Brilliant analysis (and presentation) of the amazing construction of Autumn Almanac! I am a fan of the 20th century classical modernist composers who wrote in this rigorous method (Schoenberg, Webern, Stravinsky and Bartok). Ray Davies is an heir to this tradition (most rockers come out of the post modernism of John Cage, in spirit). Ray was always a little behind the times, a little late for the trends, wasn’t he? Food for thought: Ray Davies and the Kinks are for the 1960s what Stravinsky was to the 1910s, half a century earlier. Stravinsky shocked the world with his primitivism, where he made instruments go to their breaking points and distort - which was what Dave did with his guitar sound. Stravinsky pretty much invented bi-tonality and polytonality - two or more different chords at the same time. Listen to the first modulation in All Day and All of the Night; the guitar plays major chords of A, A-G, G-CCC-A, while the background vocals hold the A chord. When the guitar hits the C chord, you have a C chord colliding with the background vocals A chord - C natural against C sharp, baby! The harmonic tension is as riveting as anything in The Rite of Spring. Add to this that Stravinsky had three hit ballet scores (the Firebird, 1910; Petrushka, 1911; and The Rite of Spring, 1913), but when Russia underwent the Bolshevik Revolution, the West refused to honour his [Russian] copyright, and played his music without paying him a dime. Contrast that with the Kinks getting fucked by their capitalist cronies, and after having three worldwide hits of their own (YRGM, ADAAOTN, and TOWFY), they didn’t make a dime from any of the sales and royalties. The more the times change, the more they stay the same.
I can't imagine a group as good as this happening now. Clearly one of the very best British bands ever. Their influence will continue. They really set the bar for the rest of us.
In July of 2008, Ray Davies played in the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon. The place holds shy of 900 seats. Being a lifelong fan, I was 6th in line. I chose a frontrow seat in front of several guitars. Yes, I was front row center, 8-10 feet from Ray Davies. I felt so lucky to be so close to an icon. When the concert ended, people flocked to the stage to shake his hand, and I was buried behind. Ray looked at me and motioned me forward. He took the time to say, "Thank you for coming tonight." A moment I treasure.
I grew up listening to the new songs from the Kinks. I listened on my parents radio in the wilds of Shropshire and Wales. We visited London often. Nothing grand , we had relatives in Stoke Newington. Somewhere in a beer garden, that looked like a field, while my parents were drinking beer,"Sunny Afternoon" filled the area from somewhere. There I was observing society, dont underestimate sober 12 year olds, on a sunny afternoon as the commentary in the song played out under the blue 1966 suburban sky.
Love the documentary of a band that deserves far more recognition for their impact accross the world of music. They have been one of the most important bands to emerge that has provided inspiration to countless bands including the ones who are unaware they have some Kinks Musical DNA within their own music. Great job!!?
"Baby, I feel good... From the moment I rise!" My favorite opening line ever! I swear, Tim, every time I watch this, you've stuck some new fact in! Thanks again!
1966, Sunny Afternoon was #1 when England won the World Cup - as I once said to Dave, Nobody can ever take it away, The Kinks were Number One when England won the World Cup (everyone had been buying the single that week, the boys heard the news the next day 'Sunday' in a car en route to a gig in Exeter), Brilliant Days..
Brilliant video! The Kinks have long been my favorite band. So versatile and such a depth of meaning in their lyrics that other rock bands of that era lack. As an American, I've always thought of Ray as the quintessential Englishman.
Ray Davies was knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on Thursday 3/17/2017, where the Kinks front man thanked fans and met with members of the press. Davies previously received the CBE - Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire - by Queen Elizabeth in 2004.
You're right! I knew I'd messed up when I watched another video on Ray after posting this one, and saw him being knighted by Prince Charles. I also found out that it takes more than a CBE to earn the title "Sir". Thanks for the correction, and keeping me honest! 😉
Howdy Ray, is a great song writer. I’m born in 1955, so I’m an original fan. I saw all the Kinks 70’s tours of the states. I’m buying the deluxe multi disk version of Lola vs and Face To Face Love em & wishing him lots of good health and love ✌🏻
👍 Really enjoyed this video, Tim!! As a Yank, "Waterloo Sunset" stands out in my mind as the quintessential English song. God bless Ray Davies and The Kinks!! Chuck in Northern New England
Lola vs the power man was when college radio picked up the kinks and that LP was in every dorm room I saw all the 70’s tours till Give The People What They Want in 1983 The kinks were smart & hip in every way
Way back at Tanglewood outside in front standing up with no chairs available in and my young lady friend were face to face with ray and the group. Understatement would be they were great let's put it this way the intensity was at the ultra prime level. Your take on this great band brings my mind back to the 2 concerts I was so fortunate in seeing. Great job
Thanks for this very informative and entertaining video! I saw the Kinks twice in the mid-80's in Philadelphia. Muswell Hillbillies is my favorite of their albums. It was so very English, yet paid homage to an idealized America. Dave is surely the most underappreciated rock guitarist ever. Reminds me of George Harrison in that neither was particularly flashy - but always served the song.
