Larry Marks - "L.A. Break Down (And Take Me In)" (1968)

[musicforfun]

Does anybody besides me think that the background vocals on this great record are done by The Mamas & the Papas?? It sounds too much like them to be anybody else. Given the time frame, I believe that Lou Adler was still managing the Mamas & Papas and had ties with Herb Alpert and A&M records. The flute in the song's arrangement also is similar to the flute on "California Dreaming". It all kind of ties in...just wondering.

[MR94RB1]

I read somewhere that he sang the first version of the scooby-doo theme song, so i searched him on youtube to see if he made any records. This was the first one i saw, so i clicked on it and liked the song. Thanks for posting.

[Zeppolino100]

For years and years I've tried to find this song, which was a special favorite of mine at that time. I really thought I would never hear it ever again. Thanks for making me wrong!

[Wolfsky9]

Brings me to tears--fall of 68, what a time it was. Wolfsky9

[Wolfsky9]

Maybe I'm just old-school, but to me, nothing will ever beat the 45 RPM Momo-sound of this, & all the 50's & 60's classics. Mono is the only way to listen to it--just like my old car radio. Wolfsky9

[Wolfsky9]

Fall of '68, I was 22 y/o, campaigning for Humphrey --still in shock over the loss of RFK & MLK--& this song seemed a theme for me at the time. Never, ever tire of hearing it. A hidden 60's Masterpiece. Wolfsky9

[Zeppolino100]

@Wolfsky9 I loved this song too my friend--and 43 years later, I'm still not over the loss of RFK. I often think how very different the world would have been had he lived and been President instead of Nixon. Humphrey too, who I had the honor of shaking hands with, would have made the world a better place. Take care my friend.

[vampyros1]

Evidently Jack Jones thought something of it ..... lol He pulled all the charm from it and rendered it a schlocky, syrupy sloooow ballad. I like this original though.

[Wolfsky9]

What a timeless classic this is! I never, ever tired of hearing it., Fall of '68, in Denver, 950 AM, KIMN. Wolfsky9

[storrs19]

I thought I was the only one who remembered this, another song I heard on Joe Donovan's overnight snow. Great soft pop song that should have been a hit but never was. I have this as well on 45.

[Cantabrigidian]

@storrs19 Joe Donovan's overnight show is where I first heard it

[williamportor]

I remember listiening to this song on my 1st radio when I was 14. I never thought I'd hear it again. Thanks you tube!

[medanie]

Anyone have the Helen Reddy version?

[Telyn13]

@medanie

Larry Marks produced the Helen Reddy version which was part of her "i Don't Know How To Love Him" LP and went Gold. It should be easy to find and was the best version ever put down. Now if only Michael Buble.....

[Wolfsky9]

I own 2 copies of this all-time Lost 60's Classic, & I treasure them! I loved--LOVED- this song, & I still do, Today. I was 22 y/o in Fall of '68, & I played this song to death, never, ever tiring of it. In Denver, it only got to #18 on the Top 40, 950 AM, KIMN; it should have been a much,much bigger hit. Thank-you so much for this post. Now, if only someone puts on " Impressions", By The Jones Boys, from Summer, '66!! Wolfsky9

[losingiswinning]

Larry Marks sang the Scooby Doo theme song: his biggest hit!

[TopshelfTom]

@losingiswinning Austin Roberts sang the Scooby Doo theme for the 2nd season (season 1 was an instrumental opener)....season 3 onward was Larry...

[unclegangus]

I have found so many songs and other things on You Tube that I didnt think that i would ever get to see or hear again.......Thanks everyone for posting

[unclegangus]

this song was on the charts for just a short time.....and didnt even break into Billboards hot 100 only making it  to 129 for just one week in oct of 68. For some reason this song has been rattling around my head all these years. and I finally found it on You Tube.....just as I remember it in 1968......thanks for posteing it.............

[schnertblatt]

I remember the same thing about this only being played on the radio for a very short time, then disappearing. I love being able to find stuff like this on YouTube!

[DavidCKendall]

I used to have this 45, and played it to death..Way ahead of it's time. If you're familiar with Brewer & Shipley's Down in L.A. album, also on A&M, I think the production values are similiar..very high fidelity..thanks so much for bringing this back to my ears...!

[Wolfsky9]

To DavidCKendall, Sir, I have 2 copies of this 45, & I'd be happy to tape it for you. let me know if you're interested; a true, 60's Classic. Wolfsky9

[SandhillsHabitat]

MP3??

[DavidCKendall]

@Wolfsky9 Thanks for the offer! I also have the disc, but no turntable. Happy to see it digitized!

[hollyyt53]

I love this song...one of my favorites from the 60's. Beautiful vocals and arrangement. Wherever Mr. Marks is thanks for this song.