British tax rates at the time were punishingly high for the upper classes -- leading many UK artists to move to the U.S. until later on, after the tax laws had changed.
When he (ray Davies) was playing this with Kelly Jones (stereophonics) he turned to Kelly and said "what are the chords again" I love that. It's like when Dylan said he doesn't know how to write them songs anymore. It's like they're taken over by some supernatural phenomenon . The music just channels through them. Amazing
Mid 60's Kinks and you still can't go wrong... They changed with the decades but Davies lyrics always hit home.. add great and catchy melodies , you got a legend.. Nice review
Destroyer came out in 1981 and Punk was already a popular genre. The Sex Pistols, The Stooges, MC5, etc had already released albums by 1981. Not a good example for using for the seeds if punk
Out of all the great artists The Kinks always sing about the realities of life they are just true blue about life and it's many many situations. This song is just Classic at it's best.
Always unique. Ray is a brilliant songwriter. I met his brother Dave when he did a solo tour. A really nice guy who took his time to talk to us after the show. Waterloo sunset...check that out
AAAHHHH, the Kinks. I have seen them live three times, and every single time, Ray and Dave have gotten into a fight and one of them has walked off the stage (Dave twice, and Ray once). And I would gladly pay to see it again -- but not for the fighting. I adore their music; they were an enormous influence on SO many bands of the 70's, 80's, and 90's. Just look at how many bands have covered their material. More!
One of the original British Invasion bands , kicked out of the US for 4 years in the 60's. Became arena rock giants from late 70's til mid 80's. Huge influence on all those that followed.
I remember when the Kinks had their huge comeback in the 80's starting with "Come Dancing." Though "Do It Again" has more repeatability for me. It's just such a cool song and puts you in a hype mood.
"Come Dancing" is my favorite. It makes me think of an amusement park near me, Crystal Beach, over 100 years old that is sadly now gone and replaced by a gated community but the "big bands" did come to play there.
The Kinks were dedicated social commentators - they had many socially relevant hit songs. Try "Dedicated Follower of Fashion" or "A Well Respected Man". There were other great social commentators in U.K. history...Gilbert and Sullivan wrote the comic opera musical "The Mikado" - you must hear "I've Got a Little List".
This song is emulating 1920s instrumental styling and crooning along the lines of Al Jolson. The descending minor bass line is rather common, with "Stray Cat Strut" by the Stray Cats putting it front and center.
Come Dancing - Kinks. Guys, you’d love this total fun dancing banger from 83’. This was also a Huge hit in America! Love to see you react to it! Thanks!
I’m glad that you have been introduced to one of my favourite bands from the sixties. Waterloo Sunset - my favourite song by the Kinks - can truly be described as a classic. Another signature icon of theirs is Lola. Now, if nothing else, you have to listen to Lola. It’s about a young bloke’s experience in a London West End night club in Soho (please don’t mistake it for the district of the same name in New York); an area with somewhat of a particular reputation during the sixties and seventies. Just like the protagonist in the song, I promise you, you will get a little surprise.
@@sage6336 I respectfully have to disagree. Dave wrote some pretty spectacular guitar riffs but 95% of the words to Kinks songs were from Ray. This is very well documented.
"Give the People What They Want" should be your next Kinks song! Hard rocking quirky banger whose meaning fits into today's societal problems perfectly.
It is amazing how many of their songs stay relevant or become relevant to todays issues. The entire Low Budget album could be speaking of the year we just had.
This song was released in 1966 and made it to Number 1 for 2 weeks. Like the Beatle's song "Taxman", this was written to protest a progressive tax by the British government under Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Dedicated Follower of Fashion, another great song. The Kinks, just a fabulous Band. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦
I understood it as a teenager at the time as a bit of a sarcastic take on the Aristocratic Rich people's attitude to the tax. However, I later learned artists like The Rolling Stones moved out of the country to avoid the tax, which was like 93% if you were earning over a Mill per annum. That explains the Beatles' more direct criticism.
The song is ironic... although the super rich were being squeezed by the Labour government's tax hike, you can't feel much sympathy for the protagonist lazing in his stately home, living a dissolute life of luxury and being cruel to their girlfriend... Davis' sympathises were definitely with the working class.
@@flamencoprof The Rolling Stones had their electricity cut off from their Chateau in France because they couldnt pay the bills. This was in 1968, so well into their career. These guys didnt start earning big till well into the 70s.
I find it very hard to believe this was written as a tax protest. If it had been Davies would surely have made made the main character less of an unlikeable sod. Millionnaires moaning about tax is among the less edifying parts of rock'n'roll history, but I'm pretty sure that's what not Davies doing here.
The Kinks had hits 3 decades in a row. My favorite is "Destroyer" because it is a Grunge style song that came out a decade before Grunge began. FYI, the Kinks have a record called "Give the people what they want". 😀
Yes Amber The Kinks were an influence on The Doors. They were one of Jim Morrison's favorite artists. Both Jim Morrison and Ray Davies are very literary. The Doors hit "Hello I Love You" is inspired by The Kinks "All Day And All Of The Night".
Another Kinks song released shortly after Sunny Afternoon is Dead End Street. Similar musical style and sound (though very different melody) and it was unique in its era for dealing with the daily life of the very poor, or underclass. Underrated then and now I think because its subject was more serious than was typical of pop & rock music.
My first recollection of the Kinks here in Australia was their controversial hit song "Lola". Many radio stations banned it at the time. A MUST listen.
I always interpreted this as a rich guy complaining about his taxes while living a life of luxury, but isn't it nice to live that life enjoying a sunny afternoon. But that's the greta thing about music, it can mean whatever the listener hears. Peace and Happy New Year! (Tedeschi-Trucks: I Pity the Fool, live at The Orpheum, to end or start a year would be awesome!)
