Walk Away Renee - The Left Banke | Andy and Alex FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@DianaJG8]

As a teenager I LOVED this song! As a senior I still do!

[@Wordsmyth8]

Ditto.

[@davidzimmerli489]

Same here. I was a teenager when this song was first on the radio I loved it then, and I love it just as much today, as a senior. Where did the time go?!

[@LarryNeie-lj7zc]

The Left Bank didn't last long and that's too bad. Loved their sound. Haunting lyrics and music.

[@timmy707707]

I was only 8 and I fell in love with it immediatly.

[@DianaJG8]

@@davidzimmerli489 - IKR! - Diana 😊

[@karehelene]

And when I see the sign that Points one way The lot we used to pass by Every day Just walk away, Renée You won't see me follow you back home The empty sidewalks on my block Are not the same You're not to blame From deep inside the tears that I'm forced to cry From deep inside the pain I I chose to hide Just walk away, Renée You won't see me follow you back home Now, as the rain beats down Upon my weary eyes For me, it cries Just walk away, Renée You won't see me follow you back home Now, as the rain beats down Upon my weary eyes For me, it cries Your name and mine Inside a heart upon a wall Still finds a way to haunt me Though they're so small Just walk away, Renée You won't see me follow you back home The empty sidewalks on my block Are not the same You're not to blame

[@DianaJG8]

Thank you SO MUCH for doing this!! ❤ -Diana

[@davidhale4647]

Michael Brown was only 16 when he wrote this song in 1966

[@robmcgrath5202]

Thank you for posting that. I was just going to comment that, although I've heard this song for decades, I never knew the words. After listening to it now, I still didn't.

[@lindarichards3195]

I'm not at all surprised this song was written by a 16 year old in the 60s. There were no creepy, insensitive incels back then. 😂

[@Redtop-qh8zo]

Thanks!!!

[@gailjohnson5950]

If you liked this, check out "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" by Gerry and the Pacemakers, a group from Liverpool who were part of the British Invasion of the 60's. Another of theirs is "Ferry Cross the Mersey" referring to the Mersey River, where Liverpool is.

[@auldfouter8661]

The River Mersey is how we'd put it in the UK , the Americans do different.

[@AeroRanger100]

They were also managed by Brian Epstein who also managed the Beatles.

[@sarablack2547]

you can't miss out prob their biggest song you'll never walk alone theme tune of liverpool football club.everyone can sing that in liverpool.the river mersey!

[@reneeruhmann1055]

My mom named me Renee because she loved this song so much. Thanks for the reaction, guys!

[@oaf-77]

Did you walk away alot?

[@maryreilly5092]

A lovely name!

[@UncleQue]

The Four Tops did an excellent version of the song.

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Yes! I just digitized and restored my 45 of it

[@gregsager2062]

Yep. The Four Tops covered it in 1967 and had a #14 hit with it. They were the perfect group to cover "Walk Away Renee", because it's an almost-unbearably melancholy song about unrequited love, and who better to sing a sad song about a love that isn't returned than the great Levi Stubbs? Nothing could ever dethrone the original, but the Four Tops version isn't bad at all. There are also multiple live versions available of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes performing the song, since it was a regular part of their set list in the '70s and '80s.

[@eddisstreet]

It was No. 3 in UK

[@jpmnewyork]

I could never get into the Four Tops version, because 13-year-old me thought this was such a perfect recording and regarded a cover as blasphemy!

[@ericredlefsen5554]

Their version smokes the original, a much better lead vocal.

[@alexvillarreal6039]

Pretty Ballerina by The Left Banke is one of the most hypnotic songs I’ve ever heard. Hope it’s covered one day.

[@i_kill_for_zardoz]

Yea I prefer it to this song. It has such a strange vibe to it.

[@FBodStudios]

I didn’t hear Pretty Ballerina until I was in my 50s and I was so pissed off I’d spent that long on the planet without it.

[@donnakubiski5572]

Thank you. I forgot all about "Pretty Ballerina". I always loved that song. And I also prefer it to this song. Edit: I just got home from work and listened to the song and it was better than I remembered. It definitely should be given a reaction at some point.

[@todvball]

....great song! Our local group ' The Fries ' cover it.

