| Ray Davies
Madison, Wisconsin Barrymore Theatre March 13, 2006 By: Heidi Lee SugarBuzz Magazine Editor's Note: Photos are not from show. |
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| Monday, March 13th, 2006 kicked off the first leg of Ray Davies’ American tour to support the release of his latest solo album, “Other People’s Lives”. This really wasn’t Davies’ first American tour stop this winter season (he did a one-off show in New York in November), but judging from the fans shouts of anticipation in the darkened Barrymore Theatre in Madison, it might as well have been.
The auditorium wasn’t sold out, but it had a feeling of maximum capacity as Ray Davies bounded on stage and launched everybody into pure Kinks bliss with a rousing sing-a-long of the anthem, “I’m Not Like Everybody Else”. “It’s been a long time, Madison,” Davies shouted before heading into another high energy Kinks tune, (“Where Have All the Good Times Gone”), and truly, it had. Seeing all of the fans, some with fists in the air, heads bobbing along to the sounds, he was more than welcome back. |
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Davies was aptly backed by his band, which he referred to as The Other People (knowledge of whether this is the group’s true name, or a reference to Davies’ new album is not clear), and included guitarist Mark Johns, bassist Dick Nolan, and drummer Toby Baron. They transitioned perfectly from the next song, a gem from The Kinks’ 1971 album, Muswell Hillbillies, “20th Century Man”, right into a song from the new album, “After the Fall”.
The new songs rocked just as hard as the older ones, proving that no matter how timeless Davies’ writing with The Kinks was, he remains a relevant force with plenty more to say. He is surely not your typical “oldies” act, and he spent the next two hours proving just that. |
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| While there were many Kinks songs played to appease any fan from any era (i.e. a beautiful performance of “Oklahoma U.S.A.” and a campy, full out version of “Low Budget”), there was much attention given to Ray’s more current projects. Not only did he perform plenty of songs from “Other People’s Lives”, but he did a searing send up of “London Song” from 1998’s “Storyteller” album, which had the crowd dancing and clapping for more. Costume changes were few, but most notably was Davies’ introduction of “Max,” his “identical twin” and alter-ego who strutted on stage in a gaudy purple suit jacket and a multi-colored hat to perform the quirky new tune, “Stand Up Comic”. Anyone who expected the type of Ray Davies show that he did during his “Storyteller” tour would have been pleasantly surprised to see the nice mix of both the melodically mellow and the rock your socks off moments this concert provided. Early on in the show, after rolling out some rockin’ Kinks classics, Davies slowed things down saying, “I’ve just made the transition from rock ‘n roller to serious singer/songwriter,” before beginning a trio of songs from 1968’s “Village Green Preservation Society”. The audience was treated to “Village Green”, “Picture Book” and “Johnny Thunder”, with Davies accompanied only by Johns on guitar. Later, equally exquisite moments would occur when Davies, joined by a lovely Swedish female singer, preformed “A Long Way From Home” (from 1970’s, “Lola vs. the Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One”, dedicated to his brother Dave Davies) and a new song, “The Getaway (Lonesome Train)”. |
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| As for the house filling, wall shaking rock ‘n roll, Davies and band continued to not disappoint. His newer songs, “The Morning After”, and “The Tourist” had the audience moving just as much as any Kinks tune. Davies finished the show with the exuberant kick of “All Day and All of the Night”, bidding the audience a fond farewell and even taking a few seconds to graciously shake hands and sign a couple of autographs for a few eager fans in the front row (including yours truly). The only downside of a show like this is the feeling that it leaves you with of wanting more. “Lola” was Davies only encore song, leaving one craving an extra bit more. Perhaps “Days” and/or “Waterloo Sunset” could have traditionally capped it off nicely. |
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| However, it must be remembered that by including so much of the new material, Davies didn’t have as much room for the “Golden Oldies”. It’s hard to criticize him on that note, because Davies is extremely unique among acts that are primarily known for their older work. Instead of riding along on just his phenomenal past achievements, Davies continues to cultivate and create new stories for the listener to ponder and enjoy.
Be it about “Other Peoples Lives” or something even closer to home, Ray Davies is a complete performing pro. He is a rarity that can bring a crowd to their feet with great music, yet still appears as approachable as your own “Next Door Neighbor”. If he’s due to make an appearance anywhere near your town, don’t hesitate to pick up a ticket. Davies has been through a lot these past few years. The stress of presenting something new to the world in the middle of a near death experience after being shot in New Orleans would be enough to make anybody want to retire. However, something tells me that Ray Davies touring “Days” is far from over. |
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| Madison set list: I’m Not Like Everybody Else Where Have All the Good Times Gone After the Fall 20th Century Man Oklahoma U.S.A. Village Green Picture Book Johnny Thunder Sunny Afternoon Dead End Street Next Door Neighbor |
The Tourist Low Budget (20 Minute Intermission) London Song The Morning After Stand Up Comic Creatures of Little Faith A Long Way From Home The Getaway (Lonesome Train) Tired of Waiting For You Set Me Free All Day and All of the Night Encore: Lola |
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