Finally hitting The Kinks! We are doing our first Deep Cut Livestream tomorrow @ 2pm EST! Be there or be square, also make sure to vote in the poll for this week on the community tab, cheers friends! 🙌🏻🔥
No way! This is going to be pretty cool. The Kinks rock. Great Guitar Rock songs in mid 1960’s. Band has been around for years. This song is little more Acoustic, but it one of their most classic songs. Lyrics are hilarious. Enjoy guys, this is the opposite of Prog Rock. If there were more bands like the Kinks in the 1970s, Punk Rock may have never happened... Talk to Artie before you listen to the song...
@@marianmanzo I liked how, after they read about the song, they continue to talk about how awesome it would be to be 'that chick' having a song written about her. I think this generation is just not particularly bothered about all that, and it seems good. It's like 'oh, but you're a girl? OK, cool'. it's interesting to watch as a much older person from a time when this song was scandalous… in part because Ray's not horrified by his experiences. He almost fell for his Lola, after all :)
She walks like a woman but talks like a man. When she grabbed me she nearly broke my spine. Lots of clues in this song. We all got it way back when it first came out!
@@camasprairie1369 At the time this was being written the 'Sexual Offences Act 1967' was just making itself felt in England. The words would have been noticed (and generally approved off). Sexual Offences Act 1967 was a real changer by basically saying that things consenting adults did in private was no buisness of anyone else. A lot of ajustment was going on at this time.
I can’t believe the most important phrase of the song was missed. ‘I know I’m a man and SO IS LOLA’. 😂 I was watching with my wife and we were both waiting for that “moment of realization” and when your eyes open and you look at each other at the same time. Great song.
Even that line, though, is brilliantly ambiguous: you can read it as either Lola is a man or Lola is glad the singer is a man. Davies is extraordinarily clever that way. (And yes, Lola is a man. My point is just that Davies is intentionally coy about it.)
There are many hints in the song - "dark brown voice" , "when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine", "she walk like a woman and talk like a man" AND "I'm glad I'm a man and so is Lola". Times were WAY different when this song aired and The Kinks were fond of innuendoes. Lola is a man.
The Kinks are possibly the most underated influential band of all time. They influenced so many other musicians from members of the Who, to Van Halen, Boston and practically every punk rock and garage band.
You're correct, Pete Townsend is a huge fan, they basically invented some classic riffs, yet they are among the most literate bands ever. Lola was an example of their skill set and humor.
I wouldn't pick "Lola" as an intro to the band. When it came out, it was considered more of a novelty song. On the other hand, when "You Really Got Me" came out, it was probably the hardest rock on the radio.
It's definitely not a song to intro The Kinks on, but I wouldn't consider it just a novelty song. It's actually really great and one of their biggest hit songs.
Jimmy Page working as a studio musician played guitar on the 'You Really Got me" original track and was the first person to record a song using distortion through an electric guitar. Kinda making it the world's first Hard rock/metal song.
@@Rahingo The Kinks and their manager say that Page played some rhythm guitar on other tracks, but that Dave Davies got that guitar sound by slashing his speaker cone with a razor blade. Check out what "Songfacts" says about it : www.songfacts.com/facts/the-kinks/you-really-got-me
@@Rahingo I believe that was all Dave Davies on that one. He deserves the credit. His own brother, Ray.....lead singer/songwriter, called little brother Dave 'The Raging Bull of the Les Paul". :)
Saw them around '84 and they were nothing less than stellar. Ray teased the crowd a number of times with the guitar opening of "Lola", so by the time they actually did play it, we were more than set for it. Very memorable show.
@@MB-fy1mv Doing a bit more of internet research, Ray seems to come up with a different story every time. Once about him, once about his manager and once about a "crew member."
@@jonathanreich6360 Well, I'm not surprised.I've watched him on a few talk shows over the years and he seems to be a bit slightly off, but I still love and watch the Kinks now and then on TH-cam. Can't help it. I'm old now and then I go back and watch and listen to the (very) old stuff. Thanks for answering. Have a good day sir.
@@wingnutofcoolness certainly not in the original British Invasion. As Paul Schaefer told me after seeing the Who for the first time, their first three Chords in Substitute were good, after that there wasn’t much. The Who became popular in the later 60’s
The Kinks absolutely beat every other band of their era. I'd recommend some of their stuff like Waterloo Sunset or Sunny Afternoon for more story driven baroque pop stuff
I really thought that they would appreciate the lyrics a lot more. Even though a song about a transvestite doesn't have the punch these days that it had back in 1970, the lines are pretty brilliant they way they lay out the story. I mean, come on... "Well, I'm not the world's most physical guy but when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine". Maybe it's a song that will grow on them with more listens.
Could tell by their reaction to the obvious that they didn't get it. The chick wasn't a chick and soho is in central London so not too dingy. I think Lou Ried is a step to far for them.
Bless the Davies brothers! The world needs rough, boozy, bawdy bands like The Kinks! I highly recommend the “Muswell Hillbillies “ album, where we delve into demon alcohol, acute schizophrenia paranoia, and the complicated life of the 20th century man. Also the people in gray to take you away!
