Ray Davies is my favorite writer of all the British bands, including the Nerk Twins ;-) . He is SO British, capturing and invoking the soul of that country in the same way Brian Wilson does the U.S. A. To continue the comparison, he is, as is Brian, an excellent melodist; "Waterloo Sunset" is absolutely magnificent, and he has written many others of equal caliber.
It was therefore disappointing to me when he embarked on his concept period, where the songs were written to support the greater whole, rather than standing on their own. Some of the songs were good, but many just served the function of furthering the narrative, sounding, as songs---their chords, the chord structures and sequences, melodies, etc.---more like the filler songs that lesser bands always fill out their albums with.
Ray Davies was also a great entertainer---very charismatic and amusing. And The Kinks had that very unique, trademark band sound. Ray was a true rhythm guitarist, as was John Lennon. But my God was his Telecaster loud! Extremely piercing and bright, as Tele's can be. And Dave is an under-rated lead guitarist, very exciting in a pure Rock 'n' Roll way (very little real Blues influence, rare for a Brit). He also has written some great songs (sprinkled throughout the group's albums), and is himself an interesting singer. Mick Avory is a wonderful drummer, and perfect for The Kinks in the way Ringo was for The Beatles. Very musical---a song player, not just a drummer. I think The Kinks may be my favorite British group of them all! Snappy dressers, too ;-) .
