The Kinks were an English rock band that released twenty-four studio albums between 1964 and 1993. Singer–guitarist and songwriter Ray Davies formed the band with his guitarist–singer brother Dave Davies. The original lineup featured bassist Pete Quaife and drummer Mick Avory. They burst on the scene with the twin hits “You Really Got Me” and […]
Thought experiment: correlate each class of ’77 UK punk/new wave act to their class of ’64 British beat antecedent (or correlate the ’64 beat act to their ’77 doppelganger). I offered ten comparisons for consideration (A–J). Explore the parallels and similarities that distinguished each pair from their respective kin. Class of ’64 vs. Class of […]
Everyone knows the first British Invasion of 1964, spearheaded by The Beatles and codified as a movement by The Dave Clark Five. They opened the US charts to UK acts that ranged from Mersey-lite Northerners (Gerry & The Pacemakers, Herman’s Hermits, The Hollies, The Searchers, Freddie & The Dreamers) to rough/edgy Londoners (The Rolling Stones, […]
Something Else by The Kinks is the fifth proper studio album by The Kinks, released in 1967 on Pye (UK) and Reprise (US). Recorded during the band’s four-year exile from stateside touring, the album reflects a more idiosyncratically English sensibility than prior efforts. The album covers a range of styles, including harpsichord-laden narratives (“Two Sisters”), […]
The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society is an album by English pop-rock/music-hall foursome The Kinks, released in November 1968 on Pye in the UK and Reprise in the States. Tracklist: A1. “The Village Green Preservation Society” (2:50) A2. “Do You Remember Walter?” (2:27) A3. “Picture Book” (2:39) A4. “Johnny Thunder” (2:32) A5. “Last […]
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) is a concept album by English rock/music-hall combo The Kinks, released in October 1969 on Pye/Reprise. Tracklist: A1. “Victoria” (3:40) A2. “Yes Sir, No Sir” (3:46) A3. “Some Mother’s Son” (3:25) A4. “Drivin’” (3:21)* A5. “Brainwashed” (2:34) A6. “Australia” (6:46) B1. “Shangri-La” (5:20) B2. […]