[@elijahFree2000]

It's a great song. Haunting.

[@christopherpohl8743]

The important point for you guys: We heard this along with Jimi Hendrix, Beatles, Zeppelin, Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Joplin, Doors……. Exposed to every genre.

[@timmy707707]

All one after the other on a.m. radio. It was wide open.

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

When you're looking 70 in the eyes you'll appreciate this song even more. Thanks for playing this guys.

[@douglasbrooks5603]

Right there with you! Great to hear this one again.

[@lyna4873]

I'd give this an A for it's poignancy and a melody that keeps haunting you the more you listen to it.

[@Wordsmyth8]

Yes!

[@NakAlienEd]

It's such a sad song about finally saying goodbye to a relationship, even though you don't want it to be gone. You know it can't be, because the other doesn't feel the same way. It's such a hard feeling to cope with, and I'm sure everyone can remember the first time it happened to them. I certainly can.

[@gregsager2062]

It's made even sadder when you know the backstory to the song, which is that it was written by 16-year-old Michael Brown about a relationship that only existed in his head -- in real life Renee Fladen was the girlfriend of Brown's bandmate Tom Finn. Brown was so worked up over her that he couldn't even play the keyboards during the recording session while she was sitting in the control room, because his hands shook in her presence. He had to wait until Fladen left the studio before he could record it. That backstory antes up the sentimental but intense melancholy of the song, because a lot of people remember what unrequited love felt like in adolescence. The Portuguese have a word for this feeling of intense longing for something or someone absent and gone forever -- *saudade* -- and I wish that it would catch on in English, because I can't imagine that any song in the world better expresses *saudade* than "Walk Away Renee".

[@lisakaz35]

No wonder why it hits me so hard.

[@trishalou592]

Love, love, love this song. Hauntingly beautiful melody and words.

[@jtf2dan]

Remember this was recorded in March 1966, not sure how much earlier he had written it....for teens back then this is an A plus product putting time and age into context and consideration.....

[@EXPRESSO719]

God, it's been 40 years since I've last heard this... brought a tear to my eyes. Thank you for the respect for so many past musical genres. 🙏

[@DG-uh8uv]

I was a little kid when this song came out. At night AM radio stations would play certain songs about the same time every evening. This one always came on after I went to bed so I had my little AM transistor radio in bed with me. Around the time they would play it I’d turn the radio on so I could listen to it. This was one of my favorite songs back then. I’m in my late 60s and it’s still one of my favorite songs.

[@christinewaide5249]

I love this song so much and listen to it often. I’m surprised..and happy that you’re listening to it. 💕

[@dogstar7]

I was about 14 when this came out and it hit me right between the eyes. This was the story of my longing for the girls who were just starting to date my friends one step ahead of me. This is about the time in your life when your buddies start to pair off into couples and you are just a minute late for that party. Yes, it's even better and more poinient 50 years down the road.

[@gregsager2062]

I don't think that any song has ever captured adolescent unrequited love quite as well as "Walk Away Renee" does.

[@batmanforpresident9655]

The Left Banke was a two hit wonder group; this song along with "Pretty Ballerina". Both songs were written about the same person, Renee Fladen, the girlfriend of the band's bass player, Tom Finn.

[@TheDandob1982]

Desiree?

[@StefanPina]

"She May Call You Up Tonight" is a good one too

[@nettiemac]

@@StefanPina I never knew that was the Left Banke too!! I love that song! Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs did a really good cover of it too a few years back.

[@StefanPina]

through the cover by Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs, I first discovered Left banke @@nettiemac

[@SteveJones-id3cb]

The whole album is fantastic. Two hits got the radio play but more than a two hit wonder group.

[@antarcticorb9197]

This song releases a flood of memories. It's understandable that you're stumped with the rating. It's one of those "you have to have been there " songs.

[@burtreynolds2969]

Always loved this song. The chorus is great. A young Steven Talarico, later to rename himself Steven Tyler, yes that guy, sang backing vocals on a few songs from the Left Bankes second album. Pre Aerosmith.

[@scottmarleneking6298]

Wow, that is deep trivia-- love it!