Ray Davies wrote several songs satirically commenting on British upper middle class life and his own status as the suddenly successful star. Another one to listen to is Well Respected Man.
Please do Come Dancing from 1983. The song is a tribute to Ray and Dave Davies sister Renee ,who on the night of Ray’s 13th birthday died of a heart attack while out dancing with friends due to a weakened heart from an earlier childhood illness. This was after she gave him his first guitar.
Great Kinks track! Review "Lola", "Come Dancing" if not done already. Another British band you guys should react to are "The Housemartins". "Caravan Of Love" an acapella classic.
Love them and the Stones. Music is great and when you are younger that makes you like it. As you get older the lyrics make you go "wow" and you come to appreciate and respect it.
It is a such pleasure to hear the songs I grew up with played and appreciated by you both. I heard you playing the Kinks tonight and thought you might enjoy listening to their song that was banned for a time in the UK and USA. The song is “Lola” and it became a hit in 1970. I think you will find it a surprise and a big departure from their other songs. Another song you should definitely check out is Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit it’s the Sky” from 1969 if you haven’t already. Anyway This this soon to be 71 year old is always delighted to watch and see both of your reactions and interactions to the music and with each other. There was nothing like the 70’s it was a great time to be alive. Thanks!
Amber, great observation!! I'm 68 and never thought of the Kinks being the Doors before the doors, but as soon as you said it, it just resonated with me! Great insight.
Lola, and Celluloid Heroes. In my opinion, the two best 2 Kinks tunes ever... Celluloid Heroes is about all the old Hollywood stars, while Lola takes you on a fun little romp.
Part of the reason this sounds so different from Father Christmas, was that Sunny Afternoon was recorded 11 years earlier in 1966. By 1977, both the kinks and rock music had changed a lot, the Beatles had broken up 7 yrs previously for a time reference
British Taxes in the 60s on entertainers was a huge percentage. That's what this is referring to that all the money was going toward taxes. The Beatles did a song "Taxman" about the same subject.
These guys were part of the Invasion Part 2. They gave us LOTS of great music. I just have to say that the Human brain never ceases to blow me away... You Two review a song i haven't heard in decades, and I automatically know the next line as the song plays. We are amazing creatures. Happy Holidays and be nice to each other - Positive Mental Attitude is infectious. 🎹🎹🎹 🎸🎸
All true except they were part of the first British Invasion. "You Really Got Me" hit the U.S. top ten in 1964 and they toured America in 1965. Along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and many others who compromised "the first British Invasion". What is commonly considered part two, or "the Second British Invasion" was the arrival of the British bands like Iron Maiden, Duran Duran, Culture Club, Billy Idol, and others in the mid 1980's.
@@dragon-shepherd I know the feeling. I was telling my younger brother about watching The Velvet Underground at the Boston Tea Party back in the 60s recently. He stopped me and said "I know, you brought me with you!". I was like "Oh, I did?" 😀
Great tune, HUGE Kinks fan here. If you ever get around to featuring them again I suggest 'Celluloid Heroes', a song about the old time Hollywood stars. It's wonderful.
I’m so excited to see you reacting again to my favorite band! Ray Davies is a genius songwriter. He can write in so many different styles from country to music hall to rock and punk. You have a treasure trove of songs to explore! Try Lola next-it is one of their most well known songs. Have a Happy New Year! 🥳
The Kinks have a very diverse catalog, had hits through the 60's, 70's & 80's. They influenced, garage rock, punk & metal bands & were covered several times by Van Halen & others. Some other must listen Kinks are Lola, I'm Not Like Everybody Else, Apeman, Rock N Roll Fantasy, Low Budget, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, Where Have All The Good Times Gone, Come Dancing, All Day & All Of The Night, Well Respected Man, Living On A. Thin Line, Destroyer, Tired Of Waiting For You, Till The End Of The Day, Celluloid Heroes, Days, Don't Forget To Dance, Set Me Free, Stop Your Sobbing, Yes Sir, No Sir, Do It Again.
I love seeing you both react to the Kinks again! I hope there's more to come. Would love to see you add "Lola" to the list soon. I'm curious what you think of the lyrics! Thanks for your videos and for keeping me so entertained this year!
I have a great suggestion for your “Female Friday” segment. Her name is Joan Armatrading. She is a Kittitian-English songwriter, singer and guitarist that has been one of my favorites for decades. Originally from St. Kitts, she now resides in Wales. She has been recording for 50 years and Has over 20 albums to her credit. Three of my favorites tunes are “Kind Words and A Real Good Heart,” “The Laurel And The Rose” and “Love and Affection.” Guarantee she will turn out to be a favorite.
The Kinks were more than British Invasion, Ray Davies is still putting out music. A great song to review would be one call, "A Rock N Roll Fantasy" from The Kinks' 1978 album Misfits. While Ray Davis was writing the song in 1977, he learned that Elvis Presley had died, which influenced the lyric. He was staying in New York at the time, and when he looked out his window late at night, he saw a single light on in one of the buildings. Davies imagined that light being the apartment of an ardent Elvis fan, which became the character Dan the Fan in the song.
