The Kinks

The Kinks are a British rock group, who first gained prominence in the mid-1960's and became one of the most influential groups of British rock as well as of the "British Invasion" of America, as well as being credited as founding fathers of the heavy metal genre. The core of the group over the years has remained brothers Ray and Dave Davies. Drummer Mick Avory was also permanent member of the band during most part of the band, when they were constantly changing bassists and keyboardists.

Related Topics:
British - Rock group - 1960's - British rock - British Invasion - Heavy metal - Ray - Dave Davies - Mick Avory

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The lineup with which they began their recording career was Dave Davies (lead guitar, vocals, songwriting); his brother Ray Davies (primary songwriter, primary vocalist, rhythm guitar); Mick Avory (drums) and Pete Quaife (bass guitar, vocals). The group was briefly called The Ravens until, at their manager Larry Page of Page One Records' urging, they changed their name to The Kinks just before their first recording. The name is thought to refer to the style of "kinky" boots and clothing then in fashion, partly thanks to the Avengers television series.

Related Topics:
Dave Davies - Guitar - Ray Davies - Mick Avory - Drums - Pete Quaife - Bass guitar - Larry Page - Page One Records - Avengers

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The Kinks performed and recorded together as a group for over 30 years. Their early incarnation as rebellious three-chord rockers provided a template for both punk and heavy metal, and their best albums (Face to Face, Something Else, Village Green Preservation Society, Arthur, Lola, and Muswell Hillbillies) remain unique examples of literate, creative pop music. The group also enjoyed a remarkable return to mass popularity from the mid-1970's to mid-1980's. However, they never maintained the consistent popularity and commercial success of their major British contemporaries The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. This was due in large part to Davies' and the group's fierce creative independence and a disdain for popular music trends, particularly between the late 1960's and the mid 1970's.

Related Topics:
Kinks - Face to Face - Something Else - Village Green Preservation Society - Arthur - Lola - Muswell Hillbillies - The Beatles - The Rolling Stones - The Who

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But the group has one of the most loyal cult followings of any popular music group, and the critical regard for their body of work is exceptional. They have directly influenced many modern British and American rock acts. Most notably, Ray Davies' intensely British outlook and his penchant for nationalist nostalgia were consciously imititated by 90s Britpop bands such as Pulp, Oasis and Blur. A long-awaited reissue programme of Kinks albums was undertaken by the Castle Communications label in 1998, and has continued under Sanctuary Records. The Kinks catalogue has been mercilessly and often badly reissued for many years, and even original releases were hampered by UK record company policies at the time (such as the desire to keep singles and albums as separate releases). The addition of many unreleased and bonus tracks helps make their best albums even more essential.

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Whether or not his band can maintain their reputation as a going concern, Ray Davies has made his mark under The Kinks' banner as one of the most perceptive, prolific and popular songwriters of our time. He is cited, among the greatest as Pete Townshend, Lennon&McCartney and Jagger&Richards.

Related Topics:
Pete Townshend - Lennon - McCartney - Jagger - Richards

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