[@leonardshevlin7260]

Marshall Crenshaw spoke for me when he described it as "one of the most powerful songs I've ever heard, in terms of provoking an emotional reaction." The lyrics may be describing the anguish of unrequited love for a woman you must see due to her relationship with your friend/bandmate. He pleads with her to depart because it's agonizing to have her near when he can't say or do anything he's yearning to.

[@leonardshevlin7260]

Just being on the street that leads to her place makes his heart ache. Check out "On the Street Where You Live" from "My Fair Lady".

[@timothygermann780]

There is another song by the Left Banke called "Pretty Ballerina." It Also written about the same girl. You should check it out too.

[@johntaylor-jp3jy]

Fun fact: The cover art for Rush’s Permanent Waves by the art collective Hipgnosis is titled Walk Away Renee in honor of this song, and if you think about the context it makes perfect sense. A beautiful girl crossing the street, utterly carefree with the wind blowing up her skirt, while behind her is utter chaos and destruction as torrents of water flood the roadway and a lone figure on the far side is waving to her, and all the while she is oblivious to his presence

[@kenhoyer8601]

I'm 72 and never get tired of hearing it.

[@ednieto05]

This song inspired Boston’s Tom Scholz to write “More Than a Feeling.” True story.

[@PhillyGirl64]

Didn't know that, thanks 😊

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

No WAY!!!! crazy...

[@marthalowe1556]

Very cool story! Love both songs so much...

[@bradparnell614]

Steve Martin Caro, the lead singer, had one of the best voices in pop music. My late wife was a huge fan of the group and if not for her I would have only heard "Walk Away Renee", "Pretty Ballerina" and maybe a couple of others, but they have so much more to offer. I would suggest checking out "Goodbye Holly", "She May Call You Up Tonight", "Desiree", "Sing Little Bird Sing", "And Suddenly", "Strangers on a Train", and "Queen of Paradise" to listen to as well. The "Sing Little Bird Sing" instrumental version is great if you're looking for a nice soothing acoustic piece. They were a much underrated group and many of the people who knock them haven't really heard them. It's like people I know who hate the Beatles but can only name "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You". They deserve a deeper look.

[@pauldover1403]

"She may call you up tonight" is the third song that Michael Brown wrote about Renee, the second is "Pretty ballerina" because she was.

[@leonardshevlin7260]

I have a compilation CD and every song is good or great.

[@steveturner3999]

I’ve loved this song since I was a kid and always considered it a sad tune. The noble way he says for her to walk away and acknowledges that it’s not her fault. The "empty sidewalks" line shows his regret that the relationship didn’t work out. It’s on the list of greats from youth for sure.

[@1jamyc]

WOW! I've always loved this song, but never really deciphered the lyrics he was singing. I knew the general gist, and that was always enough. Just checked out the lyrics now - -you are right - -that "empty sidewalks ...you're not to blame" line. JustWOW!

[@grimson]

Absolutely agree that it's sad anbd lovely. There was no relationship tho. He was deeply in love with his band mate's girlfriend.

[@SavoyBRG]

Michael Brown has stated that the song is one of a number he wrote about Renée Fladen (later Fladen-Kamm), the then-girlfriend of the Left Banke's bassist Tom Finn and object of Brown's affection. Walk Away Renée" was one of a series of love songs the infatuated Brown wrote for his muse. Other works about her include the band's second hit "Pretty Ballerina" and "She May Call You Up Tonight". After decades of obscurity, she was identified in 2001 as a noted singer, vocal teacher, and artist on the West Coast.

[@davidhale4647]

He was only 16 when he wrote this song in 1966 Michael passed away at 65

[@larrylee9657]

Susanna Hoffs and Matthew Sweet do a really good cover of She May Call You Up Tonight

[@UFOS4]

Love this song, along with Pretty Ballerina. Even after 56 years it remains a favorite. You guys showed respect.

[@cspringer333]

In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed “Walk Away Renée” at #220 in its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

[@sassymess7111]

I only this song and PRETTY BALLERINA.

