The Beau Brummels – “Laugh Laugh” / “Still In Love With You Baby” (Autumn 8) December 1964
The band’s history is well known, but worth reprising briefly, so as to provide a context for this single’s entry into ‘the psychedelic record case.’
Guitarist Ron Elliott and vocalist Sal Valentino first sang together in school in the late fifties. Whilst Elliott studied musical composition at San Francisco State College, Valentino led several groups in the early ’60s.
With the Spring of 1964 addition of Ron Meagher (bass), John Peterson (drums), and Irish transplant Declan Mulligan (guitar), the Beau Brummels were formed.
The combo’s name cleverly hinted at their British tinged material but right from the start the group began performing Elliott’s strong, quirky originals.
After signing for Autumn Records they commenced recording songs and one tune in particular caught the ear of the Autumn jocks – the harmonica and tambourine laced “Laugh, Laugh.” The choice for the first Beau Brummels’ Autumn single was a no-brainer.
Regardless of how the tide was turning in 1964, Elliott insists that his creations were not inspired by the Beatles.
“My reason to get the band together in the first place was to hear some of my songs played. I was very unfamiliar with pop radio, but I do remember turning it on once, hearing a Four Seasons’ record – I don’t remember which one – shutting it off after the first chorus and then sitting down to write “Laugh, Laugh.”