Long life the Kinks. Kinks forever. First Punk Riff, Dream Lyrics, perfect Harmonies ... what a great Band. Dead End Street, Waterloo Sunset, You Really got me, All day and all of the Night, Dandy, Picture Book, death of a Clown...... and and and
For more Kinks magic, you might try their first big hit in the UK, You Really Got Me, which some call the prototype for heavy metal. It's pretty simple, but still packs a punch. At the time, in the UK, it was just our pop music, recently enlivened by the rather harder beat music (derived from the beat movement in music, poetry and lifestyle from which the Beatles emerged, the precursor to the mods and then the hippies of the later 60s). Based largely on black American rhythm and blues, once it had been filtered through a British, mostly working class sensibility and we returned it to the US it was christened the 'British Invasion'. But, guys, it was really your music all along... Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks is a 60s classic. I recommend listening to the studio version first. The ground-breaking theme of Lola was and maybe still is a little risque for some; not sure if you've reacted to this yet but it's great, fun song with a story you need to listen to closely, and was a huge hit. Autumn Almanac is a very British description of Autumn (Fall) in suburbia. See My Friends has these bad beat boys getting more mystical and verging on the psychedelic. Ray Davies, the lead vocalist and songwriter of the group was and still is fantastically talented with his evocative words and images combined with all those catchy 60s hooks. And that voice! Another great British 60s band you'd probably enjoy is the Small Faces. If you haven't already checked it out yet, try Itchycoo Park, another quintessentially English song about those lazy, hazy days of summer with a catchy melody, snappy beat and definite hippy/psychedelic vibes. Steve Marriot's voice was another one of the wonders of the era. The Who's earlier music fits right in to this 60s beat/pop vibe. Try Substitute (their Top of the Pops performance has a nice video with the band performing in full 60s mod regalia), My Generation (although you may have already done that one?) or any of their early hits. There's another, wonderful video of them playing live in a small London club and it's crazy but I've forgotten the song now, I just remember the mods dancing... It might have been I Can't Explain... definitely 'my generation', so hugely nostalgic for me... And it's a good reminder that these often quite simple (at least on the surface) and almost inarticulate songs mostly existed for teenagers to dance to and were an expression of the mod (=modernist) youth culture of the time. And out of this gritty little melting pot grew most the musical trends and genres of the later 60s and 70s that are probably better known nowadays than their predecessors. 🙂
The Kinks are one of the best groups to incorporate a lot of humour in their music, very similar to Bare Naked Ladies (albeit decades beforehand). While I love their 60's stuff, I don't think their 70's resurgence music gets enough reactions. Songs like Misfits, Sleepwalker, Low Budget, Life on the Road, and Black Messiah are fire! Also second the suggestions below for Rock and Roll Fantasy and Celluloid Heroes!
The Kinks were actually to be first British band to tour the U.S. (before the Beatles), but Davies refused because he felt the promoters wanted too big a cut.A year later the Beatles came. Rock history may have been very different had Davies not stuck by his principles. Always had a lot of respect for him for standing his ground.
MANY covers of Kinks songs especially from the Punk / New Wave era, some of the most notable being:- Stop Your Sobbing - The Pretenders, David Watts - The Jam, All of The Day and All of the Night - The Stranglers & Days, Kirsty McColl
I love the Kinks. This one is very laid-back and Mellow. If you want to hear something from The British Invation with a little more kick, check out The Dave Clark 5 (Glad All Over or Any Way You Want It.)
I remember this. Love the Kinks, You Really Got Me, and All Day and All of the Night! The British invasion was really cool because so much music was coming through. All kinds of music and it was fun.
Always a pleasure to have you react to The Kinks. Such a great great band. Much of their music has a lot of social commentary and historical perspective. And at times, lots of sarcasm. Suggestions: Victoria, Australia, 20th Century Man is a must hear! Also Lola, The Contenders and Get Back Into Line.
This is my favorite Kinks song! And even on classic rock channels this gets so little air play it kills me. I just love that you guys keep picking all my favorite songs! Love you guys! {{{hugs}}}
If you haven't heard "Lola", I recommend that for your next Kinks song. If you have, then I'd go with "Tired of Waiting for You". The Kinks' earliest music influenced metal and punk. By the time of "Sunny Afternoon", their Englishness and tunefulness came more to the forefront, and this style influenced Britpop.
Oh! One of my sweetest memories is hearing this song as I walked up from Manhattan Beach to buy a coke on a very hot day. I can remember singing this song as I skipped from the blazing hot pavement into the cool cement of the shade. I think of that day as a 14 year old every time I hear this song. Loved the beach. Love the song...
These are the Kinks' Tier 1 songs you haven't done - All Day and All of the Night (1964) - a raw riff rocker that directly influenced the Who (I Can't Explain 1965), the Doors (Hello I Love You 1968) and later the Sex Pistols (Submission 1976) plus a ton of garage bands. Lola (1970) - a tune way ahead of its time which you will soon discover. Celluloid Heroes (1972) - just a beautiful song about Hollywood with so much to say about celebrity. A Rock and Roll Fantasy (1978) - written at the time of Elvis Presley's death and about whether the Kinks should continue on and also a bit about fandom. Come Dancing (1983) - a great story telling song paying tribute to his older sister who died while out dancing after gifting Ray his first guitar on his birthday that same day. There are quite a few more but I digress. My fave is Shangri-la (1969).
Hi Jay and Amber … glad you like the record… as a 17 year old I was the tape operator / assistant on the original recording of this session.. a wonderful track from my history … Alan McKenzie the engineer and Shel Talmy the producer …. And it sounds fabulous today … happy new year …. With Nickie Hopkins. And Clem Cattini drums … with Rays wife and Dave on B/V’s. Wow ..
Whatever the meaning behind the Kinks "Sunny Afternoon," we barely-teen boys & girls working summer jobs en masse in the football-field-long berry fields of the Pacific Northwest would hear this song on our mutually tuned transistor radios and know that we didn't want to be bent over in the dirt and heat, filling little boxes with berries. We wanted to be lazing on those sunny afternoons in our grassy yards at home with ice-cold beers (a/k/a soft drinks or lemonade) or else at the beach or city parks. Smart-alec boys and budding girls, checkin' out each other and pretending our rebellion from authority. What a memory. Thanks, Jay & Amber!!
