The Beckies "Self Titled" Vinyl LP Power Pop Promo NM (1976) Michael Brown

Description: The Beckies "Self Titled" 1976 Vinyl LP Promo Sire SASD-7519 Michael Brown From The PopGeek website:Released on Sire in 1976, the Beckies’ debut (and only) LP is most notable as the final major release featuring Michael Brown, founder and leader of the Left Banke. Two years later, following the breakup of the Left Banke, Brown executed a similar approach—though using somewhat more lush arrangements—with the group Montage. Though Brown was not credited as a member of the band, he was clearly the brainchild, writing much of their material, playing keyboards and producing their self-titled debut (and, again, only) LP. After Montage, Brown formed Stories, featuring Ian Lloyd on vocals. Brown was heavily involved with Stories’ first two albums but left the band just prior to their one bona fide hit single, “Brother Louie.” The Beckies would be Brown’s last foray into commercial pop music. Like all of Brown’s bands, The Beckies were a four-piece, but with a rather unusual configuration: Scott Trusty on vocals, Brown on keyboards, Mayo James McAllister on guitar and Gary Hodgden on drums and vocals. The music on The Beckies is pure power pop. Some of the baroque-pop flourishes remain, especially and predictably in the keyboard arrangements, and there are occasional string passages as well. More typical, though, are crunchy guitar chords, energetic drumming and soaring vocal hooks. The album opens with just such an attack on “Right By My Side”—a suitable start for the album, but not one of the stronger tracks. Next up is “River Bayou,” the song closest to the sound of the Left Banke, applying a pseudo-classical piano style to a 50s doo-wop song structure. “Fran” is another song that recalls—though more faintly—the Left Banke. It’s a haunting piano ballad with some very angular string embellishments in the choruses. “Midnight and You,” “Can’t Be Alone” and “Can’t Be Alone” are the strongest of the rockers. All three feature stellar melodies, immediately memorable chord progressions and perfectly executed harmonies. “On the Morning That She Came” provides the best balance between the Left Banke sound and more traditional power pop that dominates the record, featuring evocative piano verses alternating with more guitar-based choruses featuring lush harmonies and understated solo guitar passages reminiscent of George Harrison’s work on Abbey Road. It is also perhaps the finest song on the record. “The Other Side of Town” suggests the best work of Todd Rundgren and would fit right in on Something/Anything. “Song Called Love,” “River Song,” “One of these Days” and “Run Jenny Run” round out the album and are well above the also-rans on most 70s pop albums. Michael Brown would never again release another pop album. Gary Hodgden changed his name to Gary West, switched from drums to guitar and joined the band Shooting Star in the late 70s, scoring a modest hit with “You Got What I Need” in 1979. I bought this album new and only played it a few times on decent equipment. Disc is NM. Cover is VG some wear and a small staple hole through the front cover (but not the back). Still quite nice. Includes the original lyric inner sleeve. See photos. From a non-smoking household. Tracklist: side oneRight By My Side (Etude)3:01River Bayou2:52Midnight And You3:09Fran2:46Other Side Of Town3:09Song Called Love3:03 side twoCan't Be Alone2:37River Song3:01On The Morning That She Came2:56One Of These Days2:57Run Jenny Run2:47

Price: 9.99 USD

Location: Garrettsville, Ohio

End Time: 2024-10-31T21:49:55.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6.75 USD