RIP: Michael Brown (The Left Banke)

[erik]

Michael Browne, who co-wrote "Walk Away Renee", which became a big #5 baroque-pop classic in the autumn of 1966 when recorded by him and his group The Left Banke, has passed away at the age of 65 of undisclosed causes. More at the link below, including Linda's view of this classic (which she herself recorded 40 years later, at the very end of her career):

www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-rip-michael-brown-left-banke-appreciation-ronstadt-20150320-story.html

[sliderocker]

Another tough loss to face and another member of the Baby Boomer generation gone too soon. "Walk Away Renee" was an instant, timeless classic the moment it was recorded although very few music lovers knew at the time that many songs of the 60s (and other eras) would still be getting airplay and selling discs decades later and that the songs would outlive their creators. Like Linda, I couldn't understand the words either but I loved that song. Still do and agree with Linda as to her take on the lyrics although the lyrics in the chorus now take on a sadder overtone with Browne's passing.

[Pete]

'She May Call You Up Tonight' by The Left Banke was one of the tracks on 'Under The Covers Vol. 1' by Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs.

I'm 30 and the first album I ever had was 'Different Light' by The Bangles, I remember I used to play it on a little cassette player. I am still a big fan of The Bangles and enjoy Susanna's 3 solo albums and her albums with Matthew Sweet. If they hadn't covered 'Different Drum ' I probably wouldn't have come across Linda Ronstadt's music as her music never gets played here in England, UK.

[guest]

Just curious Damien, what American singers to get airplay there?

[Pete]

Adele, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Madonna, Bruno Mars...artists who I have no interest in! Ha ha.

[Pete]

Sorry, only just realised you asked which American singers get played. I don't listen to the radio much here as when I do it's never an artist I like.