The Kinks are one of those rock bands that have always been
around. Considering they started back in 60s, that is not too far
from the truth. Being a viable source of music for fans worldwide
for over 4 decades now is a tribute to Ray and Dave Davies and their
sheer brilliance in creating rock-pop gems. Ray is the master storyteller
and his brother Dave has his chops down on guitar to set all of his
brothers stories into motion. With standout musicians like Mick Avory
(drums) and Jim Rodford (bass) to help them along over the years,
they always had a lineup that was quality talent from top to bottom
when they went into the recording studio or on the road.
In 1979, they made an album that put them on the map in America like
never before. Low Budget was the perfect blend of pop rock and political
satire. It charted favorably, was exceptionally successful, and opened
up the arena rock realm to the band. They never looked back after that album.
I remember hearing all the most popular tunes from the album on the
radio while I was going to disc jockey school in Connecticut. It was
common to turn on the radio anytime during the day or evening and
hear Low Budget, A Gallon of Gas, and (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman
playing. Although I never went out and actually bought any Kinks albums,
I had a friend in school that loved them so I had a chance to hear
a lot of their previous work. I was in awe at what a great rock and
roll band they were and to this day cannot understand why they were
not extremely popular here in the U.S. before the commercial success of Low Budget.
This was one of the last great albums of the classic rock era before
the mindless 80s kicked in and music lost its heart and soul (temporarily).
It has gradually become one of my favorite all time albums. It has
all the trappings, hooks and big guitars that made arena rock so popular.
Of course, the charm, grace, and wit of Ray Davies sure made it all
that much more enjoyable.
With this great new issue from Mobile Fidelity, all the best of those
rocking guitars, the pulsating rhythm section, and Mr. Davies distinctive
British inflected vocals come delivered realistically to you from
your sound system. Great rock n roll and the best possible sound you
could imagine is what every music lover yearns for. When you listen
to a classic rock album such as this in a format that brings out all
the best in the music, you find simple satisfaction and the real pleasures
of a listening experience.
1. Attitude
2. Catch Me Now I'm Falling
3. Pressure
4. National Health
5. (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman
6. Low Budget
7. In A Space
8. Little Bit Of Emotion
9. A Gallon Of Gas
10. Misery
11. Moving Pictures
Bonus Tracks:
12. A Gallon Of Gas (US Single Extended Version)
13. Catch Me Now I'm Falling (Original Extended Version)
14. (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman (Disco Mix Extended Version)
The Kinks in 1979 Were:
Ray Davies-Vocals, guitar, keyboards
Dave Davies-Lead guitar, vocals
Mick Avory-Drums
Jim Rodford-Bass guitar, vocals
