Monday, February 22, 1999
Getting out the Kinks
Dave Davies, founding member of the classic ’60s rock group, The
Kinks, entrances
fans at the
Hollywood Athletic Club with a charismatic, energetic
performance, playing older gems from his days with The Kinks, as
well as newer material from his latest album, ‘Unfinished
Business’
By Kate Fitzpatrick
Daily Bruin Contributor
Some things are better left untouched. That’s just the way it
should be. Unless, of course, you’re Dave Davies.
As one of the founding members of the ’60s rock ‘n’ roll band,
The Kinks, Davies has made a striking comeback into the world of
classic rock. With three band members in tow, Davies’ energetic
presence at the Hollywood Athletic Club last Thursday night was
warmly accepted by the enthusiastic, yet sparse, crowd.
Davies and his band made their sojourn to Hollywood after
playing several small local clubs across the country to promote his
new album, "Unfinished Business." The special double CD is an
enjoyable mixture of Kinks classics, rarities, songs from Davies’
first two solo albums of the ’80s ("AFL1-3603" and "Glamour") and
also new songs. Featuring Davies’ son, Simon, on drums, these newer
works reflect the current influences on an aging genre.
Although the Kinks had a large following in the ’60s thanks to
such hits as "You Really Got Me" and "All Day And All Of The
Night," the turnout at the show was less than desirable. But that
did not stop Davies from giving an expressive performance. Davies
and his band proved to be inexhaustible with their lively 90-minute
set.
There are two very distinct types of fans present at this show.
On the one hand, there were the truly devoted, original groupies
and on the other, the typically clueless L.A. club crowd. The
former tended to make up the well-dressed, over-40 populace,
drinking themselves into oblivion while gyrating their once young
hips to the music wailing from Davies’ guitar.
Davies himself was truly inspirational, in the way that all rock
stars who come back from the depths of time can be, proving he’s
still the master of his domain.
With his loud, spirited voice, Davies’ appeared to enjoy his
captive audience. Perhaps the only thing slightly out of place in
Davies’ performance were the all too frequent, melodic and drawn
out ballads. Each time Davies belted out one of these sad, lovesick
ramblings, he destroyed the upbeat mood of the crowd. Yet, as soon
as the next charismatic tune leapt forth from Davies’ guitar, the
crowd went wild.
In addition to the vivacious set, Davies added short stories and
anecdotes before every song, making each one appear particularly
important and causing a stir of laughter in his fans. While the
show wasn’t a sold-out, overcrowded masterpiece, Davies and his
band still put on a good performance.
The show ended with an encore featuring two of the Kinks’
biggest hits, "You Really Got Me" and " All Day And All Of The
Night." Davies’ effort and devotion to the music was wholly
apparent, as well as his duty to the fans and their enjoyment of
this good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll music.BEN SCHWATZ
Dave Davies, former lead guitarist of The Kinks, plays to fans
at the Hollywood Athletic Club Thursday night.
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