2927]

I bought

[@chriscze6153]

I utterly love the Left Banke, ever since I was a teenager (some 20 years ago). I also love Montage, yes the vocalist definitely isn't as good but the soul is still there. So happy the algorithm got me introduced to your channel/this series, the 60s were utterly phenomenal. Thanks for the great video!

[@LannieLord]

Somewhere , I have the original newspaper ad "Left Bank is looking for a new guitarist".... (I collect old newspapers)

[@LannieLord]

I think it was in the Village Voice.

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

I always loved the pathos this band could evoque with the baroque, 1966 was really an interesting time for avant garde music before rock got self aware and became formulized by marketing types

[@JA-jm8bk]

Walk Away- a mesmerizing song & one of my top ten favorites.

[@ShyNobleman]

One of my favourites bands ever. The “storm” cd comiplation is probably one of my ten most played albums ever

[@artysanmobile]

Thank you so much for your devotion to this amazing band. I have to be one of their biggest fans, wearing out their first album twice, ending up with three copies I have still. It is one of the truly special albums of the era, right up there with the Beatles’ best. I went to a Beach Boys concert because they were second on the bill. They played with a string quintet, much harder to do in an 18,000 seat arena back then. I was transfixed by the beauty of their composition.

[@rumblehat4357]

"She May Call You Up Tonight" is perfect power pop.

[@gregoryirwin263]

This channel just keeps getting better and better

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Cool beans, man. I was 16 when "Rene" hit the airwaves. It was a great record and from a group I'd forgotten all about. This was a somewhat esoteric, but nonetheless particularly compelling review, and an exemplary addition to your pop history oeuvre. Keep up the good work, man, I'm diggin' what you're cookin.'

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks, Doc!

[@luvtheus]

Grew up listening to these guys. They created some timeless music. My first love's name was Renee back in "65 so you can guess which song of theirs bring back the most heartfelt memories. Man, those were the days my friends

[@stevenkaminsky]

Now that you've covered this favorite band of mine, perhaps you can tackle another of my favorite bands: the Beau Brummels. I love their "Triangle" and their "Bradley's Barn" albums, among others.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yes, they will certainly get the Pop Goes the 60s treatment. I've got a great selection of their obscure stuff so I will look forward to crossing them off my very long list!

[@oldermusiclover]

@@popgoesthe60s52 yeah

[@eternallife9786]

Remember when I was a little kid I'm saw that episode of The Flintstones😂 oddly enough that's how I heard about this band until about 5 years ago I was listening too ulvers cover of magic hollow

[@Randgalf]

Thanks for this one! One of the greatest should-have-been-bands to come out of the 60's.

[@williamstander4877]

What great memories, my friends and I hung out with the Banke, my girlfriend and her sister knew them well. We went to just about every gig and loved it. Thanks Dusty for introducjng me.

[@randallhollister2853]

Thank you for putting this bio together on The Left Banke!! I got to see them when I was 10 years old. My mother took my sister and I to concerts when we were growing up. She being 4 years older, Mom would let her take some of her friends along. I was just a tag-a-long but what great benefits! The concert I saw them at was on February 1, 1967 at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. They were there along with The Electric Prunes, Keith, and was headlined by The Beach Boys. You showed some concert posters and one was of that line up and brought back great memories. The Left Banke were very accessible after the concert. My sister got their autographs. Love what you do. I watch every one you post. Keep up the great work my friend!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you so much, Randall! How lucky you were to see them live and I'm glad that in coincided with one of the posters I showed. Plenty more to come!

[@1thommyberlin]

Noice job Pop Goes! Love the depth of the info here.