FWIW, One for the Road, Live Album is one of the Best Live Albums ever Recorded. Been a Kinks fan going back the very early 1980s. I lent my Daughter a Vinyl copy of that Album a few years ago, I don't think I'll ever get it back. She loves it and virtually all her friends are completely blown away. They stop by to visit her and individually just want her hear a certain song. A different song for each it seems. Great video !!!
As a kid born in 1969 who took an early and enduring interest in music, the Kinks' records has always bee part of my life. When I listen back I hear songs that recall my grade school days and every bit of my life after. By my college years I'd acquired friends who were musicians, sound engineers, and the like. It was sitting around in basements after the bar, spinning records with pro musicians/engineers/hangers on, that my lifelong devotion seemed validated by the high regard all my close music friends had for the Kinks. It brings me great comfort and joy to know people who put Kinks records on. Thanks for this.
Good recap, Tim, but you didn’t mention some great albums … Schoolboys in Disgrace, Sleepwalker, Misfits, or Low Budget (low budget is really self-deprecating and hilarious)… they all produced good and often funny songs… Ray’s songs are often witty, or sentimental… I love the Kinks! I was aware of them, but my wife was a big fan so when I met her in 1978 I got into them a lot more. Some of my favorite tunes are “I’m in Disgrace”, “You’re my brother”, “Misfits”, “Powerman”, “King Kong” and “Celluloid heroes”… When I first heard Van Halen’s remake of you really got me. I hated it, but I’ve come to realize it is a very good cover so there I have to disagree with you.
So wonderful, and overdue! Of course, there's not room for every great Kinks song, but "Celluloid Heroes" was playing in my head as soon as I realized you were including actual music. And I'll never forget my girlfriend (now my wife of 50 years) and I playing "Arthur" front to back on replay for hours in 1972. We saw Ray, Dave, Mick, and Pete at least 8 times, including at Constitution Hall in Washington DC, where the band got into such a fight, they left Ray alone on stage, and the crowd sang "Victoria" at the top of our lungs, right along with him - no music required!
Brilliant! You are a true Kinks fan! I've never seen them perform live, but I wish I had. You're right - there isn't enough room for all of their songs. (I try to keep my mini-docs down to less than 10 mins, but I soon realized that that wasn't possible with this one.) I kept the focus on the earlier, UK-oriented side of their career and songs, because that's what I grew up with. Years ago I was a DJ on a California rock station, and Celluloid Heroes was one of the most requested songs, so I appreciate its significance. Punk rock wiped them out for the tail-end of the seventies, and the record didn't even chart in the UK. Clearly, I'm huge fan, but I still did a ton of research for this video, including 3 excellent books. I think one of them makes reference to the gig you attended in DC. I remember it mentioning the crowd singing Victoria. Thanks for watching, and the great comment 🙏
Tim - thank you for your thoughtful and specific response, I am twice blessed! How interesting to hear that one my wife's and my favorite stories/memories was recorded somewhere, after so many years recounting it to half-believing friends. I'm a new subscriber and browser of your website. I've watched and enjoyed a good bit already. Your content is excellent and appreciated - looking forward to more from you in the future!
@@heartoftherose One of the books I read about Ray was "Ray Davies: A Complicated Life" by Johnny Rogan. I bought the Kindle version which means I can search the text. I searched for "Washington, DC", and found this paragraph: "On 3 May 1977, in Washington, DC, old hostilities between Mick Avory and Dave Davies were reignited, culminating in a brawl after which the pair stormed off stage, leaving Ray to face the consequences. "At the end of the show, I was just standing there. Mick got fed up and kicked his drum kit over. There I was strumming my guitar saying, 'Well, I'd like to play this number, realizing that it would have to be a solo job. I was about to go into 'Juke Box Music'. I thought, 'No, I can't do it without a group.'"" No mention of the crowd singing "Victoria". That must've been in one of the other paper books. But if the show you attended was 3 May, 1977, this was your night! 😊
Somehow my reply has vanished, let me try to post it again. I used the specific date information (thanks for that!) and indeed that is "our" show. I located a Washington Post critic's review, he also speaks of the scuffle and represents that Ray also left the stage, but returned alone after possibly imploring the band to return with him. Apparently an apology and applause, but no singing mentioned. Another website also lists the performance song by song, but no record of events, and no "Victoria" at all. We've decided to settle for "recollections may vary" and enjoy our memories as they were. Thank you so much for time and effort on our behalf - you sparked quite a Kinks kontroversy at our house, and many fond memories!
@@heartoftherose That's great! I'm so glad this all came together, and it jogged a few memories for you and your wife. The internet is truly amazing. Thanks for all your comments! 🙏
I enjoyed the breadth of this video quite a bit and followed up watching it by grabbing the audiobook version of "Living on a Thin Line" by Dave Davies. Been going deep into my records of The Kinks since doing a video on "David Watts" a few weeks back. I agree with a number of other commenters -- one of the BEST British bands ever for sure. I enjoy them more than I do The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
😕 Ray...where are you? The Universe is telling me something isn’t right... We haven’t seen him since 2019 - a few stalker photos of him and Dave - but I fear that Ray isn’t long for this world. Any other Kinks fan out there heard any updates on him - l worry it’s dementia for Sir Ray.