"All Day And All Of The Night" 1964 "You Really Got Me" 1964 are my favourite songs by The Kinks. "Lola" 1970 is another great song by The Kinks that actually got banned at The BBC. Many people think that it was banned because it was about a drag Queen/Transvestite, but that wasn't the reason at all. It was banned because it included the words Coca-Cola, and the BBC doesn't allow any advertising whatsoever, so they had to change the lyrics to Cherry Cola. The song reached #2 on The UK charts, and #9 on The Billboard Hot 100.
Kinks are one of the most enduring bands of the British Invasion. They were basically together from 1963 to 1993. Their influence on Rock music cannot be overstated. Their initial British Invasion run of the sixties produces some of the most iconic songs of that decade (All Day and All Of The Night, Where Have All The Good Times Gone and Tired Of Waiting For You). They kicked off the 70s with Lola and their albums for Arista in the mid to late 70s kept them going when most British Invasion bands were pretty much done (Rock And Roll Fantasy Jukebox Music and Catch Me Now I’m Falling, which blatantly steals the riff from Jumpin Jack Flash from the Stones). They continued with some very big songs in the 80s (Destroyer and Come Dancing). To say they are a rabbit hole or deep dive would be a bit of an understatement. Enjoy you two so much.
Saw them in person back in the 60's. They were good. Liked them from the beginning. Sad that the brothers didn't get along with each other but ya wouldn't know it when they were on stage.
@@tompurcell1499 awhhh don't be. I saw the Beatles too but they couldn't be heard cuz of the screaming. Still have the ticket stub..... Now be jealous. Lol😋
This song was used in an incredible movie that you guys need to check out. It's called "Pirate Radio", and it's about a teenage boy in the early 60's, who spends time on a ship off the English coast, that broadcasts rock and pop music, since the BBC wouldn't play that kind of music.
Yes the Kinks are a very versatile group. I think you might enjoy the ir songs, "Sleepwalker", Juke Box Music"" "Destroyer" "Victoria" "Lola" And for a laugh you might want to try "A Gallon Of Gas"
Every time Jay says, “we gotta give the people what they want,” I think you should react to The Kinks song, “Give the People What They Want” from their “Give the People What They Want” album - I think you already reacted to “Better Things” off that album. Hard to believe that you haven’t reacted to The Kinks, “Lola” yet!
My band "Keynote Speakers " does a great rendition of this song. The crowd always seems to love it. One of those alot of people forgot about it and were always asked who does it because they recognize it.
I love the sarcasm of the line "I love to live so pleasantly" because it's anything but pleasant. That's the genius of Ray Davies songwriting skills.
British tax rates at the time were punishingly high for the upper classes -- leading many UK artists to move to the U.S. until later on, after the tax laws had changed.
When he (ray Davies) was playing this with Kelly Jones (stereophonics) he turned to Kelly and said "what are the chords again" I love that. It's like when Dylan said he doesn't know how to write them songs anymore. It's like they're taken over by some supernatural phenomenon . The music just channels through them. Amazing
@@twenty3enigma oh no taxing rich people haha
That really so the genius of Ray Davies. It’s cynical and tongue in cheek but all with humor and a real message or conclusion. outstanding and unique
Rays song WELL RESPECTED MAN ,I always think of this song as a sequel to it, both are satirical takes on the "upper crust" .
The Kinks have a wonderful, diverse library of songs. Very versatile in many styles. Always good.
And a strong sense of humour!!!
Ape Man
One of the greatest bands of all time, Great musicians, writers, singers, and incredibly innovative. Thanks you for playing this song.
Mid 60's Kinks and you still can't go wrong... They changed with the decades but Davies lyrics always hit home.. add great and catchy melodies , you got a legend.. Nice review
Jay & Amber, their "All Day And All Of The Night" and "Destroyer!!! They were the seeds of punk rock and metal rock!!
edit- They, meaning the Kinks.
As well as "Well Respected Man"
The seed of punk is A Band Called Death.... UA-cam the Documentary.
Destroyer came out in 1981 and Punk was already a popular genre. The Sex Pistols, The Stooges, MC5, etc had already released albums by 1981. Not a good example for using for the seeds if punk
“Till the End of the Day”
“You Really Got Me”
Destroyer wasn't until 1981, so I don't think it counts as a seed.
It's hard to see in 2023 - but the Kinks were cutting edge in 1960's. They laid a lot of meaning - between the lines of the song.
Out of all the great artists The Kinks always sing about the realities of life they are just true blue about life and it's many many situations. This song is just Classic at it's best.
Always unique. Ray is a brilliant songwriter. I met his brother Dave when he did a solo tour. A really nice guy who took his time to talk to us after the show. Waterloo sunset...check that out
AAAHHHH, the Kinks. I have seen them live three times, and every single time, Ray and Dave have gotten into a fight and one of them has walked off the stage (Dave twice, and Ray once). And I would gladly pay to see it again -- but not for the fighting. I adore their music; they were an enormous influence on SO many bands of the 70's, 80's, and 90's. Just look at how many bands have covered their material. More!
One of the original British Invasion bands , kicked out of the US for 4 years in the 60's. Became arena rock giants from late 70's til mid 80's. Huge influence on all those that followed.
The kinks were quite a versatile band. Each English band had their own distinctive style and feel.
Probably my favorite Kinks song. The honky-tonk piano adds such an interesting dimension!
I remember when the Kinks had their huge comeback in the 80's starting with "Come Dancing." Though "Do It Again" has more repeatability for me. It's just such a cool song and puts you in a hype mood.
"Do it again" is very underrated. The lyrics are excellent, not to mention everything else.
I love "Superman, Superman, I wish I could fly like Superman..."
I loved Destroyer
"Lola" was waaay ahead of it's time. Great song.
"Come Dancing" is my favorite. It makes me think of an amusement park near me, Crystal Beach, over 100 years old that is sadly now gone and replaced by a gated community but the "big bands" did come to play there.
One of my favourite Kinks’ songs!!! Among so many
😎👍😎👍😎👍
Ray Davies is a lyrical genius. Pick any song and it's good.