[@moodiblues2]

Hallelujah! One of my favorite groups of my youth. I loved “Walk Away Rene’”from the first chord played. I’m always glad to hear the song whenever it comes on, where ever I happen to be. I’m an amateur musician and music producer and I tried my hand at recording my cover of this great song. It was horrible. My goal in writing and recording music is to come up with something beautiful like Walk Away Rene; it’s not likely, but I hope the members of that group are proud of their contributions to rock. I also loved “Pretty Ballerina” and “Sing Little Bird”. Thank you for expanding my knowledge of this group. I had always wondered what happened to them.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for watching and for the comment, Robert!

[@mikebrison1838]

Way back when I had a tryout with Left Banke. I hauled my silvertone twin twelve and my mosrite to the Kaleidoscope on sunset Blvd. I wonder which left banke I was auditioning for. Needless to say I didn’t get the gig. Nice guys though.

[@paulgentile1024]

That's a hell of a combo. 🥊

[@gourddrawing]

Lots of memories seeing "Electric Prunes" in that photo and "Strawberry Alarm Clock" on a concert poster. I had a few 45 RPM records released under the Buddha label. The one I recalled instantly was "Green Tambourine" by the Lemon Pipers. Some great music memories. Thanks, Matt!.

[@oldermusiclover]

loved that song Walk Away Renee

[@drewpall2598]

Back in the days where garage bands were a dime a dozen, here today gone tomorrow. The Left Banke left their mark in the music industry and with the records buying public with quite a few well-crafted songs and one of the best debut record albums by a garage band. I never get tired of hearing any tracks off that album. I love the melodic sounds and lyrics to "Sing Little Bird Sing" The Left Banke 2 written by Tom Feher. I recall hearing rumors that Steven Tyler was associated with The Left Banke but could not confirm that. Excellent homework on The Left Banke. Matt. 👍

[@garyolshan4177]

Tom Scholz said he took the line from the Left Bank's gem Walk Away Renee for his great song More Than A Feeling. "Till I see Marianne walking away"

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I didn't know that about Scholz, thanks for that info!

[@harvey1954]

I had more than a feeling that is where Tom got that line.

[@daytripper9222]

Another excellent job Matt. Again even at 66 I'm still learning things that I didn't know. I'm not trying to sound big-headed but I mean that's all I really know is music especially 60s and '70s so I'm really loving this what you're doing here. I have someone in mind that I think would really be interesting for you to discuss, he also was a friend of mine. I'll tell you more in an email. Again Matt I'm really enjoying this.

[@charlesoliva8174]

As a die-hard Left Banker - thanks so much for this!! I’m thrilled to learn “Strangers On A Train” is being re-released with bonus tracks!

[@MrMusicbyMartin]

‘There’s Gonna Be a Storm’ sends a shiver up and down my spine every time - those shimmering strings are incredible.

[@joncunninghamexperience5373]

A history of the zombies would be awesome love groups like this that broke up way too soon

[@Mr.-J-2024]

I already gave my suggestion to Matt for a Zombies episode also! Yep, I don't think The Zombies ever recorded a bad track. "Tell Her No," and "She's Not There" were way above what was coming out at the time and Odessey and Oracle was an amazingly good and diverse LP. "Time Of The Season" was also on another level and I think the first great album by Argent would have been a Zombies album if they stayed together.

[@willemvandeursen3105]

...And it's there! They broke up, yes, but don't forget the seven Argent albums, Colin's wonderful solo albums (especially the first three, produced by Rod Argent) and the more recent Blunstone/Argent studio records in the 90's till today. Like Left Banke, they didn't disappear!

[@Tagurrit]

@@Mr.-J-2024 Argent was a great band/album! I listened to it all the time!

[@fredfox3851]

Great work Pop Goes the 60's. Great details on a band with such a convoluted career.

[@alonzogarbanzo]

I don't know of a better record than Pretty Ballerina. Not saying it's "the best of all time" or anything. Just that it's perfect, and it's never ceased to move me when I hear it.

[@artysanmobile]

It haunts me still. An amazing composition, beautifully performed.

