The Kinks were an English pop/rock group formed in 1963, and categorised as a British Invasion band, along with the other members of the so-called Big Four (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who). Despite being less commercially successful than these three contemporaries, mostly because of a four-year ban from the United States in the mid-to-late 1960s, the Kinks are cited among them as one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time.
The band's early hard-driving singles set a standard in the mid-1960s for rock and roll, while albums such as Face to Face, Something Else, The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, Arthur and Muswell Hillbillies are highly regarded by fans, critics, and peers, and are considered amongst the most influential recordings of the era.
One of my favourite conversation tricks is to ask young people up to 30 years of age whether they've heard of The Kinks. When they say no I bet them that they know at least two of their songs. I'm yet to lose a bet. The last time I did it - with one of my female colleagues - I started with some of the more obscure tunes before getting to Lola. Her eyes lit up and a broad smile crossed her face. "My car is called Lola!" she exclaimed. Good for the car. Hand over the money.
These songs are timeless. If you haven't listened to much of The Kinks' music then do yourself the proverbial favour and do so.
You Really Got Me
Lola (Live)
Sunny Afternoon
All Of The Day And All Of The Night
(Nothing Follows)
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