[@RussellAdise]

A&A- Look Away Renee is about a real place, about a real girl, and about a writer who loved her but couldn't tell her. The place was Brooklyn, in a small neighborhood by the ocean called Manhattan Beach, at a spot at the corner of Falmouth and Hampton Streets - the place where I grew up in the '60s and at the corner I also walked by every day. The 16-year-old writer, Michael Brown (original name Lookofsky), was in love with an extraordinarily beautiful, blonde woman - Renee Fladen - who was at band rehearsals as girlfriend of Tom Finn, the band's bassist. She later had a well-known and successful career as a singer and voice coach - particularly medieval music. Sense of place - one-way sign on a small tree-lined Brooklyn block, with a heart inscribed on the tree at the corner. Michael Brown's father, Harry Lookofsky, had a studio in Manhattan and classical musicians lined up to play on Walk Away Renee - that's why the baroque sound. The band's other hit, "Pretty Ballerina", was written about Renee Fladen as well and is equally beautiful. Walk Away Renee was one of the top songs played on NYC's famous WABC and WMCA AM dial stations of the '60s and '70s, with influential and nationally known DJs like Cousin Bruce Morrow, until both stations were forced by the changing times to change format. To sum up - a beautiful song, coming from a beautiful place that still exists, but at a time long gone.

[@cathymoore8587]

The next 60's song should be Red Rubber Ball by the Cyrkle.

[@gregsager2062]

Co-written by Paul Simon. The Cyrkle is probably best known for being the opening band for the Beatles when the Fab Four played the final concert date of their career, August 29, 1966 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

[@richarddefortuna2252]

That was a harpsichord. The strings were plucked when the keys were pressed. It became popular in the mid-sixties, used by the Stones and especially The Kinks and The Monkees.

[@fan123casual8]

Just FYI: Jackson Browne wrote “These Days” when he was 16. The lyrics sound like they were written by a world-weary, wise old man. When asked recently about how he was able to do that, he said “maybe we just underestimate the depth of emotions that 16-year-olds experience.” Greg Allman recorded it and had a hit with it in 1973.

[@tofargone16]

Rolling Stone placed "Walk Away Renée" at number 220 in its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time

[@billyboy4774]

Every time I hear this song, it reminds me of my next door neighbors daughter, Renee, who I was in love with but she was way out of my league. Love this song. It gives me tingles all over. The words are so meaningful to me. Billy Boy

[@CadillacRiver]

Bruce Springsteen's favorite singer, who's also from Jersey: Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes - did a killer cover of this.

[@toneman501]

Southside Johnny and the Jukes does a brilliant version of this... Great song....

[@1fan164]

My fav Left Banke is faster tempo “She Will Call You Up Tonight” featuring Bach like harmonies.

[@pattikay3729]

harpsichord! This was a big fave from back in the day. Every tie it cam on the radio I ran to turn it up and sing along. Always loved this.

[@margaretanscombe730]

Now listen to the cover by The Four Tops, with their Motown sound from 1967! Soullllfullll!

[@yogarose255]

I’ve loved this song since I was a kid. ❤

[@MissAstorDancer]

Me, too! This song came out the month I turned 13!! It was YET ANOTHER amazing and unusual new song, by an interesting new band, to delight and surprise us, which was becoming SUCH an amazing almost "every-day" part of our lives!

[@debrahirshfield6997]

This is actually my husband's favorite song of all time....

[@robkennedy9717]

Mine as well @@debrahirshfield6997

[@lawrenceschabell5740]

I saw them when I was 18 it was my first concert they were very good live. And I still love this song.

[@matangiandtheparrot4614]

Hey!.... other side 45....."Pretty Ballerina"... oh!... those town hall dances..... thanxgents.merrychristmas.love.

[@owlbuquerqueturkey]

This song is the reason my daughter's middle name is Renee. I know the song from listening to my dad's old 8 tracks as a kid, since it was before my time.

[@jonathanlocke6404]

When I was in 7th grade, I had a huge crush on a girl named Renee, and though this was a few years old by that point, you still heard it around and I would weep...Heh...Easy A...

[@gregsager2062]

Trust me -- this song hits hard for *every* guy who's ever had feelings for a girl named Renee. Been there, done that as well.

[@waltw4537]

One of my absolute favs back in the day, simply brilliant for that time. And still is today. Haven't listened to this in awhile. Thanks.

