Fronted by singer-songwriter Ray Davies and his brother, guitarist and singer Dave Davies, The Kinks were a popular and influential rock band who came to fame during the 1960's "British Invasion". Their singles "You Really Got Me" and "All Day and All of the Night", ""Waterloo Sunset", and "Lola" are all considered classics.
The Kinks were never as popular than The Beatles, or the Stones, nor did they attain Arena Rock God status like The Who, but their influence in rock and pop remains deep and widespread. Dave Davies crunching chords in "You Really Got Me" have been cited as an early warning of punk and metal—his guitar work was also a major, if underrated, influence on the garage rock revival or the early '00s.
The most enduring element of the Kinks may be Ray Davies' wistful sense of melody and bittersweet—often deadpan—lyrics. His combination of lilt and literacy has influenced a decades-long succession of bands, including Mott the Hoople, The Pretenders, The Smiths, Belle and Sebastian, Pulp and The Lilys.
Featured Video: Living on a Thin Line
The Kinks' "Living on a Thin Line" was used in The Sopranos.
This video powerfully sets scenes from The Sopranos to that song.
Featured Video - Tired of Waiting
The Kinks performing "Tired of Waiting", also often known as"So Tired"
Source: YouTube
The Kinks on YouTube
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