I’m not sure you’re likely to find a better bunch of songs to enjoy than a collection of early tunes from the Kinks. One of the greatest ever British rock groups, part of the initial British Invasion, this band produced a sometimes poppy, often-times slicing sound countering their often-wry commentary on the culture, which was far more tongue-in-cheek than either the Beatles or the Rolling Stones.
The Journey – Part 1, featuring prime Kinks cuts from 1964 through 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,” alongside lesser-known tracks, like the barrel-house piano-led “Who’ll Be The Next In Line,” and “Dandy,” a minor hit for the Kinks in Europe, but much bigger in the U.S. when Herman’s Hermits covered it in 1966.
There’s a sprinkling of latter-day numbers like “Shangri-La” from 1969’s Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire) with its cool horn backing, and the 1972 single “Supersonic Rocketship,” featuring steel drum and Ray Davies’ steel resonator guitar. Besides Davies being one of rock’s greatest songwriters, you have to recognize what a tight little unit the Kinks were with Davies singing, his brother Dave flailing about on guitar, Pete Quaife’s subtle bass popping, and Mick Avory’s on-point drumming.
The Davies brothers and Avory choose the songs for this 26-song collection to mark the Kinks 60th anniversary. The Journey – Part 2 will follow later in 2023. With a stunning history that includes over 50 million records sold worldwide, enjoying five U.S. Top 10 singles, nine U.S. 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.