[@Sharkman1963]

Here's the song's background from Wiki (which never lies): Michael Brown has stated that the song is one of a number he wrote about Renée Fladen (later Fladen-Kamm), the then-girlfriend of the Left Banke's bassist Tom Finn and object of Brown's affection. She was associated with the band for a few weeks, and was described as a free-spirited and tall blonde. Brown wrote it one month after he met her.[8] "Walk Away Renée" was one of a series of love songs the infatuated Brown wrote for his muse.[9] Other works about her include the band's second hit "Pretty Ballerina" and "She May Call You Up Tonight". After decades of obscurity, she was identified in 2001 as a noted singer, vocal teacher, and artist on the West Coast.[10] According to band member Tom Finn: A bunch of teens got an apartment together around Tin Pan Alley, in the Broadway area, and Renee lived there part time when she wasn't living with her mother. Most of the kids were like half runaways in those days, and there was a "crash pad" there, as we used to call it. I guess I brought her to the studio one day where Michael met her and fell in love with her.[11] Brown says of his unrequited love for Renée: I was just sort of mythologically in love, if you know what I mean, without having evidence in fact or in deed ... But I was as close as anybody could be to the real thing.[12] Renée was looking on during the recording of the song, and her presence nearly prevented its completion. In an interview, Brown stated: My hands were shaking when I tried to play, because she was right there in the control room ... There was no way I could do it with her around, so I came back and did it later.[13

[@IvorPresents]

Loved the song from the first time they played it. for context, the year before the Beatles released, Yesterday. Elenor Rigby was released at about the time the Left Bank were recording.

[@chrisjenkins6120]

Ah! July 1966, the Left Banke released “Walk Away Renee”. Showing my age here.☮️💟

[@z512345]

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.

[@davidsommerville2213]

If you’re going here, look at Stone Ponies ‘Different Drum.’ Linda Ronstat’s first band. And for true Baroque rock, look at Nico’s ‘Chelsea Girl.’

[@gregsager2062]

"Different Drum" was written by Mike Nesmith of the Monkees. He did a hilariously shortened and deliberately goofed-up version of "Different Drum" on an episode of *The Monkees* .

[@Redtop-qh8zo]

Always loved this song! ❤️‍🔥 Thank you for memories.

[@creed4022]

I grew up with this song, meaning I'm older than dirt..LOL The song was about a young guy who screwed up, because, if you listen, he says "she's not to blame". It's a song of regret because he misses her. Back then us teen kids walked a lot holding hands with our crushes in our neighborhoods and schools. Times were so much different back then. And sex in high school was a very rare occurrence. That didn't mean there was no touchy...there was still respect. The sexual revolution didn't start till a year or so after this song was released with the "free love" "attitude of the late 60's, early 70's. So there's some history for you. It was also one of my favorite songs of the time. Another good song around that time was by the Sunshine Company called "I'm back on the street Again"( remembering when). Give it a listen. Thanks for the memory.

[@chrishelbling3879]

Taught this song to my HS Choir a few years back, they loved it.

[@DM-hk4cw]

It's a song you come back to in order to catch the nuances. Just a great composition.

[@poikapi062]

This is my favorite song of all time (tied with Hollyann by Boston. I'm thrilled to see you guys react to this one!

[@AmyHammes]

I didn’t realize someone loved Hollyann as much as me!

[@poikapi062]

@@AmyHammes Oh, absolutely. I think it's absolutely gorgeous and terribly underrated.

[@leeosborne3083]

Ah 1966, we all knew that girl, whatever her name was, Poised, impossibly beautiful, free spirit, and oh so impossible to get to know...

[@leannmiller7153]

I still have the original 45 rpm single. I just turned 70…brings back so many memories ❤️❤️❤️

[@terrybaker1147]

One of my all-time favorites from that era!

[@mtzoar]

i loved this song when it came out and i was 7 or 8. since then i have heard many songs, i turned 65, and this is still one of my favorites. Kind of surprised you guys hadn't heard it before.

