THE LEFT BANKE Walk away Renee Reaction - Can't believe how young they were! First time hearing

[@custisstandish1961]

Michael Brown who wrote the song, his father played violin on Walk Away Renee.

[@DiamondT]

The Left Banke was the pioneer of Baroque rock, a movement between 1965-69. A blend of Lydian dominant and Mixolydian modes. it is meant to embrace a mournful, sad, yet upbeat tempo. Pretty Ballerina was their other top hit. The Hollies had a baroque rock hit with "Bus Stop", which is a very sad sounding song, yet it is a love song.

[@philippineau3046]

That chorus is one of the greatest in music history...

[@RicardoRoams]

This song always takes me back to my high school days. When I was in the 10 grade I had a crush on a girl in my biology class. I'd also see her everyday in the cafeteria. We had a juke box in the cafeteria and it seemed that every time this song was playing, I'd see her. But I was too shy to approach. Toward the end of my sophomore year I learned that my family was moving out of state and I would not be coming back to that school the next year. On the last day this girl walked by me in the cafeteria and, as usual, I did nothing. I watched her walk out the door knowing I'd never see her again. Every time I hear this song, I think of her and wonder how her life turned out.

[@giuliogrifi7739]

I mirror me in your words.....a sad reminder !

[@ericallen774]

we all have those vignettes, razor sharp cuts from our memory, and yet poignantly sweet. Those lost girls and the lost possibilities. Your recollection is perfect for this track

[@jojowhite9296]

Perfect reply .... we've all been there when we see THAT girl and we just can't approach them.

[@musickalxf]

Me too guys, And her name was Renee. Too chicken and inexperienced to approach her.

[@skatslater1]

Yes she was Renee and I let her walk away. Still think of her today

[@Sneaky-Sneaky]

Another big hit of the Left Banke is. Pretty Ballerina !

[@rsitch1]

Being 74 yrs old now has its memoirs that will always live on, and on.. Thank you for sharing, Bob

[@John_Chu]

The Left Banke. A group of teenage boys from New York City produced this beautiful, sadly romantic baroque rock classic. Michael Brown, the piano prodigy in the band (his father ran a recording studio on Manhattan's Lower East Side) would later co-found Stories, who had a hit cover of Errol Brown's "Brother Louie." Renee was a real young lady who was the sometime gf of the band's bass player Tom Finn. Brown was too shy to ever approach her, so he wrote this song instead. Thanks, Harri!

[@Cynthia...]

I absolutely love this song and for some reason, I thought Harri had already reacted to it.

[@lotsoffun4716]

I know the song. It's ok, but I never heard of the name of the band.

[@cojaysea]

I really love that song . You should listen to A younger girl by the critters in the same vein.

[@NoSnoozeBlues1]

The Left Banke was so much better than Stories... Michael Brown (Michael Lookofsky) had the potential to be a superstar but he led a troubled life.

[@TristanandIsolt]

@@NoSnoozeBlues1 He was crazy talented.

[@theloreleis6621]

It's a very haunting song, I'm glad hat you like it.

[@charlycazaletmusic5791]

Good choice I played with these guys over the years. George Harrison fav American band in 1967.

[@flamencoprof]

Fun Fact (To me, anyway!) Lead singe Carmelo Esteban "Steve" Martin Caro was the son of flamenco guitarist and vocalist Sarita Heredia, Female Flamenco guitarists were a very rare breed, she was the only one in the world during the 1950s and 1960s.

[@charlesbrown6217]

A BEAUTIFUL song. I never get tired of hearing it. It takes me to a special place though no specific memory. I just simply LOVE IT!!

[@josephmilitello647]

Their song Pretty Ballerina was inspired by the same girl named Renee, which one of the bandmembers had a crush on. She was a ballet dancer.

[@753131hs]

One of my favorite songs from the 60s.

[@jimbrentar]

one of the greatest one-hit wonders

[@steve55sogood16]

2 actually!

[@grindhouseglitch]

These guys were basically a one hit wonder band but they made some really great albums and deserve to be better known. Pretty Ballerina is another one by them that you should hit.