[@deanrivera8016]

Really appreciate you sharing what is obvious in-depth and well researched knowledge of what I would consider obscure bands of that era, you do right by giving these guys coverage long overdue I have watched a lot of material produced by other podcasters that cover the music genre and it seems it’s all what you might expect mostly coverage of past big name bands, and there success. I think what is missed, or possibly dismissed by the others is that all of these musicians/ bands known or unknown had in many way, and ways which at that place in time not even realized by them of the effects that they had on each other, and on culture. Very impressed, and actually took away something’s I was unaware of, as for instance the song Walk Away Renee not until I heard Left Banke version did I realize that it is what I had originally heard back in the late 60’s and not the 4 Tops version Thanks man……..

[@sunshinecoolwater9528]

Another great Michael Brown project from the early 70s, were the Beckies. They only made one album, but the songs were very much in the Left Banke style. Great video!

[@rumblehat4357]

The Beckies' only album is hard to find, and is a definite play-all-the-way-through every time. It's great. Even the outtakes are great.

[@harryseibert457]

My favorite song from the Beckies is Fran!

[@rumblehat4357]

harry seibert for me it’s The Other Side Of Town and One Of These Days, but they are all great!

[@harryseibert457]

@@rumblehat4357 i hear you on one of these days I like it too!

[@ogam5]

.....WORTH noting, is that this album paved the way for Gary West's work with Shooting Star (particularly "Last Chance") IMMENSELY - and yes, a TERRIBLY-overlooked one.....

[@romelovesdan]

I could not hit play fast enough. Definitely a band music fans should check out! I like sharing their work with friends.

[@romelovesdan]

Nice rare pictures and interesting little known tidbits of their history...Still wonder if rumors are true about the reason there is no Stereo version of "Desiree". Lost tapes? Sad & ironic how Rick Brand is the only one main member left, he had a bit of a wild streak!. Warren D. Shirehorst too?

[@RiisPark99]

Just discovered your channel-this was great as well as The Merry Go Round! Thanks for doing this!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure - plenty more to come!

[@deanjonasson6776]

Another interesting episode, Matt. The history of the Left Banke has many twists and turns so you must have had to do a fair bit of research to put a coherent profile together. Great job! Although I knew (and loved) "Walk Away Renee" and "Pretty Ballerina" I was unaware of their other material until I came across a "tribute" CD. Although the covers (mostly by indie bands) were inconsistent, I was impressed by the depth of material. I unloaded the tribute disk once I got the real thing: THERE'S GONNA BE A STORM on the Mercury label. There are at least another dozen excellent songs in their oeuvre including "She May Call You Up Tonight" (excellently covered by Susanna Hoffs & Matthew Sweet on their UNDER THE COVERS series), "Barterers And Their Wives", "There's Gonna Be A Storm" and, of course, the shimmering "Desiree". A takeaway of this (and other episodes) might be that merely having talent and some hits were not enough to make it really big in pop/rock. Good management, label support, a strong touring presence and, especially, a lot of luck, were also part of the equation! There were millions of bands that never got heard outside of their hometowns and thousands of bands, like the Left Banke, with limited success. This puts into perspective the achievements of The Association, Turtles, Lovin' Spoonful, Rascals, etc. The Beatles, Byrds, Kinks, Beach Boys, Stones, Who, etc. were on a whole other level in that era. You're getting dozens of band requests so I won't add to your 'to do' list other than to say, keep up the amazing work, Matt! Much appreciated.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I don't mind requests! Yes, excellent point on 'one cannot survive on talent alone.' The stars must really align for success!

[@DocReasonable]

Glad you highlighted 'Lazy Day' and 'Evening Gown', what fine tracks those are. Excellent presentation as always.

[@shyman99]

You jumped over the Stories' other crown jewel, "I'm Coming Home", which includes one of the best choruses Michael Brown has ever written. Simply tears me apart. Made it to a respectable #42 in 1972 as a regional hit.

