I’m not sure you’re likely to find a better collection of songs to enjoy than a collection of early tunes by the Kinks. One of the greatest British rock groups of all time, part of the original British Invasion, this band produced a sometimes poppy, often cutting sound that countered their often lopsided comments on culture, which were far more tongue-in-cheek than the two Beatles or the Rolling Stones.
The Journey – Part 1, featuring top-notch Kinks cuts from 1964 to 1975, accurately captures the group’s essence and brilliance. Included are early singles like “All Day And All Of The Night”, “You Really Got Me” and “Tired Of Waiting” as well as lesser-known tracks like the barrelhouse piano-led “Who’ll Be The Next In”. Line” and “Dandy,” a minor hit for the Kinks in Europe but a lot bigger in the US when Herman’s Hermits reported it in 1966.
There’s a sprinkling of modern-day numbers like 1969’s “Shangri-La.” Arthur (or the decline and fall of the British Empire) with cool horn backing and the 1972 single “Supersonic Rocketship” featuring steel drums and Ray Davies’ steel resonator guitar. Aside from Davies being one of rock’s greatest songwriters, you have to realize what a tight little entity the Kinks were, with Davies singing, his brother Dave thrashing around on guitar, Pete Quaife’s subtle bass popping and Mick Avory’s pinpoint drumming.
The Davies brothers and Avory select the songs for this 26-song collection to celebrate the Kinks’ 60th anniversary. The journey – part 2 will follow later in 2023. With an impressive history that includes over 50 million records sold worldwide, with five US Top 10 singles, nine US Top 40 albums, 17 UK Top 20 singles and five UK Top 10 albums , any time is a good time to celebrate the music of the Kinks.
~ Ralph Greco Jr.
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