One of the most noted figures in men's clothing is Beau Brummell. George Bryan better known as Beau Brummel was the most famous of the dashing young men of the Regency. We know little about his childhood at this time. He was not of aristocratic birth, but was drawn to the upper class life style. After becoming Prince Regent he became friends with Beau Brummel. While known as a flashy dresser today, Brummel in fact believed in a much more sober style and less bright colors. Prinny's approval caused many aristocrats to adopt Brummel's style. High heels and bright colors for gentlemen went out of style. Brummel began to regarded in the circles around the Prince as a virtual oracle on matters related to dress and etiquette. He played a major in popularizing trousers as opposed to knee breeches.
As a way of identifying with the British music scene, the band took its name from a 19th century English dandy, Beau Brummell. Additionally, band members figured that since everyone was looking for and at Beatles records in record store bins arranged alphabetically, having a name that naturally followed Beatles would be a shrewd move. In addition, the band took to wearing British-influenced mod clothes. As a result of their sound and look, they were often mistaken for an English band, especially in their first few years. However, as their music progressed, they mixed the British sound with American folk and country music and created a distinctly American sound.
The Beau Brummels had three Top 40 hit singles: "Laugh, Laugh", "Just a Little", and "You Tell Me Why". "Just a Little" was the biggest hit of the three, spending 9 weeks in the Top 40 and reaching #8 on Billboard, while "Laugh, Laugh" hit #15, and "You Tell Me Why" peaked at #38.
The Beau Brummels recorded six studio albums as well, with Triangle and Bradley's Barn receiving significant critical acclaim. Lead singer Sal Valentino toured and recorded in Stoneground, a band associated with the hippie commune the Hog Farm, in the early 1970s
"Laugh, Laugh" is listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 most influential songs that shaped rock and roll. It was also featured in the 1989 John Candy film Uncle Buck. On The Flintstones, in the 1965 episode based on the Shindig! TV series entitled "Shinrock A Go Go", the band was caricatured as "The Beau Brummelstones", singing "Laugh Laugh." (Their second album features their Flintstones caricatures on the back cover.) They were also featured in the movie Village of the Giants which starred Beau Bridges and was later featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000. The Beau Brummels are considered by some to be the first folk rock group (although the Byrds were formed - and recorded - earlier) and they influenced numerous other acts in the genre, particularly later San Francisco groups including Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead.
1. Are You Happy
2. Singing Cowboy
3. Laugh Laugh
4. Tennessee Walker
5. First in Line
6. You Tell Me Why
7. Love Can Fall a Long Way Down
8. Gold Rush
9. Just a Little
10. Wolf
11. Love is Gone
12. Melody
* Excuse the sound quality on this one. If you really want to hear these songs in great presentation pick up the official release of the Brummels reunion in 75
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