I´m a german Kinks fan since 1964, when I was just 12 or 13! Wonderful video- but I believe Elvis Costello made the finest cover version of Days. For me the Kinks always offered a winking look on Britain. And -of course- fantastic songs.
Ray Davies is at the very least, the most interesting singer/songwriter of my lifetime! I have quite a few Kinks albums (CD's now). Yes, there were some less than stellar albums recorded in the early to mid 70's that I found lacking, and with the exception of "Low Budget" in the 80's I did not take to the 'punk' stuff they were doing. But, all in all I usually could find two or three songs that for me really stood out, such as on "Sleepwalker" and "Misfits". However, albums such as, "Something Else", "Village Green Preservation Society", "Arthur", "Lola Versus Powerman and the Money-Go-Round", "Muswell Hillbillies", and the two disc set, "Kinks Kronikles" still get played by me regularly and often, and very loud!
@@MickBokulich-gg1ro Sorry, but I was not a fan of the Preservation Acts LP's, School Boys in Disgrace, or A Soap Opera. I owned them, and listened to them a few times, and gave them to charity, as I did with Percy.
As for their late 1960's USA ban, I thought it was because Ray refused to be forced to use union labor here in the states and paid the price. A really keen history. I always dug Ray's "working mans" lyrics. Like he could see into my soul. After a long crowded subway ride home from work back to Brooklyn I'd open a beer, fire up a joint and put on a Kinks LP. Nirvana fer sure. A boss band, thanks Ray. Ya done good.
As a fifty year old American male,I hate people don’t give any credit to muswell hillbillies and soap opera .my daughter is twenty and she loves both albums
I've always pronounced it Davy's. I recently come to find I've been wrong all along. I'm not a casual fan. I have all the albums even the recent deluxe box sets.
No shame, because most Americans do pronounce the E. (It *is* there, after all!) I grew up in London when there was only a couple of TV channels and the same number of radio stations. The DJ's used to hang out with all the pop stars and so they knew how to pronounce their names, and that's how we all knew - because we heard it on the radio. My video originally had a segment where Ray and Bruce Springsteen were recording "Better Days" for the "See My Friends" covers album, and Bruce was calling him "Ray Davys" the whole way through! I think Ray probably gave up correcting people many years ago. Thanks for watching, and the great comments! Cheers! 😎
@@MickBokulich-gg1ro Last year a filmmaker shot a 2-hour 'concert film' of me at Club Coyote. Although I used to shoot music videos on 35mm film in the 80s I 'felt' that calling it a 'concert movie' was more accurate since it was shot on Nikon Z6ii.
Maybe a a short review about the little opera albums (Soap Opera, Schoolboys...) and their representations on tv were a good idea...No other groups worked such a line.
Great video, but why didn't you talk about 'Father Christmas'? A killer punk song that they did in 1977 that matched anything that the Clash etc.. did.
Makes me realise what rubbish is recorded these days. Songs with trite lyrics and, sadly, auto-tune. I’m pleased I was around to hear the Kinks’ music.
XTC are the only other artists I can cite who are/were as quintessentially English as The Kinks. Sadly, both bands are now defunct, with little likelihood of any reunions.
As far as I understood Clive did see it as a good song, but not as opening single. He thought they first had to establish their rocking status again with State Of Confusion from the same album as a single, and maybe then a 'ballad' like Come Dancing.
I always thought that was the lyrics for Apeman, I was listening to it yesterday and sang “The air pollution is fu**ing up my eyes “ I’m not sure if this has ruined my memories or not! Is it supposed to be what I think or is it actually ‘fogging’?
That's a great question, Michelle. I'm glad you asked because it gives me a chance to correct an error in my video where I said it was the BBC who made Ray change the word in the original recording. Johnny Rogan's excellent book, "Ray Davies: A Complicated Life" says the following: "Many listeners were convinced that he was actually singing "the air pollution is fucking [not foggin'] up my eyes" but the BBC generously gave him the benefit of the doubt. In America, Reprise Records were not so accommodating and insisted he re-record the line. It was like the 'Coca-Cola' controversy all over again. "My diction is terrible," Davies demurred with a mischievous glint, but dutifully amended the offending word." Wikipedia says: "...he again had to fly back to London to re-record this line, dubbing over with a more clear "a-foggin'" prior to its single release, in turn causing a delay in the US single release of the tune.The original lyric remains intact on the album, "Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One", and is heard at 2:20. On their performance on Top of the Pops, filmed later in November, the changed lyric can be heard on the backing tape." Knowing what Ray is like, and that fact that many of his songs covered ground-breaking subject matter, and often pushed the envelope, my opinion is that he's singing what everyone thinks he's singing! 😍 I've posted an Australian single release that uses the re-recorded vocal here: ua-cam.com/video/Zfv1QXBs2B8/v-deo.htmlsi=nBlOj-uxaNYGrBNG
@@timsincere Thank you so much. I have watched many interviews with Ray and he does have a mischievous twinkle when discussing his songs and lyrics. I believe it’s what I think. It’s too late now to change my mind, and the lyrics I believe, make more sense to me. I love Apeman I think it’s a great environmental song before it’s time really. Thanks again for the information and the upload, really enjoyed it. 👍
I have just watched Ray singing Apeman live and he definitely sings the ‘ Fu**ing ‘ line! ua-cam.com/video/zH2UkTmM0Kw/v-deo.htmlsi=ruotrxuKfOWmURKD ❤️
Ray was his own worst enemy in many ways. I love The Kinks dearly but Ray is one moody sod. 🤣 Before UA-cam I'd never heard the story of their American tour but it doesn't surprise me. My mum always had this massive crush on Ray and I can see what she means because I've always been attracted to intense type men. I'm an intense type of person myself. It doesn't make a person easy to get along with!