[@joebersik9846]

your name and mine inside a heart upon a wall,,still finds a way to haunt me though they,re so small....brilliant

[@matthewbecker964]

one of my favorite songs - the words are astonishing and the singer sings with real feeling and conviction - white boy soul

[@jpirard]

[Verse 1] And when I see the sign that points one way The lot we used to pass by every day [Chorus] Just walk away, Renée You won't see me follow you back home The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same You're not to blame [Verse 2] From deep inside the tears that I'm forced to cry From deep inside the pain that I chose to hide [Chorus] Just walk away, Renée You won't see me follow you back home Now, as the rain beats down upon my weary eyes For me it cries [Flute Solo] [Chorus] Just walk away, Renée You won't see me follow you back home Now, as the rain beats down upon my weary eyes For me it cries t [Verse 3] Your name and mine inside a heart upon a wall Still finds a way to haunt me though they're so small [Chorus] Just walk away, Renée You won't see me follow you back home The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same You're not to blame

[@joemc1960]

Funny Andy said he might like the song much more when he’s in his 50s. To me it was just another 45 in my collection in the late ‘60s but as the decades went by, to me it’s among the best songs ever.

[@jackempson3044]

It grows on you as you said.

[@willfromyadkinville]

i have always loved this song!

[@douglasdause502]

great song covered by a fair amount of artists but The Four Tops give it SOUL!

[@margaretanscombe730]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@nancy9478]

Growing up wth great songs like this to punctuate your youth is such a wonderful gift. Boomers had the best soundtrack, these old songs bring out emotions tied to memories we had made decades ago. Thanks for this.

[@chrishornbostel9831]

Renee Fladen was dating Left Banke bassist Tom Finn, and the band's 16-year-old songwriter/music prodigy Michael Brown -- who'd lived a very sheltered life -- was utterly gobsmacked by her when she dropped by their rehearsal studio. Finn at first thought it was pretty amusing, since there was no way Renee was gonna leave him for Brown...but he he apparently was a bit put out when Brown wrote a follow-up song called "She May Call You Up Tonight" that the band recorded after Renee and he had broken up. Also on some later tracks the band recorded (for a sort of one-hit wonder, their recorded output is honestly freakishly good and has aged wonderfully), they had a young session singer join in for vocal harmonies named Steve Tallarico. Who became Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. And yeah, you can hear the Left Banke influence in the minor chords and gauzy production of Aerosmith's first hit, "Dream On."

[@NoggintheNog37]

Your name and mine, Inside a heart upon a wall Still finds a way to haunt me, Though they're so small Those lyrics always get me every time. Also, this was 1966, when th ebiggest band around were the Monkeys, who at the time didn;t even play their own instruments, never mind write the songs. Then along comes 16 year old Michael and his mates.

[@lauraallen55]

The Monkees were talented though and did write some of the songs and play some instruments.

[@NoggintheNog37]

@@lauraallen55 Yes, they did. In fact Michael Naismith wrote one of my favourite 60's songs, Different Drum.

[@lauraallen55]

Yes, he, Davy Jones, and Mickey Dolenz wrote quite a few songs for the band too. They were all multi-instrumentalists as well.@@NoggintheNog37

[@mathewfranco3211]

So I stopped at 4:21. I usually close my eyes and listen to your reviews and take a peek at your reactions but this time this song took me back to those awkward times when I was a teenager. Thank you for this your channel is special.

[@sandybourdeau9300]

I LOVED this song and their other hit, Pretty Ballerina.

[@DrBrianSmithDC]

I love Southside Johnny’s version. He does it just about every time he has a concert. His bluesy/soulful voice sounds great on it. When Bon Jovi took their break in the early 90s, Jon Bon Jovi went on tour with Southside as an unbilled rhythm guitar player and back up singer in the Jukes (they are very close friends) and this was the only song he took lead on each show.

[@Adam-bp7kw]

Was hoping someone would bring up Southside. Great version

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

A reason why some eras of music are more magical, than others. You don’t hear many like this anymore.

[@agemoth]

I have a cd with all the songs they'd ever recorded on it, had it for years. Bought it from a second hand record shop in Croydon back in the 90s. I asked them to play it for me, and when it played 'Pretty Ballerina', I was sold! 'I called her yesterday, it should have been tomorrow...'

[@Mr05Chuck]

I was about 16 when this came out so it might hit me now as a 70 year old a bit tougher. But it has always been a A+

[@beatlejim64]

Got to #5 on the charts in the summer of 1966...spent 13 weeks on the charts...a CLASSIC!

[@bernwink1]

I was 8 years old listening to this at my cousins house. Late 60s/early 70s set the stage for my love of music.

