THE KINKS
That chunky two-note "You Really Got Me" riff got me hooked. The Kinks' first hit was simple but attention-grabbing, a stabbing sensation unlike what the other British Invaders of 1964 were offering up, and that's saying a lot. As '65 began, "All Day and All of the Night" appeared as a part two or sorts with an elevated blast of manic guitar confusion midway. Next came "Tired of Waiting For You," a straightforwardly angry song but with a milder tone, and the unique quality of Ray Davies' voice became increasingly apparent; here was a bloke with style and attitude. He was also a gifted lyricist and later stirred the pop culture pot in imaginative ways. Ray was 20 when the group rose to fame in '64; his brother, Dave Davies, just 17. Londoners since birth ... MORE ››