[@caryriggs5719]

Oh yes. Pretty Ballerina is fantastic. Actually covered by Alice Cooper if all people.

[@NoSnoozeBlues1]

She May Call You Up Tonight is just as good as Pretty Ballerina. Check it out.

[@TheDivayenta]

Back then many rockers had studied music and an instrument at some point in school. Many had exposure to classical music as well. Bring back music training in America’s schools! It creates so many opportunities!

[@ThymeBottle]

If "No Child Left Behind" AKA 'teaching to the (achievement) test' is eliminated, music training and other arts will return to U.S. schools.

[@snowleopard6662]

Such a Great Oldie Harri, one of My Faves 😍

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Love this song! Had it on a '45.

[@GLING17]

Have always loved this beautiful and haunting song. Thank you for sharing your opinions on it. it's a timeless classic.

[@moose354]

We can thank bass player Tom Finn's girlfriend, Renee Fladen for inspiring Keyboardist Michal Brown to write both Walk Away Renee and Pretty Balerina. Renee danced ballet in high school. He had an interest in Renee that was to never be. The Baroque strings and harpsichord define a unique genre - Baroque and Roll.. The flute solo was inspired by the Mamas and Papas California Dreamin'. This is a sad song of a love that was never going to be and the string arrangement produces a constant "crying" effect that complements the lyrics perfectly.

[@TheJudgeraye]

Well said. As i understand it, Renee Fladen wasn't aware of the attraction or the song until she heard it on the radio, and subsequently (by the way MB was 16 so of Course he fell in love with a friends girlfriend who didnt even know who he was, really) told her friends at college that the song was about her, but no one believed it

[@matskarlsson3219]

Thanks Harri, for this amazing song by Left Banke. One of my favorite songs from the 1960s. In 2005 Rolling Stone magazine placed "Walk away Renee" at No. 220 in the 500 greatest songs of all time.

[@garyneilson3075]

Loved it so much as a teen, it seemed to encapsulate all time, to date..... Stepping back into teen love, 60's &, every Era.... Beauty!

[@garyneilson3075]

Young Men are so stupid... How do you know if that young woman you are thinking about would spurn you?! What have you got to loose if she laughs at you, mocks you? A little dignity? @ least you learn something, two things, either she is or she isn't worthy of your regard and you can stop wondering and you learn for now and forever on, that you are a man and you have the courage needed for life! I once knew a girl, so beautiful she was a miss Montana contestent fo miss America.... And she told me how fed up she was with men, I asked why, she said the nice ones were too shy to approach her, (she knew she was dauntingly beautiful and it hurt her) & that only the jerks who wanted to parade her on their arm to make themselves the cool guy, ever asked her out and she was sick of them. One guy went to introduce her, showing off, but couldn't even remember her name. She was fed up. Would she have gone out with a geek? I don't know, but the point is neither do you til you ask, nicely, and find out.....

[@sierrasix2003]

#220? This had to be rated in a least the top 100.

[@williamjackson6705]

This song came out when I was 8 years old. I was instantly mesmerized by the string arrangements & the haunting flute solo. The Four Tops did a nice version of this, but nothing beats the original.

[@peterzimmer9549]

Great song. You don’t hear it a lot, so when it is played it sticks out as special.

[@renep2220]

Since my name is Rene' my ex husband, would say "just walk away Rene" when we fought. One day I did, for good! 😆😅🤣 Still love my song, though! Thank you! Btw: I was born in the 1950s, The hospital left the 2nd "e" off my name, when my mom got the birth certificate, she said "oh well, too much trouble to change it now." When this song was popular, I wanted my missing "e" so I could be that Renée. 😉

[@bkm2797]

I remember this song, but I never knew who the band was. So thank you for the memories Harri and John Chu

[@johncheney950]

Great song from the 60s. Used to listen to it all the time back then.

[@billwalker7556]

Back when music was real played and sung by talented artists

[@brandonious7732]

@johnchu. This is my absolute favorite flute solo. Of all of music.

[@davidrauh8118]

The label put on their music was Baroque Rock. The keyboard player was classically trained. Their other huge hit was Pretty Ballerina. Check it out.