They were never the same after Pete Quaife left. They became another band that conquered the U.S. with mediocrity. "give the people what they want"......
When Winchester Cathedral was released in 1966, Ray complained that other English bands were copying the Kinks' sound, and I think he was right. The Who and the Stones were both a little guilty of creating similar sounding arrangements in the studio. The Kinks had created a sitar-like sound on "See My Friends" that the Beatles used on a few of their tracks later on. However, Winchester Cathedral came out a year before Waterloo Sunset, so it's possible that Ray was influenced by it. Coincidentally, Winchester Cathedral was written by Geoff Stephens, who wrote a couple of my favorite songs from that era.
Brilliant analysis (and presentation) of the amazing construction of Autumn Almanac!
I am a fan of the 20th century classical modernist composers who wrote in this rigorous method (Schoenberg, Webern, Stravinsky and Bartok). Ray Davies is an heir to this tradition (most rockers come out of the post modernism of John Cage, in spirit). Ray was always a little behind the times, a little late for the trends, wasn’t he?
Food for thought: Ray Davies and the Kinks are for the 1960s what Stravinsky was to the 1910s, half a century earlier.
Stravinsky shocked the world with his primitivism, where he made instruments go to their breaking points and distort - which was what Dave did with his guitar sound.
Stravinsky pretty much invented bi-tonality and polytonality - two or more different chords at the same time. Listen to the first modulation in All Day and All of the Night; the guitar plays major chords of A, A-G, G-CCC-A, while the background vocals hold the A chord. When the guitar hits the C chord, you have a C chord colliding with the background vocals A chord - C natural against C sharp, baby! The harmonic tension is as riveting as anything in The Rite of Spring.
Add to this that Stravinsky had three hit ballet scores (the Firebird, 1910; Petrushka, 1911; and The Rite of Spring, 1913), but when Russia underwent the Bolshevik Revolution, the West refused to honour his [Russian] copyright, and played his music without paying him a dime. Contrast that with the Kinks getting fucked by their capitalist cronies, and after having three worldwide hits of their own (YRGM, ADAAOTN, and TOWFY), they didn’t make a dime from any of the sales and royalties.
The more the times change, the more they stay the same.
Excellent observations!
I can't imagine a group as good as this happening now. Clearly one of the very best British bands ever. Their influence will continue. They really set the bar for the rest of us.
In July of 2008, Ray Davies played in the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon. The place holds shy of 900 seats. Being a lifelong fan, I was 6th in line. I chose a frontrow seat in front of several guitars. Yes, I was front row center, 8-10 feet from Ray Davies. I felt so lucky to be so close to an icon. When the concert ended, people flocked to the stage to shake his hand, and I was buried behind. Ray looked at me and motioned me forward. He took the time to say, "Thank you for coming tonight." A moment I treasure.
You could say The Kinks are one of my favourite bands but they are more than that, they are a special favourite band.
On a visit to London with the intention of having a photograph taken on Waterloo bridge at sunset , I met Dave Davies and shared a coffee …
I grew up listening to the new songs from the Kinks. I listened on my parents radio in the wilds of Shropshire and Wales.
We visited London often. Nothing grand , we had relatives in Stoke Newington.
Somewhere in a beer garden, that looked like a field, while my parents were drinking beer,"Sunny Afternoon" filled the area from somewhere.
There I was observing society, dont underestimate sober 12 year olds, on a sunny afternoon as the commentary in the song played out under the blue 1966 suburban sky.
As a family member of Ray and Dave, you have done your research and offered a few new insights. Well done.
Thanks, Lawrence.
Kinks sind Jugend. Ich liebe sie.....
Love the documentary of a band that deserves far more recognition for their impact accross the world of music. They have been one of the most important bands to emerge that has provided inspiration to countless bands including the ones who are unaware they have some Kinks Musical DNA within their own music. Great job!!?
Days is one of my favorites. I was crying when he sang it at Glastonbury for Pete
Sir Ray, the best song writer ever, anywhere
As someone from Colombia, i agree
That’s a fact.
