God Save The Kinks!

Article by Colin, We7 Music Correspondant
2007 saw a host of classic bands re-form. From 70s Rock Gods Led Zeppelin to 90s Pop Queens The Spice Girls many bands reunited to tour and record again. However, there was one big name from yesteryear that was conspicuous by its absence - 1960s legends The Kinks.

Rumours abound that Ray and Dave Davies - the long feuding brothers at the heart of the band - have put their differences behind them to team up with original members Mick Avory (Drums) and Pete Quaife (Bass) for a series of live shows to tie in with the release of their Greatest Hits package later this year. Pete Townsend of The Who has been one of many Rock stars who have expressed a desire to see the band reunite.

The Music

The Kinks were one of the original 'British Invasion' bands of the 1960s, along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who. From the early primal garage rock of You Really Got Me and All Day and All of the Night to the swinging pop sounds of Waterloo Sunset and Lola, The Kinks soundtracked the 60s.

However, as English bands became more enamoured with American styles as the decade wore on, The Kinks defied convention They chose to keep a decidedly 'English' sound, providing a whimsical taste of an England that was long forgotten, on albums such as Village Green Preservation Society and Arthur (Or, The Decline and Fall of The British Empire). For many of their fans, the music of The Kinks is synonymous with all things English.

The music of The Kinks played a pivotal influence in the Britpop craze of the 1990s - bands such as Blur sought to revive the spirit of the England celebrated by The Kinks in response to the dominance of American guitar bands. Their impact continues into the 21st century, with The Libertines and Kaiser Chiefs citing them as a strong influence.

The Future

Although they continued to release music in the 70s, 80s and 90s in varying line ups, it is their music from the 1960s that is most fondly remembered. Davies has stated his desire to write new material for a potential reunion - "I can't get a band together just to play the old hits," Davies says. "They'd have to be able to do, like, 10% new material."

Let's hope they get back together soon. In the meantime, why not check out the best of their 60s output on We7 - from their well known hits to rarities and outtakes, We7 has it covered.

Don't forget, you can publish a playlist of your favourite Kinks songs in a We7 widget and place it on your Myspace, Bebo or Blog. And let us know your favourite tracks on our new We7 Blog!

God Save The Kinks!