Pretty Ballerina/She May Call You Up Tonight/Barterers & Their Wives/I’ve Got Something On My Mind/Let Go Of You Girl/Evening Gown/Walk Away Renee/What Do You Know/Shadows Breaking Over My Head/I Haven’t Got The Nerve/Lazy Day
The Left Banke were a psychedelic pop band from Brooklyn whose star shone very briefly during 1967. Their critically acclaimed debut LP was named after the US top twenty hit singles Walk Away Renee and Pretty Ballerina. (US:67)
"This short lived American baroque pop band made one hell of an album out of Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina. For an album simply named after its two main singles, and two only big hits, one would think that this is just another piece of forgettable 60s pop oddity, but this is far from the case - it is an outstanding piece of pop music. The two title tracks are without doubt excellent, there's no question about it, but the other tracks that have been overlooked are just as good. Overall this album, though keeping within the 60s pop formula, makes room for going outside the box, creating a unique and excellent album that might be one of the best of the 60s."
"A baroque psych pop journey with a very cheery and heartfelt vibe that catches the feeling of an era with great ease and wit. The songwriting is up to par and the orchestral bits add to the overall impression. The singles shine and this is one of those albums that inspired many."
"Compare today's pop with this release and you will understand how low our current culture is. Here we have the crème de la crème of late 1960s baroque pop. This LP is without a doubt one of the most original and unique in the history of pop music. Considering the age of the members at the time it's mind boggling. This LP is a must for any serious collector and any 60s music lover. Although the music here is actually timeless."
"Oh the 1960s. What a bizarre period in history. A burgeoning New York band made a superb debut which is recognised as a classic four decades later, but which nobody noticed on its release, The Left Banke's debut album is a minor masterpiece, containing some of the finest moments of the 1960s. Full of very pretty songs, sung and played beautifully. Of course the two title tunes are classics, but there is really a lot of good music to be found here. There are those strange baroque elements, that were all the rage circa 1965-1967, and all the better for it."
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