Beloved rock group The Kinks have been silent since 1996 when the band last played together. During their lengthy career, which started in the 1960s, the band produced such such mega-hits as "You Really Got Me" and "Lola." Now, after some years removed from the cultural landscape singer Ray Davies has told BBC News that a reunion may be in the works, and has helped prep the group's first boxset.
The Kinks Reunion
In early November Ray Davies told BBC News that The Kinks, "have started a little bit of this and that." Regarding a reunion Ray stated, "It depends if there's good music. We want good new music. I'd like to do it as a more collaborative thing than we used to do."
"New Music" may not be what fans want to hear the group play, but it does bode well for those longing to see the iconic band return to the studio and/or stage. Some people are still questioning if a reunion can happen though because of Ray's brother, and fellow Kinks member, Dave Davies current health. Dave suffered a stroke in 2004, but Ray says that he is now doing fine.
Ray Davies also told the BBC that he would be interested in doing a duets album. Besides Chuck Barry however, Davies does not seem to being looking for A-listers to record with. He told the BBC ""I don't just want to do usual suspects... I'd like to find new bands. Unsigned even. I usually like the underdogs." Davies also mentioned an interest in working with Johnny Borrell of English rockers Razorlight and Snow Patrol.
Davies is preparing to hit the road in the U.S. Right now with a short batch of dates on the east coast. Those dates are...
- 11-28 Tampa, FL - Tampa Theatre
- 11-29 Miami, FL - Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater
- 11-30 Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live
- 12-02 Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
- 12-03 Nashville, TN - Wildhorse Saloon
- 12-05 Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Music Box
- 12-06 Poughkeepsie, NY - Bardavon 1869 Opera House
- 12-08 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
- 12-10 Providence, RI - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
- 12-11 Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
- 12-12 New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom
- 12-13 Asbury Park, NJ - Paramount Theatre
Picture Book
Picture Book, The Kinks first box set, is set to be released on December 8th and will contain six discs. As is usually the case with box sets the discs will contain both previously released material (singles, fan favorites) as well as rare and unreleased demos, live tracks, and b-sides. With over 130 tracks Kinks fans should have plenty to love here, plus the set also contains a 60-page book with tons of Kinks info and photos.
A full track listing for Picture Book can be found here. Highlights include outtakes for "Come on Now," a demo of "There is a New World Opening for Me," a Ray vocal version of "Mr. Reporter," "Slum Kids" and "Do You Remember Walter?" live, and alternate mono and stereo versions of classic cuts.
