Ray Davies

Just got back from seeing Ray Davies in concert. One of the few people I'd actually want to see in concert too. What a great show. I've always been a Kinks fan but his solo stuff is pretty good as well. An almost secret these days because he doesn't fill big halls but nonetheless one of the best songwriters of all-time.

Ray Davies did not have the greatest of voices, indeed,out of the singers of the truly major British Invasion rock bands, he was arguably the weakest singer as far as the strength of his voice went- certainly Burdon, McCartney, Daltrey, Colin Blunstone of the Zombies and others were more accomplished singers. However, he was perfect for The Kinks, whose material from 1964 until the early 70's is still criminally underrated by many, and although I know this isn't a lyrics list, his lyrics described the little people, distinctively English customs, viewpoints and other aspects of life, and the British working class better and more incisively than anyone else has in rock: before or since. 5 as a lyricist, 4 as a frontman.