? 1968 LEFT BANKE TOO psych Baroque BEATLES ZOMBIES

$

129

                    ~ VERY RARE 1968 2nd LP ~                

                 ORIGINAL TOP COLLECTIBLE >> 

    STILL IN ORIGINAL FACTORY SHRINK WRAPPER

              THE  LEFT  BANKE

                          TOO

\                                      USA -  Smash Records - SRS 67113

TOP CLEAN....RARE 1967 ORIGINAL first pressing VINYL

       ***IN ORIGINAL FACTORY SHRINK WRAPPER ***

...it's the seldom ever seen and hotly sought after second and last LEFT BANKE album, starting up where the terrific Walk Way Renee first one ended !! The Baroque memorable melodics are flowing with master craftsmith Michael Brown in the lead, harpichords, tremelo guitar, tight well rounded tunes that deliver, among others, the highlight "DESIREE"

This New York group pioneered "Baroque'n'Roll" in the '60s with their mix of pop/rock and grand, quasi-classical arrangements and melodies. Featuring teenage prodigy Michael Brown as keyboardist and chief songwriter, the group scored two quick hits with "Walk Away Renee" (number five) and "Pretty Ballerina (number 15). Chamber-like string arrangements, Steve Martin's soaring, near-falsetto lead vocals, and tight harmonies that borrowed from British Invasion bands like the Beatles and the Zombies were also key elements of the Left Banke sound. Though their two hits are their only well-remembered efforts, their debut album (Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina) was a strong, near-classic work that matched the quality of their hit singles in songwriting and production.

The group's internal dynamic wasn't nearly as harmonious as their sound, and their history goes some way towards explaining their short career. Initially, the group made some recordings that were produced by Brown's father, Harry Lookofsky. When these recordings failed to interest companies in signing the band, the Left Banke broke up, Brown moving to California with the group's original drummer. A backing track for "Walk Away Renee" had already been completed, and the other members overdubbed vocals in Brown's absence. The song was released on Smash and became a hit, and the musicians reunited to tour and continue recording.

Unfortunately, the group, which showed such tremendous promise, was quickly torn asunder by dissension. Due to the nature of their music (which often employed session musicians), the Left Banke's sound was difficult to reproduce on the road, and one could sympathize with Brown's wishes to become a Brian Wilson-like figure, concentrating on writing and recording while the rest of the musicians took to the road. A variety of guitarists, as both session musicians and ostensible group members, flitted in and out of the lineup; Rick Brand, credited as the guitarist on the first LP, actually plays on only one of the album's songs. Adding fuel to the fire, Brown's bandmates wanted to oust Brown's father as the act's manager. 

Released in late 1968, The Left Banke Too is filled with charms. For example, of these two albums, this is the more psychedelic one. On the Left Banke Too ... "all human life is there". At least the eccentric end. Happy, sad and frequently mad in fizzy electric slabs of the dottiest, most inspired experimental pop ever made. Tom Finn's deviously understated "Dark Is The Bark" with its stunning, gorgeously bleak chord chart is an incredible example of what a bass player with a grudge can accomplish. Point is, this is completely enjoyable. Slightly psychedelic, very well written and produced. It feels a bit like a mising link between REVOLVER and SGT. PEPPERS.

CONDITION: The COVER: is colorful stiff and crisp  MINT in original factory shrink wrapper (a little square of the outer cellophane is missing at top right, not detracting from the overall visuals...the cover beneath is MINT) ...has only a bb or smaller micro delelete at top right, very hard to notice, otherwise a very nice collectible keeper display copy from over 40 years ago...M- 

The VINYL: is all glossy clean and smooth "EX" (excellent) to M- ...play graded really nice here, no audio problems and full of rich melodies ...both SMASH labels are clean...

      A cool addition to anyone's music library!

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record