Of all of the British Invasion bands The Kinks remained the most British in their sounds. ✌️
Yes, singing in their own accent was unusual for British bands in those days.
The Kinks were dedicated social commentators - they had many socially relevant hit songs. Try "Dedicated Follower of Fashion" or "A Well Respected Man".
There were other great social commentators in U.K. history...Gilbert and Sullivan wrote the comic opera musical "The Mikado" - you must hear "I've Got a Little List".
What about "Apeman"... issues mentioned are still relevant today!
"I'm sure they won't be missed..." Yes, G&S's social commentary...
In the 60's in england the government used to take quite a bit of a percentage of your pay.listen to the beatles song tax man.
Dedicated Follower of Fashion is hilarious.
This song is emulating 1920s instrumental styling and crooning along the lines of Al Jolson.
The descending minor bass line is rather common, with "Stray Cat Strut" by the Stray Cats putting it front and center.
Good call on the bass line!!
"Stray Cat Strut" sounds very much like "Catswalk/"Cat Call," a McCartney Beatles-era instrumental.
Arguably the first band to do punk rock...could do it all...legendary...
Come Dancing - Kinks. Guys, you’d love this total fun dancing banger from 83’. This was also a Huge hit in America! Love to see you react to it! Thanks!
Agree!
Yea!! The Kinks are a great avenue to explore!! All the Day and All of the Night is another good song of theirs.
I’m glad that you have been introduced to one of my favourite bands from the sixties. Waterloo Sunset - my favourite song by the Kinks - can truly be described as a classic. Another signature icon of theirs is Lola.
Now, if nothing else, you have to listen to Lola. It’s about a young bloke’s experience in a London West End night club in Soho (please don’t mistake it for the district of the same name in New York); an area with somewhat of a particular reputation during the sixties and seventies.
Just like the protagonist in the song, I promise you, you will get a little surprise.
Ray Davies is one of the great English wordsmiths. Even his more recent solo albums offer so much to listen/think about
Dave Davis wrote the songs
@@sage6336 I respectfully have to disagree. Dave wrote some pretty spectacular guitar riffs but 95% of the words to Kinks songs were from Ray. This is very well documented.
"Give the People What They Want" should be your next Kinks song!
Hard rocking quirky banger whose meaning fits into today's societal problems perfectly.
It is amazing how many of their songs stay relevant or become relevant to todays issues. The entire Low Budget album could be speaking of the year we just had.
@@jimgeorge9476 So true!
"Rock and Roll Fantasy" and "Celluloid Heroes" are great tunes that tell a great story. Love your reactions. Cheers!
The live version of "Celluloid Heroes" is one of my favorite guitar jam songs! Kinks had so many great songs!
Celluloid Heroes - awesome song. Live version is spectacular. (One for the Road album)
Celluloid Heroes Live is my favorite! Truly awesome!
This song was released in 1966 and made it to Number 1 for 2 weeks.
Like the Beatle's song "Taxman", this was written to protest a progressive tax by the British government under Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
Dedicated Follower of Fashion, another great song. The Kinks, just a fabulous Band. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦
I was also thinking of "Taxman" to recommend. I love the Revolver album.
I understood it as a teenager at the time as a bit of a sarcastic take on the Aristocratic Rich people's attitude to the tax. However, I later learned artists like The Rolling Stones moved out of the country to avoid the tax, which was like 93% if you were earning over a Mill per annum.
That explains the Beatles' more direct criticism.
The song is ironic... although the super rich were being squeezed by the Labour government's tax hike, you can't feel much sympathy for the protagonist lazing in his stately home, living a dissolute life of luxury and being cruel to their girlfriend... Davis' sympathises were definitely with the working class.
@@flamencoprof The Rolling Stones had their electricity cut off from their Chateau in France because they couldnt pay the bills. This was in 1968, so well into their career. These guys didnt start earning big till well into the 70s.
I find it very hard to believe this was written as a tax protest. If it had been Davies would surely have made made the main character less of an unlikeable sod. Millionnaires moaning about tax is among the less edifying parts of rock'n'roll history, but I'm pretty sure that's what not Davies doing here.
The Kinks were something special, unique look, sound and most of all, ATTITUDE. Classic rock indeed.
The Kinks had hits 3 decades in a row. My favorite is "Destroyer" because it is a Grunge style song that came out a decade before Grunge began. FYI, the Kinks have a record called "Give the people what they want". 😀
Yes Amber The Kinks were an influence on The Doors. They were one of Jim Morrison's favorite artists. Both Jim Morrison and Ray Davies are very literary. The Doors hit "Hello I Love You" is inspired by The Kinks "All Day And All Of The Night".
'lnspired by' - that's a nice euphemism.
the Doors lost the court case...
Many fantastic songs. Do more Kinks please. Great reaction thanks
Another Kinks song released shortly after Sunny Afternoon is Dead End Street. Similar musical style and sound (though very different melody) and it was unique in its era for dealing with the daily life of the very poor, or underclass. Underrated then and now I think because its subject was more serious than was typical of pop & rock music.
Yes plus a really cool video which is pretty rare from this era,
m.ua-cam.com/video/i0WPC-N3UYE/v-deo.html
THIS ^^^
THIS ^^^^
One of the 20 greatest songs in the history of civilization. You're in for a treat.
My first recollection of the Kinks here in Australia was their controversial hit song "Lola". Many radio stations banned it at the time. A MUST listen.
Yes!!! Please do Lola!
Yes! Story with a brilliant twist!
Definitely react to Lola
I don't remember Lola being banned in Australia, but I do remember the lyric "Coca Cola" being changed to "cherry cola" (for legal reasons).
Please! React to Lola.
Two songs that were released nearly two decades apart: "A Well Respected Man" from the 60s and "Come Dancing" from the 80s.
