Ray Davies
Ray Davies: Americana: The Kinks, The Riff, The Road: The Story
Published by Sterling
Dec 23, 2013
Issue #48 - November/December 2013 - HAIM
Ray Davies’ new book serves dual purposes that will both be of particular interest to fans of The Kinks. Sections of the book follow his interest in American culture, tracking his eventual relocation to New Orleans and the 2004 incident where he was shot while chasing his companion’s purse-snatcher. It’s a frank and revealing look at Davies’ post-Kinks existence, including an unexpected account of Davies’ friendship with the late Alex Chilton in New Orleans.
Intertwined throughout is a recollection of life as The Kinks’ singer/songwriter, in which he depicts a band always in transition (artistic and otherwise) while pulling back the curtain on their uneasy group dynamic. From the ephemera of a day-by-day road diary (irked by Hall & Oates’ roadies; having a stage mask stolen at a stadium show with Alice Cooper) to examinations of recordings and tours for beloved albums such as Muswell Hillbillies and Soap Opera, it’s a detailed band account that will be worth twice the price of admission for many readers. (www.raydavies.info)
Author rating: 8/10
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