[@JoeChrisMorris]

Not as good as the Left Banke

[@lamper2]

@@JoeChrisMorris I agree with shyman99

[@ogam5]

.....NOT to mention "Darling", "Love In Motion" and their version of "Mammy Blue".....

[@jayburdification]

I had no idea Michael McKeon was actually self-satirizing in Spinal Tap when he said their first band, the New Originals, had to change their name. I always thought that was a New Yardbirds/Zeppelin reference. I also now know where his Baroque Pop chops come from on the lovely “Cups and Cakes,” by the Thamesmen. Currently residing in the where-are-they-now file.

[@denisrodrigues1455]

Thank you, very much, my friend! An excellent video-lesson about this great and underrated band. I confess that always I listen a Left Banke song, I feel like they were always doing their best to bring us an unforgettable moment. And, in my opinion, they did it. From the "Too" album, a special track for me is "Nice To See You", with its psychedelic guitar introduction, the wind instruments sound (in that baroque style) and the wonderful vocal harmony. From the last album ("Voices calling"/"Stranges On A Train"), recorded in the seventies but only released in 1986, I like specially two of its tracks: "I Can Fly" and "Lorraine". Thanks so much, my friend Matt!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

You are quite welcome, Denis!

[@rumblehat4357]

I love "Strangers On A Train." The song, the album, both great.

[@xiropigado]

I love The Left Banke, so talented and so unique, they should have got the financial reward and the recognition that they so deserved. I am astounded at their lack of chart success. I was listening seriously to music from a very young age thanks to my teenage Aunts and my Mother ande was exposed to The Beatles in 1964 at age 4, and have loved music since. I was born in the UK and never knew or heard anything from The Left Banke. Only via the internet through a page citing groups relevant to The Zombies (Odessey and Oracle) which has always been one of my favourite albums was i directed to The Left Banke, got to say that i was so impressed by them. Amazingly talented magical band.

[@davidirwin1549]

Excellent review of the Left Banke and as one of the Baby Boom generation we would hear these great songs like Walk Away Renee and Pretty Ballerina on the radio but have no idea of how these songs came about. I'm a big fan of the use of the harpsichord on pop records which seems to have lasted from only about 1965 - 1972 (Left Banke and the Rolling Stones (Dandelion) in the earlier period and finally the Partridge Family and Jackson Five in the later period).

[@georgebrown-sq6rh]

Great job on putting this together . You did your homework on this . Musically if you were to define the 60’s then Walk Away Renee was one of the songs that you would listen to. I never knew much about this band but now I know everything about them . Once again thanks for the great video ❤

[@loakland2773]

Such a great job Matt. You do such phenomenal research. The Left Banke was one of my favs growing up in Chicago. Played them all of the time. Pretty Ballerina and Walk Away Renee 45’s were playing often as was their album. Thank you again for such a thorough and well presented job on some of our favorite 60’s bands.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Lance. This was a fun one to do.

[@donaldduncan7095]

Finally got to see the Renee the song is based on, it takes a muse like her to inspire one of the most beautiful and sad songs ever. Another great job !!

[@rmelin13231]

Thanks for this. (I think I was one of the "many" folks who requested it). I always considered Michael Brown and T. Finn as the thrust of the band, but when they hit with "Walk Away Renee" I was totally blown away. Bought the LP the same day, I'm sure. And you're right - their vocals were what really made the group. Really enjoyed this, great job.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Roger - great request. There are several bands with talent on this level that I plan to cover. Their catalogs are worth delving into, so stay tuned!

[@michaelrochester48]

I was so glad that you mentioned the Steve Tyler/Aerosmith connection to the Left Banke. I read about it in Steve Tyler’s autobiography so I was really hoping you would mention it, and you did!

