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| The Kinks
Way Back Machine by Heidi Lee December 31, 2005 SugarBuzz Magazine |
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| Most Americans remember 1964 as the year the Beatles invaded America. Well really, you could only say ‘invasion’ after the second band got here, The Dave Clark Five (reviewed HERE). Now, along with the Fab Four came a brace of British acts quick to capitalize on the sudden popularity of anything to do with “Swinging London.” Some were good, some were great, but none were as unique and innovative as The Kinks. Formed in the early sixties in the Muswell Hill section of North London, The Kinks consisted of Ray Davies on vocals and rhythm guitar, his younger brother Dave Davies playing lead guitar and back up vocals, Peter Quaife with the bass, and Mick Avory banging the drums. All the bands had their signature look and the Kinks were no exception. Like the dandies they sang about, they wore lacy shirts, long riding coats with tails and riding pants and boots. While The Kinks, in different incarnations, have continued to perform into the mid-nineties always with the brothers Davies at the core, it can be debated that their work in the 60’s was some of their absolute best. |
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Riding the wave of that British Invasion, The Kinks’ first big hit was the immortal, “You Really Got Me”, written by Ray and featuring a one-of-a-kind guitar sound that was created by Dave when he stuck a pair of knitting needles (in some versions a toy sword) into a small, very famous green, eight-watt amp, giving birth to the “fuzz box.” Resulting in that rough edged sound that occurred when he strummed and would help to distinguish the early Kinks. We’ve all heard the famous quote; “I didn’t call it Heavy Metal when I invented it.” It’s a matter of record. Dave Davies and the Kinks did it first.
After the success of “You Really Got Me”, the band followed up with hits like “All Day and All of the Night”, and the more subdued, “Tired of Waiting For You”. |
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| Soon they were one of the most in-demand bands and were playing to packed houses all over the world, including the United States.
There was that incident on the TV show, Shindig in 1964 with the Musicians Union. One version is; Dave lied about his age to get into this country. He was 16 not 18 and believe it or not, the Kinks were blacklisted and could not and did not play in the US until the early 70’s. These were crucial years in records sales, touring and those precious covers of 16 Magazine and Tiger Beat. Sadly The Kinks got left behind while the Beatles, Dave Clark Five, Stones, Animals, Herman’s Hermits, Peter and Gordon, etc. raked it in. |
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| Additionally, the already fragile relationship of the group was made worse with sibling spats and under Ray’s direction they headed towards a mellower, introspective style, During this period of being shut out of a most important market, Ray’s writing became more influenced by suburban family life, and what The Kinks are probably best known for is portraying the plight of the common man, the British commoner, that is. All the while, they maintained a tongue-in-cheek sarcasm in songs like “Dedicated Follower of Fashion,” (the only rock song covered by Sir Noel Coward) “A Well Respected Man,” and “Sunny Afternoon.”
Though that trilogy were hits in many parts of the world, they only broke into the United States’ top forty for a short time. While America was heading for an era of peace, love and flower power, The Kinks almost entirely passed on the psychedelic age, instead continuing on with an undeniably British sound with the likes of melodic songs like “Waterloo Sunset”. Reputedly the most beautiful song in Rock and Roll. |
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| During the later 60’s, the band produced what many consider to be two of their greatest album works. “The Village Green Preservation Society” and “Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)”. Both of these albums featured a common theme. “The Village Green…” focused on characters living in a simple village and the act of defending a dying culture.
The rock opera “Arthur…” was a more personal work for the Davies brothers, as it focused on the quest of a brother-in-law who tried to better the life of his family by moving them to a so-called “promised land,” (Australia) where nothing was really the way he had hoped. Both albums brought to light the struggle of every day people, a theme that The Kinks have embraced throughout their entire career. This rock opera also pre-dates Tommy by the Who. Again, the Kinks did it first. However masterful those two albums are to fans today, none of them were as commercially successful as their early rockers. It wouldn’t be until the early 70’s release of “Lola” and the lifting of the United States touring ban that the group would enjoy the same type of success that they had in their early years. |
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Despite various challenges, the 60’s were very good to The Kinks. They introduced the world to some very memorable guitar riffs, and cultivated one of the planet’s most prolific songwriters in Ray Davies. The group, with their distinctive sound, witty lyrics and dynamic personas paved the way for many British acts to follow, influencing many many Americans along the way as well. Their songs are still covered today and have never sounded dated. The Kinks are truly some ofthe 1960’s most “well-respected” men.
Clive Davis was one of their champions and helped to revive their career in the 80’s when he signed them to Arista resulting in more fine work. The biggest breakout hit being “Come Dancing.” Of course they’ve been |
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inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1990). During the better part of the 90’s, Ray Davies has toured with his one-man show and wrote several books. The latest news is a stroke in 2004 has Dave on the road to recovery. Please take a moment to check out his website and look at his amazing paintings he has produced during his therapy. And Ray has a new release due in early 2006. Kinks fans everywhere quietly watch and wait. We are in paradise. |
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| Kinks, the Official Biography; John Savage The Kinks, All Day and All of the Night: Doug Hinman Kink: An Autobiography: Dave Davies X-Ray: The Unauthorized Autobiography: Ray Davies Kinks unofficial website: http://kinks.it.rit.edu/ |
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