The Top Ten Songs by the Kinks
The Kinks, along with the Beatles, Rolling stones, Animals, Yardbirds and Dave Clark Five, were one of the original British Invasion bands of the 1960’s. They released many hit singles which made it onto the Top 10 record- selling charts both in the US and abroad. Led by the Davies brothers, Ray and Dave, whose on-again/ off- again relationship has been a hallmark of the band, the Kinks have always maintained a unique perspective and sound. Showing early- on that they could rock with a viscious sneer, the Kinks had huge International hits with “You Really Got Me” and “All Day And All Of The Night”, both released in 1964. As the years passed however, the Kinks developed more of a theatrical and somewhat elegant stance.
The songwriting skills of Ray Davies are immense and innovative, evidenced by the huge, diverse body of work produced by the Kinks. In 1968 and 1969, they released two classic ‘concept’ albums, “Village Green Preservation Society” and “Arthur”(Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire), respectively. In 1970, the Kinks scored a big hit with the single “Lola”, a bittersweet song about a transvestite. Now, in the year 2006, the song “Lola” still receives an enormous amount of radio airplay. When the song was first released however, many radio stations were reluctant to play a song about such a controversial topic.
Through the 1970’s and 1980’s, the Kinks had a succession of Top Ten songs. In 1983, they released the ” Come Dancing” single, which also entered the top ten record- selling charts, both in the US and overseas. Although the Kinks have disbanded countless times, due to Ray and Dave Davies’ squabbling, they never really completely break up, either. As long as Ray and/or Dave Davies are still making music, which they are, there will always be the Kinks, in some form. With over 36 Kinks albums/ CD’s in print, plus numerous ‘Greatest Hits’ and bootleg albums available, trying to determine the top ten songs by the Kinks, is not an easy task. After much analysis, repeated listenings and deep thought, this reviewer has deemed the following songs to be the top ten songs by the Kinks.
A) Apeman..1970
This tongue- in cheek, humorous song sort of marks the point where the Kinks started their second chapter of great songs. After releasing Village Green Preservation Society and Arthur to limited commercial success, this more accessible and rocking song had a wider appeal. With a refrain that declares..”I’m an apeman, I’m an ape, ape- man, I’m an apeman”, this song is very catchy and hummable.
B) A Well Respected Man..1966
With an almost snotty delivery, the Kinks offer a slice- of life perspective on domestic life. One can’t help but wonder how serious Ray Davies is when he announces to the world that he “does all the best things, so conservatively”.
C) Celluloid Heroes..1972
A romantic and atmospheric journey through the pages of Hollywood history. This song demonstrates the Kinks at the peak of their greatness. This melancholy masterpiece has a gentle, almost magical quality to it.
D) Come Dancing..1983
The melody in this upbeat, happy song is irrestible. With a working- class theme and simple intentions, this song draws the listener in, like many other Kinks songs, creating a visual tableau for the music.
E) Dedicated Follower Of Fashion..1966
Released the same year as “A Well Respected Man”, this song sounds somewhat similar, but not really. Again, a tongue- in cheek micro- view of the world, this time focusing on the ‘mods’, the ‘hipsters’ and all of the ‘cool’ people who are so in touch with the latest trends and fashions, but don’t really have a clue as to who they really are.
F) Lola..1970
Perhaps the Kinks’ most controversial song, this staple of classic rock radio tells the tail of a lad who meets up with a transvestite named Lola. The infectious refrain of “Lola, L-O-L-A, Lola, L-O-L-A, Lola is almost as well known as the ” Na,na, na, na, na, na, na” of “Hey Jude”, by the Beatles.
G) Low Budget..1979
A refreshingly honest observation on the economic realities of playing in a rock band. It’s so nice to hear someone sing about being poor, yet frugal. Great guitar and vocal work. One of the Kink’s bluesier hit songs.
H) Destroyer..1981
This song is sort- of”Lola”, part 2,only told from a more neurotic viewpoint than in the original song. This is an almost- disturbing song about self- sabotage, that makes a listener think about themselves.
I) Sunny Afternoon..1966
The title of this song just about describes its sound. This song is like the aural equivalent of lying back in a chaise- lounge with a glass of lemonade in the Summertime. A very happy, whimsical and easy on the brain song.
J) You Really Got Me..1964
This classic rock song is probably one of the most well- known songs in the world. Released the same year as “All Day And All Of The Night”, this song has a snarling sense of electric sexual- energy and raw, impatient power. With its vocal breaks and edgy melody, this song sounds as vibrant today, as it did in 1964.
