The Kinks reshaped rock history, but their real creative peak might not be where you think. This second part of Robert's Record Corners's Kinks series dives into their "classic era" (1966-1968) - a period of overlooked masterpieces and iconic hits made while the London band was banned by the USA. We break down the albums: Face to Face, Something Else and Village Green Preservation Society, and explore how Ray Davies' embrace of English nostalgia and brass-band melodies led to some of his finest songwriting, from "Sunny Afternoon" to "Waterloo Sunset." This is the Kinks' second era, and their true golden age.
This is the second in the All the Kinks Eras & Albums video series. Robert's Record Corner appears here every other Monday, at least.
NOTE: This video claims, apparently incorrectly, that Alan Aldridge designed Face to Face, and apparently I lept at an incorrect source on this. I've long heard that Ray Davies MIGHT have done it, also that he didn't, also that he hated it. It's amazing to me that it's so hard to get a good source on who designed it. Alas.
Discussed in this video:
The Kinks
London
British Invasion
The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
The Who
Ray Davies
bandhall
village green
Muswell Hill
Great Gatsby
Sonny & Cher
Harold Wilson
Book references include:
"X-Ray" by Ray Davies
"The Kinks: Songs of the Semi-Detached" by Mark Doyle
"Kinks Kronikles" by John Mendelssohn
"God Save the Kink" by Rob Jovanovic
-----------------------------------------------------
FAIR USE NOTICE: This video may contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Robert's Record Corner (RRC) uses this material for critical, educational and commentary purposes only -- all with the goal of promoting music knowledge and appreciation. RRC believes that this constitutes a “fair use” of the copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, which provides allowance for "fair use" for purposes such as news reporting, criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.