A new book has been released by Mark Doyle covering a social study around the songs of Ray Davies and The Kinks. The SHINDIG review says it all.

A completely different look at Kinks history from the usual type of book, you could say that this book has been waiting to be written for a long time.

‘As a piece of rock criticism this is a masterful text, and as an examination of social change in 20th Century Blighty, it is as illuminating as it’s possible to get.

Doyle unravels the Kinks’ relationship to working class England in a variety of ways, casting a light on Ray Davies’ genius for creating immediately identifiable characters as vehicles for social commentary. Doyle’s insights into the subject matter of Davies’ lyrics are particularly illuminating, with the deliberate ambiguity of meaning in his composition a vital factor in their enduring appeal.

That half-smile may have lent a clue, but Davies’ veering between sneering hipster and Victorian Romantic meant that one was never sure that all was what it seemed.

Davies’ own love affair with London and its people is brought to life through the author’s exhaustive research and his commensurate skill in both contextualising the songs and celebrating the “apartness” of their creator. A compelling read for anyone even remotely interested in the band and its music.’ – Shindig

Get it here

Receive a 20% discount code off the retail price of £9.95 (valid for 6 months) KINKSFANS20

THE OFFICIAL KINKS FAN CLUB MEETING

SUNDAY, 24th NOVEMBER 2019

Upstairs in THE DOME at the Boston Arms London.

With

KAST OFF KINKS (plus former band members as available)

SOLD OUT

Doors 1.00pm till 6.00pm

PLEASE NOTE

Due to the sad loss of Ian Gibbons, it will not be the usual full performance by Kast off Kinks, Pete Watkins had already been asked to be involved performing tracks from “Arthur”, and other members of the band will be looking at how they can put something together for the Fan Club, we will update you as and when we have further details

We are not intending to cancel the show.

We are all shocked and sad at the news that Jim sadly passed away on Saturday morning 20th January following a fall at home,

Jim was well liked by all fans who came into contact with him and was one of the rare breed of elder statesmen musicians who retained respect from all who were lucky enough to have worked with him. Jim had a long and distinguished career in the music business, through The Mike Cotton Sound in the early sixties, Argent in the 70’s and The Kinks from 1978 to 1996.

As well as being a regular on the local St Albans scene. Jim was an integral part of the re-formed Zombies for the last eighteen years, but still found time to play and visit the Kinks Fan Club meetings when possible, in fact Jim along with Ian Gibbons rescued us back in 2008 when for a time it looked as if Kast Off Kinks would have to stop playing as John Dalton had some health issues and John/Baptist both decided to stop playing

Jim was with us in November 2017 and talked enthusiastically about his current projects which included a book and a USA tour for Feb/March 2018 including a guest spot at Carnegie Hall as part of a Charity Led Zep tribute show.

Jim spent some time with Ray Davies and Bob Henrit backstage at the Fan Club gig sharing stories about their times together and catching up with current activities.

R.I.P. Jim we will all miss you.