Our top 10 songs from The Beau Brummels introduce us to the catalog of an American band famed for its rock songs in the ’60s. The band was formed in 1964 by singer Sal Valentino in San Francisco. Sal rose as an upcoming artist, appearing on local stations for his amazing singing. After bagging a deal to play regularly at a local club, Sal saw it wise to form a band. He reached out to Ron Elliot, his childhood friend who helped him in recruiting the other members of the band. Thanks to the band’s promising music career, disk jockeys Bobby Mitchell and Tom Donahue recruited The Beau Brummels to Autumn Records.
The band’s first releases were produced by Sly Stone of Sly & The Family Stone. It didn’t take long for the band to be critically acclaimed in the United States. Their debut single “Laugh, Laugh” ushered the band to imminent glory, having it rise to number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100. Thanks to the awe-inspiring song that the band received a cult following. Many compared the band to successful acts such as The Zombies and The Beatles.
The Beau Brummels put in hard work for its next release, “Just A Little,” which saw the band enter once more to the Billboard Hot 100. Thanks to the song that the band gained a loyal following. The band’s debut album Introducing the Beau Brummels (1965) included both of the high charting songs. The album peaked at number twenty-four on the Billboard 200. Their newfound fame saw the band tagged in the comedy movie Village of the Giants and the animated sitcom The Flintstones.
The band would soon release its sophomore album, The Beau Brummels, Volume 2 (1965). Some of the greatest hits from the album included “You Tell Me Why” and “Don’t Take to Strangers.” However, the band no longer featured rhythm guitarist and harmonica player Declan Mulligan. Mulligan engaged the band in a lawsuit in 1966, claiming that he was unjustly discharged from The Beau Brummels. However, his efforts bore no fruits having the lawsuit unsuccessful. The band guitarist Ron Elliot’s health started dwindling, suffering seizures due to his diabetic condition. This saw him become a rare performer for the band. His positions would be filled by Don Irving intermittently.
Before The Beau Brummels’ third album release, the band reached a recording deal with Warner Bros. Records. Unreleased songs in the scheduled third studio album would later be featured on San Franc Sessions (2005), a compilation album. Instead, Warner Bros. Records suggested releasing an album featuring cover songs. The result was Beau Brummels ’66 (1966) which failed to impress the band’s fans and critics. Soon, the band lost Don Irving, who was inducted into the armed forces, and drummer John Petersen who joined the sunshine pop band Harpers Bizarre.
The remaining members of the band hit the studio for the release of the album Triangle (1967). It was quite a moment for the band, having the album received positively and charting in the Billboard 200. However, this was far from the band’s performance in its first two albums. Tougher times for the band were ushered in after its bass guitarist Ron Meagher was called up for military service. Ever since, The Beau Brummels barely achieved stability, and its star stopped shining, leading to its disbandment. However, the band has come together severally and even released an album, Continuum (2013). Here we present to you the top 10 songs from The Beau Brummels.
#10 – Doesn’t Matter
Ushering us to the top 10 songs from The Beau Brummels is the hit “Doesn’t Matter.” The song is featured on the band’s album The Beau Brummels, Volume 2 (1965). “Doesn’t Matter” is quite a mid-tempo melodic song. The singing might feel a little sluggish when the lead singer takes on the mic. However, its true vibe is best felt when the backing vocals to the lead singer’s vocals. Other artists who have released a song under the same title (but with different lyrics) include Janet Jackson, Jeff Bernat, Benee, Virgo Deep, Christine, the Queens, and Killer Dwarfs.
#9 – Ain’t That Loving You
“Ain’t That Loving You” is one of the popular songs from the album Introducing The Beau Brummels (1965). If you love blues songs from the ’50s, you can probably tell that this song is not an original song by The Beau Brummels. The song is a cover of “Ain’t That Lovin’ You, Baby,” an upbeat hit by Jimmy Reed. Nevertheless, The Beau Brummels added glamour to the song with their performance thanks to the great instrumentation and musical arrangement.
#8 – One Too Many Mornings
Back in 1964, Bob Dylan released a song by the title “One Too Many Mornings” on his album The Times They Are a-Changin. The song was a treasure for Bob Dylan and multiple artists who covered it. A while after Bob Dylan’s version, The Beau Brummels made a cover of the song. Their performance on the song was quite moving, having their version rise to number ninety-five on the Billboard Hot 100. Other artists who covered the song include The Association, Bobby Sherman, The Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, and Burl Ives.
#7 – Good Time Music
“Good Time Music” is yet another of The Beau Brummels’ great cover songs. The song was initially released by the pop-rock act The Lovin’ Spoonful back in 1965. Later in 1973, The Beau Brummels released a cover to this song. The band’s version was quite successful, reaching number ninety-seven on the Billboard Hot 100. It also achieved success on the Canadian Singles Chart, where it peaked at number thirteen.
#6 – Sad Little Girl
Number six on the top 10 songs from The Beau Brummels is “Sad Little Girl.” The song is quite a sad release having it tell of a heartbreak that left a girl sad. Its lyrics show how the girl was left by her fiancé, who didn’t even say goodbye. All she is left with are tears rolling down her cheeks, and sad memories about her past failed relationship.
#5 – Still in Love with You Baby
“Still in Love with You Baby” is one of the musical gems from The Beau Brummels’ album Introducing the Beau Brummels (1965). The song was penned by Ron Elliot, having it allude to a guy showcasing his love for a lady. His major hope is that the lady realizes how much in love he is with her. The song is delivered in a catchy tune, making it quite a memorable song from the band’s debut album.
#4- You Tell Me Why
The Beau Brummels, Volume 2 (1965) featured several great hits, including “You Tell Me Why.” The song is famed for its magnificent melody and harmonies. Again, Ron Elliot penned the song’s lyrics. “You Tell Me Why” was a massive success reaching number thirty-eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was a great hit in Canada, having it reach number eight on the nation’s singles chart.
#3 – Don’t Talk to Strangers
“Don’t Talk to Strangers” is another great hit from the band’s sophomore studio album The Beau Brummels, Volume 2 (1965). Thanks to the song’s unique harmonies that it sounds quite inventive. However, some critics have compared the song’s harmonies style to songs by The Byrds. Nevertheless, the song peaked at number fifty-two on the Billboard Hot 100.
#2- Just A Little
The Beau Brummels saw the song “Just A Little” become the band’s highest-charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100. “Just A Little” was released on the band’s debut album Introducing the Beau Brummels (1965). The song feels more of a folk-rock ballad. The Beau Brummels have been privileged to have this song covered by other artists. Some of them include The Young Rascals, Ruby Starr, Nils Lofgren, and Frank Black.
#1- Laugh, Laugh
Number one of our top 10 songs from The Beau Brummels is the hit “Laugh, Laugh.” “Laugh, Laugh” was the debut hit for The Beau Brummels. The song came at a time when the American bands were fighting dominance by the British acts in their motherland. Some of the greatest British bands to beat included The Beatles, The Animals, The Zombies, and The Rolling Stones. The song performed great on the charts having it rise to number fifteen.
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