[@roadsidefruitstand]

kinda wild that they had aerosmith and spinal tap links

[@martinsplichal1581]

Thanks a bunch for this one Matt I remember hearing Walk Away Renee when I was 14 and really liking it.The Rhino album hadn't come out yet and the only other track that I heard was Pretty Ballerina, which I also liked. I couldn't figure out why these guys weren't huge. Now I know. More importantly the music that has become available shows how good they were. I agree that they had a good rock sound and that gave them an edge that some of the folk rockers lacked. This was a group I was hoping you would get to. Cheers.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the comment, Martin. Had they been based in LA, they may have had more TV opportunity, but their sound is very "New York." The Association, who toured with them in the 60s, still cover Walk Away Renee to this day.

[@uscpittsburgh9927]

Loved your History of the Left Banke. I am glad that I found your channel. The 60s to mid-70s, in my opinion, is the absolute best rock.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, and welcome!

[@tjk1968slice]

Fantastic job man! I could listen to you for hours.

[@hraith]

Tons of good information here. You do a great service to rock history.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate that - thank you.

[@RichBriere]

Fabulous presentation. Many thanks.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Rich - much appreciated.

[@williamyale9130]

Great stuff. Bert Sommer had an interesting career both as a performer and songwriter. Nice to see him get a little love.

[@harvey1954]

He did some tunes for the Hot Parts album. Michael Brown wrote some of the tunes.

[@georgemixis2172]

Matt, you do such an excellent and well-rounded features.... I know that no one to my knowledge presents what you do, and to the depth you present them in. Also, your narrative is so interesting!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, George. I've spent a lifetime collecting music and information on these bands and I'm happy I figured out a way to share them.

[@georgemixis2172]

@@popgoesthe60s52 No one comes even close to how you do your videos. You are the Ken Burns of music! If I ever make it back to Indiana, I would love to get up to the great state of Wisconsin and ask you a few things. You are a true aficionado in the You tube music realm. Thanks!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@georgemixis2172 Ken Burns - what a nice compliment. Thank you.

[@daniellaforme9868]

Very nice job on The Left Bank. I enjoyed it very much 👍🏼

[@kingofallmediums2123]

Thanks Matt! You are 🐐 of 60s podcasts!

[@JDKingStratslinger]

Everything I ever wanted to know about The Left Banke-and didn't even know to ask! I've got the first album, LP and CD, and will be spinning it today! Great show, Matt! I love this channel! We have very similar musical taste!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey J.D. - thanks for watchin!

[@terryprill2510]

Matt, you have an amazing album collection by the Left Banke! You are so deep into this music that we're hearing the unrecognized talent of these guys!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Lots of these bands have very eclectic and deep catalogs so I hope to spread the word through this channel. Thanks, Terry!

[@Pre83cards]

Thanks so much for doing this! Their music stands the test of time. They captured a cultural moment in time.

[@ludovica8221]

Great video about one of my favourite bands

[@toneyisaiah3556]

Sir, you are absolutely doing a great job.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Toney!

[@michaelferreri1256]

Great work Matt. "Pretty Ballerina" is a hauntingly beautiful recording. The Michael McKean / Steven Tyler connections are fabulous pieces of Rock history. Thanks for uncovering that. I learn a lot from your shows and I appreciate that you give some of these lesser known bands their just due.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Michael - more to come!

[@strose2002]

Enjoyed the video. Have always liked the Left Banke. Walk Away Renee is one of the greatest songs ever done. Always puts a smile on my face. Pretty Ballerina is a wonderful song as well. Thanks for doing the video. Always a learning experience!

[@rickcowan4664]

Thanks for this superb documentation of a group fondly remembered from my youth!

[@markhaggard7463]

Fantastic job! I have collected most everything that you showed over the years, but I didn't know all the history and timeline. I'd love to hear you finish the Michael Brown story with a review of Stories and The Beckies. Thank you for doing this!

[@joedefilippo8908]

Bert Sommer went on to give a brilliant performance at Woodstock

[@boomtownrat5106]

Sorry I’m late to the party, I’ve discovered your channel recently and have been watching the videos you have produced. I love the genre of Baroque, “Bach-rock”, pop/rock. Another group of the genre is Los Angeles based The Merry-Go-Round and it’s singer Emitt Rhodes. Loved their single You’re Such A Lovely Woman. An episode about them would be much appreciated.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

You are not late to the party, welcome! I actually did a Merry Go Round video which you'll find perusing my older videos.