[@Jody525252]

Of all the songs I grew up with in the 60's and 70's this is my very favorite, I love it. It gives me chills,beautiful!!!

[@jimallison6125]

One of my great memories of Middle School back in the 60's.Still holds up today.

[@asteverino8569]

Thanks for the background on the band. Part of my life back then.

[@eileenmaryomalley740]

One of my favorite songs from the 1960's 1966 ! The Left Banke were genius writers and musicians ❤❤

[@katfinn9352]

Hi Harri, well another old tune I'd forgotten about but I loved it when it came out. I'm sure I spent my 75 cent allowance (my entire income!) on the 45 rpm record.

[@paulsolon6229]

Beautiful song

[@destination22ful]

Great reaction, great song. The Four Tops (especially Levi Stubbs) also did a terrific cover.

[@cog4life]

Yay, it’s my song. Lol!! 😊That’s Walk Away, Re-NAY. 😊

[@Fool3SufferingFools]

Always loved the close harmonies on this record.

[@reallynow1445]

One of my favorite oldies ❤

[@Snarkybanter]

Renee was my aunt’s name. Her, her husband, their daughters Amy and Lori, and their unborn child all perished in a small plane crash. My father was tasked with identifying the bodies and it haunted him his entire life. He would tear up every time this song played, and so would I. He’s gone now, too. Thank you for randomly popping up in my feed!

[@oldermusiclover]

aaw how sad God BLess your aunt

[@GrannyDi276]

Loved this song when it came out jyst after I graduated high school. Bittersweet memories.....❤❤❤

[@rosem2896]

One of my favorite oldies on my playlist❤❤❤❤❤

[@lorijones9579]

Linda Ronstadt and Ann Savoy did a beautiful cover of this song on their album Adieu False Heart.

[@stevetillcock7361]

Back to back GOLD.

[@khollmen56]

I've always loved this song. Great 60s memories

[@IvorPresents]

Favorite of mine, covered by others through the years, Beautiful number great violin makes the song

[@georgecoventry8441]

A beautiful song with an unforgettable melody. The music throughout is beautiful.

[@leeannies-tears369]

I LOVE this song so so much ❣️ THANKS! I WAS YOUNG AND IT WAS ONE OF MY FAVS AND STILL IS.

[@ChuckHackney]

Another auditory gem from the two decades that delivered tons if them, 60's and the 70's.

[@SusanHumeston]

I remember when this song was popular - I was born in 1956, so I was a young preteen or teen when I first heard this - always loved it!!!

[@MackBesser]

at Green Lake Wisc church camp we all sang this song in '67--- and we knew where the young guys were comin' from!!!!

[@davidhapka5410]

Always loved this song...the Four Tops also did a killer cover version in 1968.

[@GordonEngels]

Yup, for years I assumed the Four Tops did the original.

[@mikefixx7177]

I heard this song for over 50 yrs and its always beautiful, why can't teens today make a song like this !

[@thebiscuitscraps]

Thanks, Harry. Brought back memories of many years gone by. 💓

[@trumpeterDave]

Walk away Renee was arranged in a baroque Style. A lot of artists in the sixties used the Baroque style in some of their songs. Two notable examples were the Beatles using that style in their song she's leaving home. Also Paul Mauriat employed that style in his hit version of Love is Blue. Because of the richness of music education in schools back in those days, a lot of musicians, even ones playing rock and other popular music forms were classically-trained and from time to time would incorporate elements of the classics into their music. Eric Carmen was another example in the 70s. He employed elements of Rachmaninoff pieces into all by myself and never gonna fall in love again

[@RobertERensch]

Don’t forget “She’s a Rainbow”… ✌️

[@jimmythetout109]

❤Thanks for the play....Hadn't heard this for decades .....always a great listen ....After this I have to add it to my playlist !!!

[@fredrodnick2881]

A very beautiful bittersweet song i remember when I was a kid when it was new. It brought a tear to my eyes .

[@arthurslaughter4122]

A song from my high school days. I JUST posted this to my Facebook timeline.

[@stevewiley8409]

"your name and mine, inside a heart upon a wall... Still finds a way to haunt me, though they're so small"... Heartbreaking

[@katkat-fm3wj]

I'm impressed. These teenagers are awesome. I always loved this song.

