MP3some: Michael Brown Gets His Due

I have returned. Despite an increasing workload, I'm hoping to get back into a rhythm of posting with regularity. I'm also hoping to continue the site's expansion. In addition to adding more writers, there are also plans to add a podcast. But we'll cross those bridges when we come to them. In the meantime, let's get back to the music, shall we?

Perhaps some of you are familiar with the song "Walk Away Renée." It seemed to be in permanent rotation on the local oldies stations (103.3 Boston and 101.5 Providence, for those keeping track) when I was a kid, and I was always a fan. It's a fine piece of melancholy baroque pop, complete with string section, harpsichord, and some well-arranged vocal harmonies during the choruses. A video clip is provided below:

Great song. Pathetic video.

I had always assumed that The Left Banke, the band behind the single in question, was something of a one (actually two - their single "Pretty Ballerina" also experienced some success) hit wonder. Which is why, upon picking up a copy of Walk Away Renée/Pretty Ballerina (1967), I was not expecting an impressive album. Of course, my assumptions were entirely incorrect. The songs on the album share the same quality of songwriting, production, and arrangements of the singles. A link to one of those tracks, "She May Call You Up Tonight," is below. Like "Walk Away Renée," this track features some very well-arranged harmonies and flawless songwriting.

The Left Banke - Walk Away Renée / Pretty Ballerina

Usually, records that prominently display the names of singles on the front cover
are chiefly comprised of subpar filler tracks. This, however, is an exception.

She May Call You Up Tonight

Unfortunately, the original Left Banke lineup was together for only one album. Primary songwriter Michael Brown moved on to form Montage, picking up right where his old band left off. Montage's 1969 self-titled record features the same sophisticated writing and arrangements that characterized the Left Banke's best material. "The Song Is Love," linked below for your enjoyment, is a fine example of Montage's brilliance. Listen to the way that band conforms to the the lyric during the intro/chorus - the passage is in an odd 7/8 time signature, yet sounds seamless and natural. Note the use of what sounds like an RMI piano in lieu of a harpsichord. Take a few listens to appreciate the quality of the songwriting itself. In a mere minute and 47 seconds of baroque sunshine pop, Brown manages to seamlessly include: an infectious chorus/hook, a couple of verses with some nice chord changes (not to mention some beautifully-arranged backing vocals), a perfect bridge (Mr. Brown, it appears, was the bridge master - I don't believe he ever wrote any that were less than stellar), and even a brass solo section. This is how it's done, boys and girls.

"Have you ever seen that movie Tron?"

The Song Is Love

Again, after a single album, Brown moved on to another project. And yet again, Brown returned to form, writing and arranging more symphonic pop with Stories. "Kathleen," linked below, is a good representative track from their self-titled record. The arrangements are slightly watered-down in comparison to Brown's earlier work, but nonetheless retain his distinct flair. The recording quality is excellent, allowing the orchestral arrangements to come alive. Of course, the songwriting is impeccable.