As musician Marshall Crenshaw explained, "There's something about 'Walk Away Renee' that's one of the most powerful songs I've ever heard, just in terms of provoking an emotional reaction." In 2005, Rolling Stone placed it at No. 220 in the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The track returned to nationwide charts with cover versions by The Four Tops (1967), Southside Johnny and the Jukes (1986), and Rick Price (1993).

Michael Brown has stated that the song is one of a number he wrote about Renée Fladen (later Fladen-Kamm), the then-girlfriend of the Left Banke's bassist Tom Finn and object of Brown's affection. She was associated with the band for a few weeks and was described as a free-spirited and tall blonde. Brown wrote it one month after he met her. "Walk Away Renée" was one of a series of love songs the infatuated Brown wrote for his muse. Other works about her include the band's second hit "Pretty Ballerina" and "She May Call You Up Tonight". After decades of obscurity, she was identified in 2001 as a noted singer, vocal teacher, and artist on the West Coast.

Thanks for your listen.