[@paulagardner3218]

The singer, Steve Martin Caro, was 18 when they recorded this song.

[@lauraallen55]

And the composer was 16 when he wrote it!

[@Dee-JayW]

One of my all time faves @Harri ❤ and John Chu !! you can feel so much emotion in every note! Brilliant! 🇨🇦 and a true story written by a heartbroken Brown.

[@leannmiller7153]

Such a great song! I still have the 45rpm I bought when this came out. I was 12 or 13❤️

[@MrGettysburg44]

I am from the UK. They didn't have any hits over here (the Four Tops had a hit with this song), but I got hold of this album and it is an absolute gem! Many great tracks with a "classical music" feel.

[@ThymeBottle]

It is, indeed, a gem of an album. If you like that 'Baroque' sound, or something that either precedes or coincides with the progressively classical and Romantic rock styles of The Moody Blues, Procol Harum, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Yes, here are some songs in a strangely similiar vein from other U.S. bands that might interest you: Rain Song, Unlock My Door--Fever Tree; Mechanical World, Taurus--Spirit; On The Way Home--Buffalo Springfield; Splash 1--The 13th Floor Elevators; My Mirage--Iron Butterfly. Surprisingly, both Fever Tree and The 13th Floor Elevators are from Texas, my home state! 🤠

[@edgarsnake2857]

Wonderful song by two-hit wonders. Great analysis Harri.

[@VideoAssociates]

Wow had no idea it wasn't a Four Tops song! Its very mature song writing for teenagers

[@michaelphillips7049]

Its one of my favorites, also fyi the 4 tops covered it too 😁

[@pnojazz]

I always loved that tune since what 1964?

[@rogerrude313]

I was introduced to this song by an old friend of mines Dad Ron. I mentioned that I was really into the rock, pop and folk music of the 60s so he suggested that I check it out and im glad he did. I got so much flack about my musical taste over the years because people couldn't understand how I could be interested in music that was several decades before my time.

[@steve55sogood16]

Who cares, if you like it, you like it! ✌

[@johndrx165]

Great song.

[@johnlittle3430]

Whenever the question of the greatest pop song of all time comes up, I only have one answer. And here it is.

[@TwoFourFixate]

So true you are, *johnlittle* . . . It is a masterpiece-in so many important ways.

[@debbiechang5781]

Once again, John Chu educates us and Harri provides great commentary. It doesn’t get any better🌺✌️

[@denisetinto1828]

Wow. I haven't heard this is ages. I love this. Good memories even though it is a sad song. 🇨🇦👍💖

[@johnthegreek5836]

Damn I completely forgot about this song, love it, thanks

[@gregorydahl5489]

Thank you for reacting to one of my favorites. Their is 2 videos that shows them performing this song, too, which are great.

[@larryhudgins3647]

Tom Scholtz of the band Boston was inspired by this song to write "More Than a Feeling" with the lyrics "till I see Marianne walk away".

[@ralphascariot105]

I love your comments - reactions please keep up good work to all music.😉😉😉

[@RobertERensch]

Great stuff! You should play “Pretty Ballerina”

[@pamalaalford1081]

I was a freshman in high school when this came out. I loved it then and now. Something so haunting about the music - so beautiful. Thank you. God bless you

[@Silverstreak1985]

Please play and review "Pretty Ballerina." It is my favorite. There are a few lines in this song that always catch me "I called her up today, it should have been tomorrow. Just close your eyes and she'll be there."

[@tele789]

Don't forget "Pretty Ballerina"

[@z512345]

Harri, they call it Baroque rock, after the Composers in the Renaissance/Baroque transitional era 1600- 1760. Walk Away Renée" is a song written by Michael Brown, Bob Calilli, and Tony Sansone for the band the Left Banke, released as a single in July 1966. Steve Martin Caro is featured on lead vocals. It spent 13 weeks on the US charts, with a top spot of No. 5. The song has been widely considered a quintessence of the baroque pop genre.This song features a flute solo played during the instrumental bridge of the middle portion of the song. It was inspired by the Mamas & the Papas song "California Dreamin'" which had been recorded in November 1965, but was not an immediate hit until early 1966. The arrangement for "Walk Away Renée " also includes a lush string orchestration, a jangling harpsichord part, and a descending chromatic bass melody. The session was produced by brothers Bill and Steve Jerome, along with Brown's father, jazz and classical violinist Harry Lookofsky, who also led the string players. The session took place in March 1966.