"Baby, I feel good... From the moment I rise!" My favorite opening line ever! I swear, Tim, every time I watch this, you've stuck some new fact in! Thanks again!
Thank you, George!
Wow! Autumn Almanac backwards! 🤯
1966, Sunny Afternoon was #1 when England won the World Cup - as I once said to Dave, Nobody can ever take it away, The Kinks were Number One when England won the World Cup (everyone had been buying the single that week, the boys heard the news the next day 'Sunday' in a car en route to a gig in Exeter), Brilliant Days..
Waterloo Sunset is a gem. You don't have to be British to be moved by those lyrics. One song I wish you had added was"Everybody's in Showbiz".
I’m pretty sure that’s just an album name not a song
@@MickBokulich-gg1roprobably means celluloid heroes, definitely a great song!
This is a great explanation of the Kinks history.
Brilliant video! The Kinks have long been my favorite band. So versatile and such a depth of meaning in their lyrics that other rock bands of that era lack. As an American, I've always thought of Ray as the quintessential Englishman.
The Stones and The Kinks are the only 2 British Invasion bands to have a "Top 10" hit in America in 3 different decades. 60s, 70s and 80s.
Love it. 👏🏻
Ray Davies was knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on Thursday 3/17/2017, where the Kinks front man thanked fans and met with members of the press. Davies previously received the CBE - Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire - by Queen Elizabeth in 2004.
You're right! I knew I'd messed up when I watched another video on Ray after posting this one, and saw him being knighted by Prince Charles. I also found out that it takes more than a CBE to earn the title "Sir".
Thanks for the correction, and keeping me honest! 😉
@@timsincere You're welcome! I hope I did not come across as unkind. I love the video!
@@jet51100 No you didn't. No worries! 😀
Pete Townshend called Ray Davies the Poet Laureate of English pop music.
How sweet
Waterloo Sunset's one of my faves too. Great video Tim.
Thank you, Alan!
The Kinks were one of the few truly great rock and roll bands. Someone else said that.
Many have said that
Dave Davies was only about 17 in 1964. So young
Crazy isn’t it.
Howdy Ray, is a great song writer.
I’m born in 1955, so I’m an original fan.
I saw all the Kinks 70’s tours of the states.
I’m buying the deluxe multi disk version of Lola vs and Face To Face
Love em & wishing him lots of good health and love ✌🏻
Bin etwas älter und habe die Kinks 1966 das erste Mal gesehen
👍 Really enjoyed this video, Tim!! As a Yank, "Waterloo Sunset" stands out in my mind as the quintessential English song. God bless Ray Davies and The Kinks!!
Chuck in Northern New England
Thanks, Chuck! I appreciate it, and thanks for watching 😀
Waterloo Sunset has remained in the top 30 of Billboard Magazines 500 GREATEST songs of all time. Thanks for illuminating Dave's picking style.
I think it will keep its spot on the charts for many more years to come. Thanks for watching 🙏
greater tribute to sir ray than i was prepared for. thanks!
Lola vs the power man was when college radio picked up the kinks and that LP was in every dorm room
I saw all the 70’s tours till Give The People What They Want in 1983
The kinks were smart & hip in every way
Just LOVED the Kinks....in my teens...and NOW...
The Kinks songs from the 60s were fantastic......saw them on a triple bill in Philadelphia in December 1969
Way back at Tanglewood outside in front standing up with no chairs available in and my young lady friend were face to face with ray and the group. Understatement would be they were great let's put it this way the intensity was at the ultra prime level. Your take on this great band brings my mind back to the 2 concerts I was so fortunate in seeing. Great job
Thanks for this very informative and entertaining video! I saw the Kinks twice in the mid-80's in Philadelphia. Muswell Hillbillies is my favorite of their albums. It was so very English, yet paid homage to an idealized America. Dave is surely the most underappreciated rock guitarist ever. Reminds me of George Harrison in that neither was particularly flashy - but always served the song.
FWIW,
One for the Road, Live Album is one of the Best Live Albums ever Recorded.
Been a Kinks fan going back the very early 1980s.
I lent my Daughter a Vinyl copy of that Album a few years ago, I don't think I'll ever get it back.
She loves it and virtually all her friends are completely blown away. They stop by to visit her and individually just want her hear a certain song. A different song for each it seems.
Great video !!!
I love stories like this. One for the Road is the album that got me started on the kinks back in the early 80’s.
When you really got me came out that must have been so heavy for that time ! I mean it's still heavy. But in 64 or 65 wow !!
as long as we gaze at waterloo sunset we are in paradise
As a kid born in 1969 who took an early and enduring interest in music, the Kinks' records has always bee part of my life. When I listen back I hear songs that recall my grade school days and every bit of my life after. By my college years I'd acquired friends who were musicians, sound engineers, and the like. It was sitting around in basements after the bar, spinning records with pro musicians/engineers/hangers on, that my lifelong devotion seemed validated by the high regard all my close music friends had for the Kinks. It brings me great comfort and joy to know people who put Kinks records on. Thanks for this.