[@boomtownrat5106]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Will be on the look out. Thank you. BTW, I subscribed!

[@Borella309]

Thanks Matt for another superb presentation. Really appreciate your attention to detail! Great that you are taking the time and making the effort to discuss and spotlight these artists that probably are now moving into obscurity. "Walk Away Renee" is a great 1960s pop recording so glad you put them on your "hit" list of artists to profile! As always, thanks for your work and look forward to your next video - Terry, Australia.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Terry!

[@terryprill2510]

What a tragic story that had played out in so many bands of the mid-sixties. When the first song goes viral it is hard to follow up with a next hit. They did their best to hang in there, but they just got buried under their own sucess.

[@johncrowell3293]

I loved Walk Away Rene and Pretty Balarina the first time I heard them. I believe it was the summer of 66 they played a teen club in Tampa Florida called the Inn Crowed. I was in the boys room combing my bushy hair and some guy with long black hair to my right said the Left Bank sucks. There were maybe four guys in there. I piped up with, well at I really like them. He says thanks man, I'm in that band. We chatted a minute or two. He seemed very humble and just a nice guy. I tend to believe he was Finn possibly Brown. They did another set and we're right on.Their vocals live were supurbe. To me their sound was the Kinks meet the Monkeys. Music was so light and pretty back then. When I hear them till this day they pull on my heart strings. Your cometary was excellent. Hope to see you again.

[@TKASPEROWICZ]

Born in 1973, this song came well before me. Thank you, generations who played their instruments!

[@coyotecreekband236]

Thanks Matt. You always hit it out of the park with your insightful videos. I woke up with Desiree in my head today and went to have a listen and here I am. Their music is haunting, well written and recorded which makes it timeless. I got shivers, then tears listening to these great songs today. BIG thanks.

[@SheenaHolly]

Thank you for The Left Banke history. I found out today that ALL 5 of the original members are now gone. Feeling sad and nostalgic..., so good to have this video to watch now🌟❤

[@williambill5172]

Ah, thanks as always. From your very devoted, 65-yr-old ex-producer who is just sitting back and watching you get just better and better at these. And, you were sure right when I asked about them eagerly a few months back that it was in the line. I was still enjoying a later, and maybe the last itterence of baroque-rock as a big fan of The Jellyfish! Thanks again and 2022 is just a little brighter now.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Bill! I was glad to get this one crossed off my list. I had some nut rip me a new one because I apparently am not cranking these out fast enough! I appreciate the kind words.

[@williambill5172]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Masterpieces are not created en masse...always patient here - the opposite can...well...yes they can!

[@driverain2]

A favorite band of mine for my deep melancholy blues of my misspent youth. A real treat was your excellent and through journey thru their history. Thank you so much. Peace, Sam.....

[@johnmitchelljr]

Well done. Thank you.

[@michaeld.7520]

Excellent presentation. I'm 60 and in the sixties after my parents bought me a record player that was fortunately nearly indestructible, which was a good thing since I was only five, they bought me a few vinyl 45's. One was The Left Banke's 'Pretty Ballerina', flip side 'Lazy Day'. The impact was incalculable. I started playing drums 3 years later, guitar six years after that, have spent a number of years in Nashville doing musical stuff, blah-blah-blah. Ground zero of my influences for arrangement, and especially the connection of music to the soul, is this band. I only had a bits and pieces understanding of their history, but you admirably glued things together and paid wonderful homage to a band that has had an immeasurable influence on me for over half a century. Great job and I look forward to more of your offerings!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Welcome, Michael and thank you for the nice comment. I discovered the the Left Banke in college and was equally impressed. More to come!