[@robincarlysle-vo7pi]

I met Michael Brown in 1999. he told me he played keyboard for Lefte Bank and co wrote this song. I disbelieved him but he told me he was only 16 years old and his Dad had to sign them to the record label because the band were all minors. his Dad arranged the string sound on this record

[@joelliebler5690]

One of the most memorable tunes of 1960’s. By the way most of the early Jethro Tull albums was done as well in the Baroque rock style!

[@maryreilly5092]

I remember hearing this as a very little girl, on the radio. I was so touched by it even then.

[@patriciagoodwin1922]

I love this gem so much. Hearing it takes me back, "Pretty Ballerina" is another gem by the band, so good. Thanks guys and happy weekend!!

[@thefoss5387]

Pretty Ballerina, there other big hit, was also about composer Michael Brown's obsession with guitarist Tom Finn's girlfriend Renee. Brown, a keyboardist, was influenced by his violinist father, Harry Lookofsky, who produced this track, and so, helped arrange the baroque pop strings. Brown also founded another group, Stories, best known for the song about an interracial couple, Brother Louie, a cover of a Hot Chocolate song, that they took to #1. His father Harry, also did some production for Stories.

[@jpmnewyork]

Thank you! I was about to post about Stories but kept scrolling to see if anybody else mentioned it.

[@jerrywood4508]

Ah, yes, the summer before I started junior high. I can still remember listening to it on the radio while it was raining outside and being moved.

[@darycat1]

Great song. Also listen to Pretty Ballerina. Another beautiful song.

[@joelhahn2501]

For some actual *Baroque* "rock", go for "Toccata & Fugue in D minor" by* J.S. Bach. Preferably a solo organ performance.

[@robertfuller5665]

I love this song. The drums between the transition from the verse to chorus sounds great to my ear..

[@adambnyc4875]

Gorgeous, enduring song. I always wish that it were longer.

[@TheKittyGirl]

lol this was one of my most listened to songs this year

[@jeannemiller1461]

My favorite Left Banke song is still "Ivy, Ivy". All of their songs have a quality to them that just puts you in another place.

[@aquatarkus2022]

That is it. I feel like I'm standing on that sidewalk watching her walk away.

[@Wordsmyth8]

There have been many remakes of this song, and one of the best is by Rickie Lee Jones. It’s very different and very powerful. You should definitely listen to that.

[@donges87]

and anything else from Rickie!

[@Wordsmyth8]

@@donges87 Yep!

[@scottkrentz7266]

This song was the main influence for More Than A Feeling by Tom Scholz (Boston). "I see my Marianne walking away.."

[@charlenetherrien3788]

I LOVE this song! The vibe is awesome. I remember when it came out. I was 16 or so. Played a lot on radio❤❤

[@helenespaulding7562]

Wow. 57 years ago this was released. I probably haven’t heard it in 50 years. I do love the chorus…a real sing along moment in the car.

[@bobnpcola]

The 60’s and 70’s had some great instrumental bangers; Green Onions - Booker T and the MGs Miserlou - Dick Dale, Pipeline or Walk Don’t Run - The Ventures; Pick Up the Pieces - Atlanta Rhythm Section

[@dbcruser3133]

Don't forget the banger , 96 Tears.

[@martinjackman2943]

"time is tight" best Booker T imho

[@dopeymark]

Pick up the pieces is Average White Band not Atlanta Rhythm Section

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Let's Go by The Routers You won't know it by name, but you've DEFINITELY heard its clap-and-shout at sports events!!!! Heck, The Cars used it in their hit of the same name...

[@gregsager2062]

You can't leave out "Beck's Bolero" by Jeff Beck (1966), which also featured Jimmy Page, Nicky Hopkins, John Paul Jones, and Keith Moon as Beck's backing band.

[@zephead64]

A song that immediately caught my ear as a little boy in the late 60s and I still love it. The keyboard used is a harpsishord 😊

[@jackempson3044]

It's an A!

[@jgriffin282]

I love this song but I admit part of the attraction to it is the sentimentality connected to it. Ah, being a young teenager in the 60’s

[@Shadowrider1872]

GOOOOOOOOD MORNING A&A FAMILY!!! ☮️💟♾️

[@catbutte4770]

Hey, Good Morning!