The Kinks marked their 60th anniversary as a band this year by kicking off the first part of a two-year celebration. The Journey – Part 1, a two-disc compilation marks the beginning of that celebration. The album features songs handpicked by Ray Davies, Dave Davies and Mick Avory, that look to appeal not only to the die-hard established followers but also to new audiences, curious to see what The Kinks were really about.
The Kinks, having been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 have a wealth of songs spanning over a highly influential 30-year period, boasting 24 albums and some of the most recognisable and highly influential songs of all time.
Formed initially as a rhythm and blues band back in 1963, The Kinks took over the airwaves with their number 1 hit “You Really Got Me”. Its unmistakably solid punk chords, punchy lyrics and simplistic to-the-point style composition is still considered to have been ahead of its time when it was released. This provided not only the bands’ big break but also went on to be hugely significant for bands such as The Who, bands part of the mid-1960s American Punk scene and even those within the realms of heavy metal.
This song, accompanied by their debut album, put them at the forefront of the famed ‘British Invasion’ and on the pathway to being one of the greatest British acts of all time, alongside the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who.
Now when it comes to a collection of songs like this, many people initially think cynically. The world of ‘Greatest Hits’ can sometimes be a lacklustre terrain to navigate through. Lucky for us, Ray Davies has addressed this, stating – “Ask yourself the question, is this journey really necessary?……. Yes!” – and we at XS Noize can’t help but agree! In a more politically put statement, Dave Davies added, “I’m delighted with what I think is an inspiring selection of timeless and magical Kinks music.”
The Journey – Part 1, is divided up into 4 different sections. Unlike other collections like this, we don’t see the Kinks taking songs chronologically, instead, they go by themes, which really makes for quite interesting listening. You get a real feel for what they were trying to say back when the songs were written, and at times this really transforms a song you thought you understood, into something entirely new.
Side one, titled “Songs about becoming a man, the search for adventure, finding an identity and a girl” focuses on their more rocky sound. It shows them at their ‘British Invasion’ best with songs such as “You Really Got Me” and “Tired Of Waiting For You”. It’s a powerful way to open the album, it’s an opening made to encourage you to turn the speakers up and strap yourself in for the ride.
Side two, titled “Songs of ambition achieved, bitter taste of success, loss of friends, the past comes back and bites you in the backside” dives into Ray Davies’ more sceptical view on fame. It’s here we find a few songs from the album ‘The Kinks Present Schoolboys In Disgrace’ (“The Hard Way”, “School Days” and “I’m A Disgrace) alongside classics such as “Dead End Street”. It’s a change of pace from side one – but one that keeps you hooked with some real gems and gets you eager to throw on the 3rd part of The Journey.
Side three is assigned the title “Days and nights of a lost soul, songs of regret and reflection of happier times”, which delivers classics such as “Strangers” and “Days”. It’s here we see The Kinks also really show their lesser-known classics in order to pull in some new listeners – who maybe crave something more than the well-recognized hits. They showcase “Sitting In The Midday Sun” – a song that if used as an answer, can guarantee a pass to the “are you a real fan though?” test. You know the one, that tests some of the more protective followers may challenge you with if caught wearing a band T-shirt!
Side four brings the first anthology collection to a close with a bang. Here we find one of the greatest songs ever written “Waterloo Sunset”, a song instantly recognisable and impossible to turn off. The fourth side has been named “A new start, a new love, but have you really changed? Still haunted by the quest and the girl”. Alongside “Waterloo Sunset” we find “No More Looking Back”, “Celluloid Heroes” and what I feel is a perfect way to end the collection – “Shangri-La”.
The album in all is a refreshing way to approach The Kinks work. It wasn’t just some standard trip down memory lane, hitting all the obvious points in a some dull A to Z tour. It’s framed in an unexpected way, it brings to the forefront some songs possibly forgotten in time or overshadowed by their bigger hits. It provides new meanings to songs we thought we had figured out a long time ago. It brings together a collection for the established fan to re-explore their favourites, but also opens the door for new fans to come in and pick their own favourite tune, rather than be told what that should be.
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