The Kinks: A Very English Band

by Neville Marten, Jeff Hudson

SELLING The story of The Kinks is not one for the faint-hearted, and in this updated biography Marten and Hudson lift the lid on one of England's most idiosyncratic and charming bands. Nervous breakdowns, resignations, punch-ups, guitars wielded as weapons, drug abuse, glasses without lenses, food fight, alien sightings, in-yer-face spitting and mental torture - the Kinks have become a rock'n'roll legend! The songs of Ray Davies have inspired bands and artists across the full spectrum of pop and rock music, from Blur, Pulp and Paul Weller to Van Halen. Their capacity for anarchy, humour and storytelling has lead to some of the most durable and widely-adored songs of the English pop canon, including Lola, Waterloo Sunset, You Really Got Me and Dedicated Follow Of Fashion. The band's inventive productions pre-dated even The Beatles, and their musical talent eclipsed The Rolling Stones. This is their story, compiled from interviews and anecdotes, and featuring photographs spanning Ray Davies' career. Previously Published By Sanctuary

Genres: Music, Biography, History

327 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Trevor Seigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I love the music of the Kinks, it had never occurred to me to want to read a book about them. But I came across this and inhaled it in a couple of days. I knew that Ray and Dave Davies were locked in a sibling rivalry almost unmatched in pop-music history (sit down, Liam and Noel, you're amateurs compared to these two). But I never knew that the story behind some of the greatest songs ever written was that the man who wrote them went through such periods of self-doubt and egotistical control over his band (which had been little brother Dave's band until he brought Ray in for rhythm guitar...and then Ray took over). This is a fun book that admits how the singles of the Sixties will forever be what most folks think of when they think of "the Kinks," but it does make a valiant effort to prove that the post-1970 albums have good material and that the band did its best not to devolve into an oldies act, giving the people only what they wanted. If you can find this book, it's worth a read, and now I want to read more about the Kinks (and by the Kinks; if I come across either Ray's "X-Ray" or Dave's "Kink", you'd better believe I'm snatching them up).

[Jeff Bursey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, for the most part, though the last chapters, when the Kinks as a band aren't doing much, sag. A lot of time is spent on what Ray and Dave put out or where they performed, which is of some interest. At times those last chapters read like a music catalogue. Still, most of the book is good enough.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not for a casual Kinks fan or even a casual music fan. The authors go into such detail that I had to stop myself from flipping pages. The language is overtly British and verbose so it was dry at times. I love the Kinks music but their career deserves a better retrospective than this book.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of the brit-band the Kinks. You see their rise in the 60's and 70's and their brief sucess in the 80's. Its an interesting read about the rise of stardom. It flounders a bit at the end but that is to be expected and the group is semi-disbanded. But many great stories to follow even for those who arent a big fan.

[Grant Knuckles · Rating 2 out of 5]

lola cherry cola ect smile

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

They came from poverty but created some of the most iconic songs of the 60's. Driven personalities most assuredly. Not a lot of fun to be around though. This extensively researched book gives a very detailed and entertaining account of the rise and fall of the Kinks.

[Frode Skjold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad i'm not a Kink.

[Cooper Renner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly interesting biography of the Kinks and of Ray and Dave Davies' solo careers. But it could have used some careful editing--it's not simply too long, it's also sometimes carelessly written.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read with great information. I didn't always agree with the author's taste in best tracks but I enjoyed the casual voice and occasional quips.