Ray Davies

[Classics_of_Love]

I wasn't sure exactly where to put this thread. Has anyone seen Ray Davies live recently, and if they have, does he still play any Kinks songs live? I'm a huge Kinks fan, but don't care much for his solo stuff. He's coming through Toronto this month and I want to know if it's worth paying 40 dollars to go see him. On another note, discuss all things Kinks and Ray Davies...Mostly so this thread doesn't disappear after one day.

[Tomahawk]

Well, he's only done one non-Kinks album, so I'd be extremely shocked if he didn't play any Kinks stuff.

[morrissey]

I'd have to agree with Tomahawk, though a large proportion of his act will undoubtedly be dedicated to his new album. He'll either play a couple of the big hits, or a couple of the underrated album cuts or b-sides only hardcore fans would know. I don't know how he approaches things.

I like the Kinks, though unfortunately I haven't heard enough material. I have Well Respected Kinks and Village Green Preservation Society, both are fantastic but I'd love to get more. Any recommendations?

[Classics_of_Love]

Village Green Preservation Society is actually one of my favorite albums by them. Their other two concept albums "Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One" and "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)" are both really good. I also really like "Something Else by the Kinks", and "Face to Face" has got some great tracks.

Also, although normally I really don't like 'greatest hits' albums, "The Ultimate Collection" is fantastic. It's put together really well, has most of their best songs, and they're all great quality recordings.

And that was my thinking as far as the concert is concerned. I was just hoping maybe someone had seen him since he released his solo album who would know just how much time he devotes to his old work. If it were cheaper I would go for sure, but I don't want to pay 40 dollars, plus ticketmaster's ridiculous 'convenience charges' to hear him 4 songs I like.

[Robert Crumb]

I was going to see him a couple years back. Relatively cheap show ($20) at a meh dive but then he had that stroke. And he never came. So I was a sad Robert.

Edit: No, wait that was Dave Davies. Ray Davies got shot. That's right. Dammit.

[robo2448]

Morrissey, definitely go with either Arthur or Lola. Arthur is similar to Village Green Preservation Society in that it's a concept album that deals with British society and the like which I find to be a pretty cool concept even though I'm not British. Lola is brilliant too, and is a loose concept album about how appearances can be deceiving. Or that's what I personally get out of it. The title track is about a transvestite and some of the other songs deal with deception in the music industry. So yeah, cool topics. Plus the title track might just be the catchiest song I've ever heard. I can never get it out of my head. That's not a bad thing though. Both of those albums are gold and good to get next.