[@hadrenspicer9035]

From 1966 the greatest year for music and from the greatest decade for music the 60,

[@gpxo11]

Another baroque pop band was Harper's Bizarre (59th street bridge song)

[@bumperu]

In the era of the "garage band" rave anytime these groups did a studio produced ballad it blew me away.

[@KajunMoo70]

This is the only song with my name in it!

[@danielkelleher2419]

Not a bad one! Memorable song!

[@MsAppassionata]

Hello Renee! 😊

[@garyarnett1220]

OK.. so now IOU and John, this is one of the most beautiful and memorable songs of the 60s. Rickie Lee Jones did a slower blusier cover in the 80s that's also wonderful.

[@floyd2222]

^ thanks for posting this - YES YES YES - Rickie Lee's cover is amazing. ;-)

[@garyarnett1220]

@@floyd2222 It's so soulful...and from an obscure EP at that...love the whole EP

[@floyd2222]

@@garyarnett1220 Rickie Lee Jones is extremely underrated, in my book. She has so much talent, she has produced so much what I call "cinematic music" (guess i made that up?). Aside from Ghosty Head which I never really got, but respect her artistic choices.... I love all of her music. All of it. She is a gem, IMO.

[@dhamma58]

@@floyd2222 Indeed she is deserving of a greater audience ... she was early on living in Santa Monica, CA and the station KCRW in Santa Monica which was dj moderated played her quite a lot...which is why I even knew of her.

[@caryriggs5719]

Absolutley loved Ricki Lee version.

[@musickalxf]

This was a favorite of mine back in the day. Nice use of classically inspired orchestration. You've done it again Harri. Thanks

[@Hernal03]

*_The Left Banke_* was one of the first groups to ever incorporate classical instrumentation and Baroque musical styles into their pop/rock catalogue --- in that respect, they more resemble the English groups around at the time that were doing similar things such as *_The Kinks, The Zombies, The Hollies_* and of course *_The Beatles._* They have many worthy songs that unfortunately go unheard because they were either not released as singles or simply lost to time and obscurity. In addition to *_Don't Walk Away Renee_* and *_Pretty Ballerina_* which are their most known tunes, try listening to such songs as *_I Haven't Got the Nerve, She May Call you up Tonight, I've Got Something on my Mind, Barterer's and Their Wives, Sing Little Bird Sing_* and *_Dark is the Bark._* Many of these tunes display a baroque pop sensibility and are quite good and worth listening to.

[@marybaillie8907]

Such a beautiful song from the past. The lyrics, melody and orchestral accompaniment all so lovely produced. This was so popular heard on many genres of radio. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and John. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@garyjennings4505]

Yes, I had a crush on a girl when this song came out. Brings back memories.

[@tgforty5]

One of my favorite bands from the 6o's. They were amazing. Sadly, they're all gone now, except for guitarist Rick Brand, who wasn't with them for a very long time.

[@kathydoe9287]

Reminds me of my late husband..love it... ❤❤❤ 🎉

[@blockmasterscott]

I always loved this song, good piece of music.

[@marlasotherchannel9847]

Released July 1966

[@jcowan2341]

A band with a similar sound was The Merry-Go-Round who had a couple of minor hits "You're a Very Lovely Woman" and "Live" (later covered by The Bangles).

[@allencarlson6128]

One of my favorite classic songs!

[@double00spy]

This was always one of my favorite songs. Brilliant Baroque style, which I love.

[@diane-]

A song that brings back some good times for me. Thanks John.

[@Kate-hu5uz]

This wonderful, iconic song is from 1966 and is the original. The Four Tops later covered it, and for some reason their version became more popular, perhaps because they were a Motown group and heavily promoted.

[@stephenulmer3781]

Love this song Harri! Their other song "Pretty Ballerina" is nice too ☺