Yay!!! More Kinks! Ok love them so much!! I have their Greatest Hits album! They are INCREDIBLE!!!❤️🥰👏👏
I always interpreted this as a rich guy complaining about his taxes while living a life of luxury, but isn't it nice to live that life enjoying a sunny afternoon. But that's the greta thing about music, it can mean whatever the listener hears. Peace and Happy New Year! (Tedeschi-Trucks: I Pity the Fool, live at The Orpheum, to end or start a year would be awesome!)
Ray Davies wrote several songs satirically commenting on British upper middle class life and his own status as the suddenly successful star. Another one to listen to is Well Respected Man.
Right...I just finally Got that idea! Never listened close to the lyrics before! Always liked the Band!
Please do Come Dancing from 1983. The song is a tribute to Ray and Dave Davies sister Renee ,who on the night of Ray’s 13th birthday died of a heart attack while out dancing with friends due to a weakened heart from an earlier childhood illness. This was after she gave him his first guitar.
Great Kinks track! Review "Lola", "Come Dancing" if not done already. Another British band you guys should react to are "The Housemartins". "Caravan Of Love" an acapella classic.
Yeah Lola is an absolute 💯 classic of The Kinks
The guitar riffs alone that this band came up with are phenomenal.
Love them and the Stones. Music is great and when you are younger that makes you like it. As you get older the lyrics make you go "wow" and you come to appreciate and respect it.
It is a such pleasure to hear the songs I grew up with played and appreciated by you both. I heard you playing the Kinks tonight and thought you might enjoy listening to their song that was banned for a time in the UK and USA. The song is “Lola” and it became a hit in 1970. I think you will find it a surprise and a big departure from their other songs. Another song you should definitely check out is Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit it’s the Sky” from 1969 if you haven’t already. Anyway This this soon to be 71 year old is always delighted to watch and see both of your reactions and interactions to the music and with each other. There was nothing like the 70’s it was a great time to be alive. Thanks!
Amber, great observation!! I'm 68 and never thought of the Kinks being the Doors before the doors, but as soon as you said it, it just resonated with me! Great insight.
Lola, and Celluloid Heroes. In my opinion, the two best 2 Kinks tunes ever...
Celluloid Heroes is about all the old Hollywood stars, while Lola takes you on a fun little romp.
No band has a more diverse sound than The KinKs.
One of their first songs from way back in the mid 60s. It's a quirky, but cool song, that has some funny lyrics. The Kinks are longtime favorites.
Groovy choice, J&A. Check out “Tired Of Waiting For You “. Kinks deserve major props for doing their thing, THEIR way!
Part of the reason this sounds so different from Father Christmas, was that Sunny Afternoon was recorded 11 years earlier in 1966. By 1977, both the kinks and rock music had changed a lot, the Beatles had broken up 7 yrs previously for a time reference
British Taxes in the 60s on entertainers was a huge percentage. That's what this is referring to that all the money was going toward taxes. The Beatles did a song "Taxman" about the same subject.
These guys were part of the Invasion Part 2. They gave us LOTS of great music.
I just have to say that the Human brain never ceases to blow me away... You Two review a song i haven't heard in decades, and I automatically know the next line as the song plays. We are amazing creatures.
Happy Holidays and be nice to each other - Positive Mental Attitude is infectious.
🎹🎹🎹 🎸🎸
All true except they were part of the first British Invasion. "You Really Got Me" hit the U.S. top ten in 1964 and they toured America in 1965. Along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and many others who compromised "the first British Invasion". What is commonly considered part two, or "the Second British Invasion" was the arrival of the British bands like Iron Maiden, Duran Duran, Culture Club, Billy Idol, and others in the mid 1980's.
@@ptournas I stand corrected... a lot of the memories from the late 60s and early 70s are a bit, shall we say, fuzzy.
@@dragon-shepherd I know the feeling. I was telling my younger brother about watching The Velvet Underground at the Boston Tea Party back in the 60s recently. He stopped me and said "I know, you brought me with you!". I was like "Oh, I did?" 😀
Love the Kinks. This song always gives me vibes of the 1920s. With the piano, and the "Tinny" vocals. Thanks for the reaction.
Great tune, HUGE Kinks fan here. If you ever get around to featuring them again I suggest 'Celluloid Heroes', a song about the old time Hollywood stars. It's wonderful.
I’m so excited to see you reacting again to my favorite band! Ray Davies is a genius songwriter. He can write in so many different styles from country to music hall to rock and punk. You have a treasure trove of songs to explore! Try Lola next-it is one of their most well known songs. Have a Happy New Year! 🥳
Celluloid Heroes is a great song of theirs. "Sunny Afternoon" is a fun song that I used to sing to help my kids fall asleep.
The Kinks have a very diverse catalog, had hits through the 60's, 70's & 80's. They influenced, garage rock, punk & metal bands & were covered several times by Van Halen & others.
Some other must listen Kinks are Lola, I'm Not Like Everybody Else, Apeman, Rock N Roll Fantasy, Low Budget, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, Where Have All The Good Times Gone, Come Dancing, All Day & All Of The Night, Well Respected Man, Living On A. Thin Line, Destroyer, Tired Of Waiting For You, Till The End Of The Day, Celluloid Heroes, Days, Don't Forget To Dance, Set Me Free, Stop Your Sobbing, Yes Sir, No Sir, Do It Again.
I love seeing you both react to the Kinks again! I hope there's more to come. Would love to see you add "Lola" to the list soon. I'm curious what you think of the lyrics! Thanks for your videos and for keeping me so entertained this year!
I have a great suggestion for your “Female Friday” segment. Her name is Joan Armatrading. She is a Kittitian-English songwriter, singer and guitarist that has been one of my favorites for decades. Originally from St. Kitts, she now resides in Wales. She has been recording for 50 years and Has over 20 albums to her credit. Three of my favorites tunes are “Kind Words and A Real Good Heart,” “The Laurel And The Rose” and “Love and Affection.” Guarantee she will turn out to be a favorite.