I was born in 1967 and listen to them every day.
Good recap, Tim, but you didn’t mention some great albums … Schoolboys in Disgrace, Sleepwalker, Misfits, or Low Budget (low budget is really self-deprecating and hilarious)… they all produced good and often funny songs… Ray’s songs are often witty, or sentimental… I love the Kinks!
I was aware of them, but my wife was a big fan so when I met her in 1978 I got into them a lot more. Some of my favorite tunes are “I’m in Disgrace”, “You’re my brother”, “Misfits”, “Powerman”, “King Kong” and “Celluloid heroes”…
When I first heard Van Halen’s remake of you really got me. I hated it, but I’ve come to realize it is a very good cover so there I have to disagree with you.
I saw the kinks live 4 times in 🇺🇸 🌹. ☕. N.O.1
No Jam, no, Madness, no Squeeze, no Blur ? Unimaginable. What a boring world that would be.
Thank you so much for this fabulous video! I 💜 Sir Ray!
So wonderful, and overdue! Of course, there's not room for every great Kinks song, but "Celluloid Heroes" was playing in my head as soon as I realized you were including actual music. And I'll never forget my girlfriend (now my wife of 50 years) and I playing "Arthur" front to back on replay for hours in 1972. We saw Ray, Dave, Mick, and Pete at least 8 times, including at Constitution Hall in Washington DC, where the band got into such a fight, they left Ray alone on stage, and the crowd sang "Victoria" at the top of our lungs, right along with him - no music required!
Brilliant! You are a true Kinks fan!
I've never seen them perform live, but I wish I had.
You're right - there isn't enough room for all of their songs. (I try to keep my mini-docs down to less than 10 mins, but I soon realized that that wasn't possible with this one.) I kept the focus on the earlier, UK-oriented side of their career and songs, because that's what I grew up with.
Years ago I was a DJ on a California rock station, and Celluloid Heroes was one of the most requested songs, so I appreciate its significance. Punk rock wiped them out for the tail-end of the seventies, and the record didn't even chart in the UK.
Clearly, I'm huge fan, but I still did a ton of research for this video, including 3 excellent books. I think one of them makes reference to the gig you attended in DC. I remember it mentioning the crowd singing Victoria.
Thanks for watching, and the great comment 🙏
Tim - thank you for your thoughtful and specific response, I am twice blessed! How interesting to hear that one my wife's and my favorite stories/memories was recorded somewhere, after so many years recounting it to half-believing friends. I'm a new subscriber and browser of your website. I've watched and enjoyed a good bit already. Your content is excellent and appreciated - looking forward to more from you in the future!
@@heartoftherose One of the books I read about Ray was "Ray Davies: A Complicated Life" by Johnny Rogan. I bought the Kindle version which means I can search the text. I searched for "Washington, DC", and found this paragraph:
"On 3 May 1977, in Washington, DC, old hostilities between Mick Avory and Dave Davies were reignited, culminating in a brawl after which the pair stormed off stage, leaving Ray to face the consequences. "At the end of the show, I was just standing there.
Mick got fed up and kicked his drum kit over.
There I was strumming my guitar saying,
'Well, I'd like to play this number, realizing that it would have to be a solo job. I was about to go into 'Juke Box Music'. I thought,
'No, I can't do it without a group.'""
No mention of the crowd singing "Victoria". That must've been in one of the other paper books. But if the show you attended was 3 May, 1977, this was your night! 😊
Somehow my reply has vanished, let me try to post it again. I used the specific date information (thanks for that!) and indeed that is "our" show. I located a Washington Post critic's review, he also speaks of the scuffle and represents that Ray also left the stage, but returned alone after possibly imploring the band to return with him. Apparently an apology and applause, but no singing mentioned. Another website also lists the performance song by song, but no record of events, and no "Victoria" at all. We've decided to settle for "recollections may vary" and enjoy our memories as they were. Thank you so much for time and effort on our behalf - you sparked quite a Kinks kontroversy at our house, and many fond memories!
@@heartoftherose That's great! I'm so glad this all came together, and it jogged a few memories for you and your wife. The internet is truly amazing. Thanks for all your comments! 🙏
Sunny Afternoon is the most perfect pop song ever recorded.
I enjoyed the breadth of this video quite a bit and followed up watching it by grabbing the audiobook version of "Living on a Thin Line" by Dave Davies. Been going deep into my records of The Kinks since doing a video on "David Watts" a few weeks back. I agree with a number of other commenters -- one of the BEST British bands ever for sure. I enjoy them more than I do The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Without The Jam and The Kinks there would be no Green Day.
Awesome mini doc Tim! 👏
GOD SAVE THE KINKS!!
❤️🤍💙
Excellent Job!.. Great Band!....
Enthusiastic thumbs up and sub, I love the Kinks.
700 songs in their catalog- with 20 new ones coming- GSTK!
Brilliant!!
really enjoyed this mini doc about the Kinks "come dancing was a favourite of mine!
