Thursday, July 11, 2013

Introducing the Beau Brummels

The Beau Brummels - "Introducing The Beau Brummels" (1965) - Autumn Records

Hello Friends,

Tonight we have The Beau Brummels on the turntable.  No, not the 19th Century English dandy-fop who invented the modern men's suit worn with a necktie, but the 1960's San Francisco quintet who helped shape and define what would be eventually called the "San Francisco Sound".

Laugh Laugh by The Beau Brummels on Grooveshark

Influenced by British Invasion bands like The Beatles, Herman's Hermits & The Zombies, lots of people initially thought that the Brummels were themselves a British band.  Their first single, "Laugh, Laugh" is a 1960's classic with music & harmonies very reminiscent of their English counterparts.  We love that forlorn, almost spooky-sounding harmonica that plays throughout the song!  (The song also appears on the original Nuggets LP in 1972 showcasing Original Artyfacts from the first Psychedelic Era!)

"Laugh, Laugh" was the band's first single and the song that they would ultimately be best known for.  Their second (and highest charting) single is another great track, "Just A Little".  More great harmony and some great dueling acoustic-electric guitars! Both songs were written by lead guitarist, Ron Elliot, as were the rest of the songs on the album save for a cover of Don Gibson's "Oh Lonesome Me" and Don Robey/Deadric Malone's "Ain't That Lovin' You".

Also included on this debut are the songs "Still In Love With You Baby", "Just Wait and See", "Stick Like Glue", "They'll Make You Cry", "That's If You Want Me To", "I Want More Loving", "I Would Be Happy" & "Not Too Long Ago."  Very much a product of its era.  Every song is good, with harmonies and musical arrangements that sound a lot like the early Beatles covering Buddy Holly songs.  

Fun Fact # 1: This album was produced by Sylvester Stewart who would become better known as Mr. Sly Stone.

Fun Fact # 2: Hey kids, did you know that the real Beau Brummel (1778 - 1840) claimed that he took 5 hours a day to dress and insisted his boots be polished with champagne! Lock up your women!  Lock up your daughters!

RATING: 4 Velveteen Touches of a Dandy-Fop out of 5

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