I love Joan's "Drop the pilot".
The Kinks were more than British Invasion, Ray Davies is still putting out music. A great song to review would be one call, "A Rock N Roll Fantasy" from The Kinks' 1978 album Misfits. While Ray Davis was writing the song in 1977, he learned that Elvis Presley had died, which influenced the lyric. He was staying in New York at the time, and when he looked out his window late at night, he saw a single light on in one of the buildings. Davies imagined that light being the apartment of an ardent Elvis fan, which became the character Dan the Fan in the song.
Long life the Kinks. Kinks forever. First Punk Riff, Dream Lyrics, perfect Harmonies ... what a great Band. Dead End Street, Waterloo Sunset, You Really got me, All day and all of the Night, Dandy, Picture Book, death of a Clown...... and and and
I remember when this song came out I was shocked to discover it wasn't by the Beatles. Great song!
Welcome to the Kinks... one of the most underrated bands from the 60s.... so many reasons why.. but the music is unique
Gotta love The Kinks. Such an iconic band.
For more Kinks magic, you might try their first big hit in the UK, You Really Got Me, which some call the prototype for heavy metal. It's pretty simple, but still packs a punch. At the time, in the UK, it was just our pop music, recently enlivened by the rather harder beat music (derived from the beat movement in music, poetry and lifestyle from which the Beatles emerged, the precursor to the mods and then the hippies of the later 60s). Based largely on black American rhythm and blues, once it had been filtered through a British, mostly working class sensibility and we returned it to the US it was christened the 'British Invasion'. But, guys, it was really your music all along...
Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks is a 60s classic. I recommend listening to the studio version first.
The ground-breaking theme of Lola was and maybe still is a little risque for some; not sure if you've reacted to this yet but it's great, fun song with a story you need to listen to closely, and was a huge hit.
Autumn Almanac is a very British description of Autumn (Fall) in suburbia.
See My Friends has these bad beat boys getting more mystical and verging on the psychedelic.
Ray Davies, the lead vocalist and songwriter of the group was and still is fantastically talented with his evocative words and images combined with all those catchy 60s hooks. And that voice!
Another great British 60s band you'd probably enjoy is the Small Faces. If you haven't already checked it out yet, try Itchycoo Park, another quintessentially English song about those lazy, hazy days of summer with a catchy melody, snappy beat and definite hippy/psychedelic vibes. Steve Marriot's voice was another one of the wonders of the era.
The Who's earlier music fits right in to this 60s beat/pop vibe. Try Substitute (their Top of the Pops performance has a nice video with the band performing in full 60s mod regalia), My Generation (although you may have already done that one?) or any of their early hits. There's another, wonderful video of them playing live in a small London club and it's crazy but I've forgotten the song now, I just remember the mods dancing... It might have been I Can't Explain... definitely 'my generation', so hugely nostalgic for me... And it's a good reminder that these often quite simple (at least on the surface) and almost inarticulate songs mostly existed for teenagers to dance to and were an expression of the mod (=modernist) youth culture of the time. And out of this gritty little melting pot grew most the musical trends and genres of the later 60s and 70s that are probably better known nowadays than their predecessors. 🙂
The Kinks are one of the best groups to incorporate a lot of humour in their music, very similar to Bare Naked Ladies (albeit decades beforehand). While I love their 60's stuff, I don't think their 70's resurgence music gets enough reactions. Songs like Misfits, Sleepwalker, Low Budget, Life on the Road, and Black Messiah are fire! Also second the suggestions below for Rock and Roll Fantasy and Celluloid Heroes!
Jay and Amber The Kinks were trailblazers adding sarcasm to their seemingly poppy and happy music!
Absolutely classic! The Kinks Are one of the best bands ever! My joint second favourite along with The Doors
Their most iconic tune would have to be, "LOLA" ❤️❤️❤️
A Kinks fan from the beginning. Saw them in the early 90s, my ears are still ringing.
The Kinks were actually to be first British band to tour the U.S. (before the Beatles), but Davies refused because he felt the promoters wanted too big a cut.A year later the Beatles came. Rock history may have been very different had Davies not stuck by his principles. Always had a lot of respect for him for standing his ground.
MANY covers of Kinks songs especially from the Punk / New Wave era, some of the most notable being:- Stop Your Sobbing - The Pretenders, David Watts - The Jam, All of The Day and All of the Night - The Stranglers & Days, Kirsty McColl
I love the Kinks. This one is very laid-back and Mellow. If you want to hear something from The British Invation with a little more kick, check out The Dave Clark 5 (Glad All Over or Any Way You Want It.)
I've always loved "Where have all the good times gone"......just my personal favourite.
I remember this. Love the Kinks, You Really Got Me, and All Day and All of the Night! The British invasion was really cool because so much music was coming through. All kinds of music and it was fun.
You don't get much more blase than a rich rockstar like these guys!
Their humor was unsurpassed!
The first line is about the "tax man" coming to take everything 🗣🎶😎
Always a pleasure to have you react to The Kinks. Such a great great band. Much of their music has a lot of social commentary and historical perspective. And at times, lots of sarcasm. Suggestions: Victoria, Australia, 20th Century Man is a must hear! Also Lola, The Contenders and Get Back Into Line.
This is my favorite Kinks song! And even on classic rock channels this gets so little air play it kills me. I just love that you guys keep picking all my favorite songs! Love you guys! {{{hugs}}}
If you haven't heard "Lola", I recommend that for your next Kinks song. If you have, then I'd go with "Tired of Waiting for You". The Kinks' earliest music influenced metal and punk. By the time of "Sunny Afternoon", their Englishness and tunefulness came more to the forefront, and this style influenced Britpop.
