Wish I Could Fly Like Superman

When I was a teenager, one of the biggest hit songs was “Come Dancing” by the Kinks. I had vaguely heard them before, but wasn’t a fan. Yet. That song changed it all for me. The other thing that sealed the deal for me was the fact that one of my favorite singers, Chrissie Hynde from the Pretenders had hooked up with the lead singer of the Kinks, and had a child with him. Therefore, in my hormone addled mind, it meant they were uber cool.

I had bought the cassette (this was just as the CD era was dawning), State of Confusion. I wore it out. I couldn’t get enough of it. I went to the library and looked up Rolling Stone articles on microfiche (what you had to do before the internet). The Kinks were originally part of the British invasion in the 1960’s, along with the Beatles, Stones, the Who and dozens of other bands. Their first big hit was You Really Got Me, which was punk a decade before punk actually happened. I also realized that I was a Kinks fan long before I realized I was one. I loved the song You Really Got Me, but I had originally heard it as the Van Halen cover. A local rock station in Salt Lake City used to do all sorts of gimmicky things like two for Tuesdays and cover to cover-where they would play the original and a cover song. One day they did the Kinks and Van Halen, and I liked the original better. There was more of an edge and desperation versus David Lee Roth, who is one of the ultimate showmen. 

Then there’s the song, Lola. It is probably their most recognizable song. Its one of those quirky, there’s a big twist type songs. I don’t think I’m giving anything away by saying that Lola was a MAN. To my teenage mind, this was shocking and scandalous (especially living in Utah), which appealed to the rebel in me. It quickly became a favorite, too.

Today, when I talk to folks about my love for the Kinks, many don’t realize how influential the band truly was. Their journey from British invasion through the 70’s (Celluloid Heroes is such a heartbreakingly beautiful song) to the 80’s, up until brotherly unlove broke the band up leaves a trail of aural breadcrumbs. Their influence can be heard in bands as diverse as the Pretenders, the Pixies, Bon Jovi, Wilco, and more. I think they are probably one of the most underrated bands in existence. If you are new to the Kinks, start with their greatest hits package, Come Dancing. It offers career spanning song selections. It’s a great start, and you can figure out what era Kinks you want to explore next.

All Kinks pictures from google images