Ray Davies Performing the Kinks Choral Collection Nov 20, 2011

[HaroldBlvd]

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150397376798401.364022.560743400&type=1&l=6138c044f6

It's not everyday where I am in the presence of greatness. Tonight was one of the times. Ray Davies, founding member of the Kinks (along with his brother Dave whom Ray mentioned a number of times tonight), one of the greatest bands ever to grace a stage or recording studio, and Ray, the finest songwriter of our time performed an excellent show at the Beacon. Accompanied by a tight rock band and the wonderful Dessoff Chamber Choir, Ray performed acoustic and electrified versions of some of the Kinks finest songs. While playing hits like Lola and You Really Got Me, he also dug deeper into the Kinks record library for the real fans. Ray performed a tribute to Village Green Preservation Society, an album he admitted developed a strong cult following (which he translated as "Not selling well.") This is one of my favorites albums of all time. He performed Walter, Village Green, Big Sky, and Village Green Preservation Society for that record.
It's been a long time since Ray Davies has played NYC. I'm wearing a Ray Davies Shirt tonight that I got at his Westbeth StoryTeller shows. The date on the back of the shirt reads Feb. '96.
It's been even longer since the Kinks played NYC. Last time I saw them it was 1980 at St.Johns University in Queens. They were touring with the One For The Road album.
I read on Wikipedia that there is talk of Kinks reunion tour. Let us all pray that the Gods smile on Dave and Ray and make it so. If tonight's performance was any indication, Ray Davies is ready.
God Save The Kinks!

[Paul DeLouisiana]

I was at the Philly show. It was great but I really thought they would play more with the choral group. I showed up late so I missed a few songs in the acoustic set but I did hear the acoustic Waterloo Sunset and Long Way From Home. Those were jawdropping. I didn't know anything about the Village Green set so I was pleasantly suprised. When they launched into Big Sky and Johnny Thunder my head almost exploded. Those are two of my favorite SONGS. Not just Kinks's song, favorite SONGS!
I've seen a lot of my music heroes and it never gets old.

[HaroldBlvd]

Those are two of my favorite songs as well. He played a long time. The show started at around 8 and he didn't finish until after 11. Big Sky was awesome. Ray really knows how to give the people what they want. THE best show of the year, hands down!

[Lee Harvey Osmond]

 Unfortunately missed this, since it came nowhere near the Left Coast.  I dug most of that choral record though, felt a couple songs were perhaps stretching it a bit.  In looking it up I came across this: http://www.seemyfriends.co.uk/explore.php  Not sure how I missed this coming out last year?  A couple good sounding ideas (Lucinda, Spoon, Alex Chilton, Black Francis, Bruce) and some REALLY bad ideas (Bon Jovi? Metallica?)  Wonder about the collective thoughts on this one...