[@417DrumBob]

I saw the reformed Left Banke at Joe's Pub in Manhattan. George and Tom signed my album jacket and ticket stub and were very nice to talk with. They are now framed.

[@cristinamartinez5079]

Fantastic job!!! Thank you so much because I didn’t know anything about this band and your huge information made me start with their music listening…♥️♥️♥️and love Walk away Renee in any version…😘😘😘

[@RP-zr9rw]

Hey Matt. Thanks so much I was one of many who requested. Left Banke story really is one of stops and starts. Their two biggest hits DWR, and Pretty Ballerina evoke melancholy like none other 50+ years later. seems they just couldn’t get together.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

They were difficult people and it's a shame they couldn't keep it together because they clearly had talent.

[@hifrommike2120]

This is the first of your KZbin channel videos I've seen/heard, & your format is excellent. I look forward to exploring more of what you've got. I would add to this account the 1976 group-titled album The Beckies on Sire. It was cowritten & coproduced by Michael Brown, & has some stunners, including On the Morning That She Came, & did get a CD release by Real Gone Music in 2015. The 2011 Sundazed CD release of Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina is also thrilling, & still available.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Welcome, Mike! I hope you find other videos that you enjoy on this channel. I'm just getting started and I have a very long list of bands to do, so stay tuned!

[@carldybowski4338]

Thank you. This is my favorite music right now. I just got into this band the last year. Constantly listening to the first two albums. So inspiring!

[@OakvilleLad]

Trippy stuff for me as I'd never knew ANYTHING about this group / band, though have always enjoyed a few of their tunes. Thank you, Matt. You're continuing on with an awesome KZbin channel for those of us that wish to learn more and perhaps those who will be in the future. I really want to have more of the Left Banke's music in my ears... beyond my all time faves of 'Walk Away Rene' and others from the early years. I'll be checking more out now. Holy! Michael McKean? An amazing talent whom I'd first seen live opening for a filming of a L&S episode at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, 1978. All those years ago.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Cool that you saw McKean open for the show. I do have the Lenny and the Squigtones album!

[@benmitchner2172]

I first heard Stories in 1989 at the age of 13- my life changed forever and then a year later on the car radio "Walk Away Renee" came on. Flabbergasted. All of their output bar Montage overall (excellent analysis) inspired my whole musical journey. Feher is gone too. There was The Beckies- another failed brilliant group. It's like luck wasn't on their side, but their music? Immortal haunting genius.❤‍🩹🎸🎹

[@kenreeve32]

I never knew how great these guys are. Thanks for bringing them to our attention, Matt. Great video as always!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure, Ken.

[@tonygatos1]

This video was enormously informative!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Tony. More to come.

[@DodgeDartSongs]

This is very well done! I’ve never looked further than their first album but it sounds like there is much more good stuff to hear.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Steve - I appreciate the comments.

[@DodgeDartSongs]

@@popgoesthe60s52 I appreciate the great content!

[@nomehdrider]

Great job Matt. You mentioned a mid-west DJ who gave new life to one of their recordings. I miss the days when I listened to certain stations (AM) with DJs who seem to bring more to the music. Do we really have that today?

[@popgoesthe60s52]

The DJ is dead. Now we just have great Spotify playlists!

[@scottcaldwell7480]

No James we don’t, and we are the poorer for it.

[@BakedRBeans]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Tom Petty sang, "There goes the last DJ, who played what he wanted to play"

[@carolsummers7414]

Well done!!

[@perdothegit]

That was great! Thanks so much for this band overview!!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure!

[@417DrumBob]

Matt, thank you for replying. I didn't realize it at the time, but I'm one of the few people who got to see The Left Banke live. I knew you'd like to hear about it. I am enjoying your videos very much. I grew up in the 60's, played in a garage band that cut a 45 in 1967, and wrote a book about 60's rock drummers. We should talk more.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Where did you see them live? I've always been curious about their live shows.