😕 Ray...where are you? The Universe is telling me something isn’t right... We haven’t seen him since 2019 - a few stalker photos of him and Dave - but I fear that Ray isn’t long for this world. Any other Kinks fan out there heard any updates on him - l worry it’s dementia for Sir Ray.
This is so well done! What a great tribute to a great songwriter. Keep it up! Maybe you could do a video on the specials?
@@timsincere they just kind of popped into my head. I subscribed so I'll check out whatever you decide to do. I'm sure itll be good
I´m a german Kinks fan since 1964, when I was just 12 or 13! Wonderful video- but I believe Elvis Costello made the finest cover version of Days. For me the Kinks always offered a winking look on Britain. And -of course- fantastic songs.
ONE OF THE GREATEST BANDS OF THE 1960'S AND 1970'S.
And 80’s. They were huge at my Highschool in Ohio.
Die größte Band ever
Ray Davies is at the very least, the most interesting singer/songwriter of my lifetime! I have quite a few Kinks albums (CD's now). Yes, there were some less than stellar albums recorded in the early to mid 70's that I found lacking, and with the exception of "Low Budget" in the 80's I did not take to the 'punk' stuff they were doing. But, all in all I usually could find two or three songs that for me really stood out, such as on "Sleepwalker" and "Misfits". However, albums such as, "Something Else", "Village Green Preservation Society", "Arthur", "Lola Versus Powerman and the Money-Go-Round", "Muswell Hillbillies", and the two disc set, "Kinks Kronikles" still get played by me regularly and often, and very loud!
The 70’s albums are great. Keep listening
@@MickBokulich-gg1ro Sorry, but I was not a fan of the Preservation Acts LP's, School Boys in Disgrace, or A Soap Opera. I owned them, and listened to them a few times, and gave them to charity, as I did with Percy.
BRILLIANT
As for their late 1960's USA ban, I thought it was because Ray refused to be forced to use union labor here in the states and paid the price. A really keen history. I always dug Ray's "working mans" lyrics. Like he could see into my soul. After a long crowded subway ride home from work back to Brooklyn I'd open a beer, fire up a joint and put on a Kinks LP. Nirvana fer sure. A boss band, thanks Ray. Ya done good.
I did not know the story behing, "Come Dancing." That is tragically sad.
I struggle between the KinKs & the Replacements as my favorite band. Very touching video. Thank you.
This is an awesome video, thanks for creating this! I got some new facts from one of my fav bands ever (next to Beatles and Zep)
When Britain was still great!!
Thank you for the days.....
As a fifty year old American male,I hate people don’t give any credit to muswell hillbillies and soap opera .my daughter is twenty and she loves both albums
That’s awesome. Your daughter has great taste in music.
Met Ray a couple of times after gigs. He even kissed my wife on the cheek much to her surprise. Seen the Kinks perform many times.
Great video!
I remember watching snipits of Englands 66 World Cup win… on my Mums 37 th birthday against the dreaded ‘ Gerries’.
excellent presentation
This is excellent!
I still love their Christmas song ! Great shit. Thanks Kinks you the band 👍✌️
Listen too them they are off the charts. And they have the greatest Christmas song. They can be mellow or rock out. Everybody loves the Kinks.
You can definitely here the rhythmic guitar innovation mentioned in Lou Reeds tour deforce rythmim guitar in ‘what goes on’.
GOD SAVE THE KINKS!
The best band Britain ever produced.
Great documentary, but I was waiting to hear Victoria
God save the Kinks!❤
I've always pronounced it Davy's. I recently come to find I've been wrong all along. I'm not a casual fan. I have all the albums even the recent deluxe box sets.
No shame, because most Americans do pronounce the E. (It *is* there, after all!)
I grew up in London when there was only a couple of TV channels and the same number of radio stations. The DJ's used to hang out with all the pop stars and so they knew how to pronounce their names, and that's how we all knew - because we heard it on the radio.
My video originally had a segment where Ray and Bruce Springsteen were recording "Better Days" for the "See My Friends" covers album, and Bruce was calling him "Ray Davys" the whole way through! I think Ray probably gave up correcting people many years ago.
Thanks for watching, and the great comments! Cheers! 😎
Great video.
❤️
Ray Davies and The Kinks I can see influenced me much more than I realized. I think half my two hour concert movie was inspired by them.
Concert movie?
@@MickBokulich-gg1ro Last year a filmmaker shot a 2-hour 'concert film' of me at Club Coyote. Although I used to shoot music videos on 35mm film in the 80s I 'felt' that calling it a 'concert movie' was more accurate since it was shot on Nikon Z6ii.
Where have all the good times gone?
The Kinks are classic.
You know also, it's the raw edge which accentuates their timelesness. I used to talk with Dave Quafe about them. He said they were insular (laughs) .
Maybe a a short review about the little opera albums (Soap Opera, Schoolboys...) and their representations on tv were a good idea...No other groups worked such a line.
Great video, but why didn't you talk about 'Father Christmas'? A killer punk song that they did in 1977 that matched anything that the Clash etc.. did.
GREAT KINKS !
I believe the encounter with 'Lola ' was in a club in Paris.