Kinks - till the end of the day
Oh! One of my sweetest memories is hearing this song as I walked up from Manhattan Beach to buy a coke on a very hot day. I can remember singing this song as I skipped from the blazing hot pavement into the cool cement of the shade. I think of that day as a 14 year old every time I hear this song. Loved the beach. Love the song...
So, so many songs by The Kinks to listen to.
These are the Kinks' Tier 1 songs you haven't done -
All Day and All of the Night (1964) - a raw riff rocker that directly influenced the Who (I Can't Explain 1965), the Doors (Hello I Love You 1968) and later the Sex Pistols (Submission 1976) plus a ton of garage bands.
Lola (1970) - a tune way ahead of its time which you will soon discover.
Celluloid Heroes (1972) - just a beautiful song about Hollywood with so much to say about celebrity.
A Rock and Roll Fantasy (1978) - written at the time of Elvis Presley's death and about whether the Kinks should continue on and also a bit about fandom.
Come Dancing (1983) - a great story telling song paying tribute to his older sister who died while out dancing after gifting Ray his first guitar on his birthday that same day.
There are quite a few more but I digress. My fave is Shangri-la (1969).
I went through an amazing summer in 1967 when I was 13 and this song along with Waterloo Sunset reminded me of that very special time
Hi Jay and Amber … glad you like the record… as a 17 year old I was the tape operator / assistant on the original recording of this session.. a wonderful track from my history … Alan McKenzie the engineer and Shel Talmy the producer …. And it sounds fabulous today … happy new year …. With Nickie Hopkins. And Clem Cattini drums … with Rays wife and Dave on B/V’s. Wow ..
Some more Kinks songs you may enjoy are "Don't Forget To Dance", "A Well Respected Man", and "Supersonic Rocket Ship".
Ray Davies is the sardonic master. Great lyricist. Try Victoria and Waterloo Sunset. One of my favorite bands of all time.
One of my favourites of the 70's. I just love the lyrics to this song.
Whatever the meaning behind the Kinks "Sunny Afternoon," we barely-teen boys & girls working summer jobs en masse in the football-field-long berry fields of the Pacific Northwest would hear this song on our mutually tuned transistor radios and know that we didn't want to be bent over in the dirt and heat, filling little boxes with berries. We wanted to be lazing on those sunny afternoons in our grassy yards at home with ice-cold beers (a/k/a soft drinks or lemonade) or else at the beach or city parks. Smart-alec boys and budding girls, checkin' out each other and pretending our rebellion from authority. What a memory. Thanks, Jay & Amber!!
"All Day And All Of The Night" 1964 "You Really Got Me" 1964 are my favourite songs by The Kinks. "Lola" 1970 is another great song by The Kinks that actually got banned at The BBC. Many people think that it was banned because it was about a drag Queen/Transvestite, but that wasn't the reason at all. It was banned because it included the words Coca-Cola, and the BBC doesn't allow any advertising whatsoever, so they had to change the lyrics to Cherry Cola. The song reached #2 on The UK charts, and #9 on The Billboard Hot 100.
Love to see you guys check out "Come Dancing" a song they did in the early 80's. Has a great video too.
Kinks are one of the most enduring bands of the British Invasion. They were basically together from 1963 to 1993. Their influence on Rock music cannot be overstated. Their initial British Invasion run of the sixties produces some of the most iconic songs of that decade (All Day and All Of The Night, Where Have All The Good Times Gone and Tired Of Waiting For You). They kicked off the 70s with Lola and their albums for Arista in the mid to late 70s kept them going when most British Invasion bands were pretty much done (Rock And Roll Fantasy Jukebox Music and Catch Me Now I’m Falling, which blatantly steals the riff from Jumpin Jack Flash from the Stones). They continued with some very big songs in the 80s (Destroyer and Come Dancing). To say they are a rabbit hole or deep dive would be a bit of an understatement. Enjoy you two so much.
This is my favourite song of the Kinks 💖✨️💖
Love this song. My band has performed it many times, one of my fave Kinks songs for sure! Have you heard "Lola" yet?
Great choice. Try out their song Low Budget. Great t shirt Amber. Thin Lizzy is one of my all time favourite bands. Listen to Emerald by them.
Saw them in person back in the 60's. They were good. Liked them from the beginning. Sad that the brothers didn't get along with each other but ya wouldn't know it when they were on stage.
I am jealous!
@@tompurcell1499 awhhh don't be. I saw the Beatles too but they couldn't be heard cuz of the screaming. Still have the ticket stub..... Now be jealous. Lol😋
This song was used in an incredible movie that you guys need to check out. It's called "Pirate Radio", and it's about a teenage boy in the early 60's, who spends time on a ship off the English coast, that broadcasts rock and pop music, since the BBC wouldn't play that kind of music.
Yes the Kinks are a very versatile group. I think you might enjoy the ir songs, "Sleepwalker", Juke Box Music"" "Destroyer" "Victoria" "Lola" And for a laugh you might want to try "A Gallon Of Gas"
Every time Jay says, “we gotta give the people what they want,” I think you should react to The Kinks song, “Give the People What They Want” from their “Give the People What They Want” album - I think you already reacted to “Better Things” off that album. Hard to believe that you haven’t reacted to The Kinks, “Lola” yet!
I'm still waiting for Canned Heat's "Let's Work Together" everytime they say "make someone smile".
Agree...my husband and I say the same thing!!! Give the People what They Want. Then...Lola...Celluloid Heroes
Same here, every time!
The Kinks were the masters of combining dark lyrics with catchy, almost happy, musical hooks. Rock music's must underrated band.
My band "Keynote Speakers " does a great rendition of this song. The crowd always seems to love it. One of those alot of people forgot about it and were always asked who does it because they recognize it.