In my previous comment I made a mistake in mixing up Lenox music hall with Tanglewood. I get the 2 places confused
Makes me realise what rubbish is recorded these days.
Songs with trite lyrics and, sadly, auto-tune.
I’m pleased I was around to hear the Kinks’ music.
XTC are the only other artists I can cite who are/were as quintessentially English as The Kinks. Sadly, both bands are now defunct, with little likelihood of any reunions.
"Low Budget" is one of me faves
Clive Davis was wrong about Come Dancin' and it's lyrics!
As far as I understood Clive did see it as a good song, but not as opening single. He thought they first had to establish their rocking status again with State Of Confusion from the same album as a single, and maybe then a 'ballad' like Come Dancing.
I can’t believe you skipped over the Kinks’ true response to punk-Low Budget, Superman, and Destroyer.
I always thought that was the lyrics for Apeman, I was listening to it yesterday and sang “The air pollution is fu**ing up my eyes “ I’m not sure if this has ruined my memories or not! Is it supposed to be what I think or is it actually ‘fogging’?
That's a great question, Michelle. I'm glad you asked because it gives me a chance to correct an error in my video where I said it was the BBC who made Ray change the word in the original recording.
Johnny Rogan's excellent book, "Ray Davies: A Complicated Life" says the following:
"Many listeners were convinced that he was actually singing "the air pollution is fucking [not foggin'] up my eyes" but the BBC generously gave him the benefit of the doubt. In America, Reprise Records were not so accommodating and insisted he re-record the line. It was like the 'Coca-Cola' controversy all over again. "My diction is terrible," Davies demurred with a mischievous glint, but dutifully amended the offending word."
Wikipedia says:
"...he again had to fly back to London to re-record this line, dubbing over with a more clear "a-foggin'" prior to its single release, in turn causing a delay in the US single release of the tune.The original lyric remains intact on the album, "Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One", and is heard at 2:20. On their performance on Top of the Pops, filmed later in November, the changed lyric can be heard on the backing tape."
Knowing what Ray is like, and that fact that many of his songs covered ground-breaking subject matter, and often pushed the envelope, my opinion is that he's singing what everyone thinks he's singing! 😍
I've posted an Australian single release that uses the re-recorded vocal here: ua-cam.com/video/Zfv1QXBs2B8/v-deo.htmlsi=nBlOj-uxaNYGrBNG
@@timsincere Thank you so much. I have watched many interviews with Ray and he does have a mischievous twinkle when discussing his songs and lyrics. I believe it’s what I think. It’s too late now to change my mind, and the lyrics I believe, make more sense to me. I love Apeman I think it’s a great environmental song before it’s time really. Thanks again for the information and the upload, really enjoyed it. 👍
I have just watched Ray singing Apeman live and he definitely sings the ‘ Fu**ing ‘ line!
ua-cam.com/video/zH2UkTmM0Kw/v-deo.htmlsi=ruotrxuKfOWmURKD ❤️
Always disappointing to see "Muswell Hillbillies" passed over.
I thought Link Ray was the first one to use distortion , though Dave Davies was way ahead of his time !
Ray was his own worst enemy in many ways. I love The Kinks dearly but Ray is one moody sod. 🤣 Before UA-cam I'd never heard the story of their American tour but it doesn't surprise me. My mum always had this massive crush on Ray and I can see what she means because I've always been attracted to intense type men. I'm an intense type of person myself. It doesn't make a person easy to get along with!
They were never the same after Pete Quaife left. They became another band that conquered the U.S. with mediocrity.
"give the people what they want"......
When did Pete leave?
@@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek 1969.....he died 2010 of kidney failure, aged 66 .
@@PAULLONDEN That's mental... the kinks put out an absolute masterpiece in 1970! 😂 so obviously they were the same or better 😂
I disagree 100%
😂. You’re crazy
Enjoyed that! Enjoy a sub!
Autumn Almanac backwards is still Autumn Almanac?
Great video, but the anti Van Halen bias is nonsense.
Van Halen sucks!
The E isn’t silent!!!
3:09 Who was the guy who broke a tooth? Has he ever been interviewed. Is this story made up maybe?
His name was Robert Wace. He later became The Kinks' co-manager. Here's Dave Davies telling the story: ua-cam.com/video/KfvGRwhtdPQ/v-deo.html
The only other group that is close to the Kinks in Englishness is Slade.
Whenever I hear Waterloo Sunset, it reminds me of Winchester Cathedral. I bet Ray nicked the hook from WC in creating Waterloo Sunset.
When Winchester Cathedral was released in 1966, Ray complained that other English bands were copying the Kinks' sound, and I think he was right. The Who and the Stones were both a little guilty of creating similar sounding arrangements in the studio. The Kinks had created a sitar-like sound on "See My Friends" that the Beatles used on a few of their tracks later on. However, Winchester Cathedral came out a year before Waterloo Sunset, so it's possible that Ray was influenced by it.
Coincidentally, Winchester Cathedral was written by Geoff Stephens, who wrote a couple of my favorite songs from that era.