I must say that I enjoyed the total obliviousness of the understanding of the lyrics and the song.🤣 I'm 71 and the big majority of us got it the first time we heard it more than 50 years ago and we loved it. I'm not sure what that says about today's society. Glad you enjoyed it too. Thanks for sharing. They really were in the top 4 original bands and many later bands followed The Kinks style. They recorded some great songs. Check the others out.
Dear Andy and Alex, as a 66 year old British man I've found it great fun to see how you have responded to tracks I've known most of my life. My eldest sister is now 71 and I've been inspired by her music since the early sixties. We even had St Peppers a week before its release date as our dad knew people at EMI who released it. So.... the trill of hearing these tracks for the first time when they were released can't be properly appreciated unless you follow the chronology of the years they appeared. St Peppers was mind blowing compared to anything before it. Lola was equally as brilliant... in fact the Kinks (Ray Davies') songs have been favourably compared to the Beatles over the same period. Waterloo Sunset is sublimely beautiful and - of its time - truly one the best tracks.... It even featured in the opening fn the UK Olympics in 2012. Anyway... thank you for your channel... do have a think of when these tracks were released before comparing, to much, to ones from a later time. Very best regards Paul
Groovy Music Lessons yeah, for sure. At first I thought it went over their head, but no, it’s just acceptance which is a good thing today. A kinder more understanding generation.
Cracks me up to see your non-surprised reaction to the subject matter. Back when this came out it was definitely a shocker!! But always a great song no matter how many times I hear it! One of my favorite lines of all time - “girls will be boys and boys will be girls, it’s a mixed up muddled up, shook up world”. Before it’s time, that’s for sure!
Personally, I really don't think they pay that much attention (or, and I don't want to be mean, maybe they don't comprehend them) to the lyrics most of the time. I've noticed on a few of their other reviews they talk more about the chords and sounds then the words.
How can you hear this song and still not know what it is about or how shocking it was at the time. It was amazing it was not banned at the time. Lola WAS a bloke. It was also a true story.
Something else you should know about the Kinks is that the band is fronted by two brothers, Sir Ray Davies on vocals + rhythm guitar and his younger brother Dave on lead guitar. Of all the great feuding pairs in rock, or indeed any popular, music, their 50+ years of constant fighting probably tops it all!
You're starting your journey on what may be THE most underrated band in the history of rock. There's so many albums that deserve a listen and the majority of people have no idea they even exist- Arthur, Village Green Preservation Society, Lola, Muswell Hillbillies, Everybody's in Showbiz, Sleepwalker, Preservation acts 1 and 2, Soap Opera, Schoolboys in Disgrace, etc,etc,etc... But I'm gonna say that to start off, you should stick to the basic popular tracks, then venture out. You Really Got Me and All Day and All of the Night should be next. Maybe even in the same video! They're only about 2 minutes long each. One of the very first songs to have real guitar distortion. Dave Davies got the crunchy, fuzzy guitar sound way back in 1964 by slicing his speaker cone with a razor blade. After that, everyone wanted that distortion sound and the production of fuzz pedals kicked off. Those songs are truly a giant leap towards the modern hard rock, punk, metal genres.
Around Christmas time have to do "Father Christmas"... you are spot on about them being one of the most underrated and forgotten rock bands in history... so much great stuff in there.
Way too many great Kinks songs and albums to list, but Arthur may be my favorite. I think Shangri-La would be a great one to react to next. That or Waterloo Sunset.
@@danhartzog9274 Shangri-La might just be my favorite all time Kinks song. I think Dave Davies mentioned in an interview that's it's his favorite as well.
they are kinda part one and part two of the same song aren't they? they missed the point of the song. the kinks were excellent. another kink song they might consider listening to is - Apeman. its an ecology song and its one of my favorites. you gotta hear it! thanks for the upload.
I totally agree I was waiting for it! they did that with a Bob Segar song too the part "with points of her own sitting up way firm an high"went totally over their head an im thinking their life experience to young to get it - im guessing its disapointing
I’m so pleased that when they finally got it (after looking up the lyrics and meaning), they didn’t mis-gender Lola. That is so rare in these react videos. What a wonderful generation!
John Lennon was rumored to be a closet Kinks fan. Pete Townshend was a total out-of-the-closet Kinks fan citing Ray Davies as one of his influences, and later saying that Ray should be Poet Laureate (of England, of course).
@Joan In Florida sucks? buy yourself a couple of ears and never ever talk again about The Kinks with that potty mouth, blasphemous kid... God save The Kinks!
@Joan In Florida I'm clueless? says the guy stating that Lola sucks? OK, then explain to me why this masterful song sucks... I'm waiting for your arguments. And better give some convincing ones
"I'm glad I'm a man and so is Lola". Ah, but is she also 'a man', or is she also 'glad I'm a man.? I always loved how that was left deliberately ambiguous.
In the US the line goes 'where it tastes just like Coca Cola......' In Great Britain there was some sort of rule about mentioning brand names in pop music, so the British release says 'and it tastes just like cherry cola.....'
I think the trans factor for those of us that are older raise this up an entire grade from you guys. Your generation (thankfully) wasn't raised to be shocked by this reveal where we absolutely were and, as such, that makes this song a bit more surprising even after hearing it a thousand times.
In honor of Eddie Van Halen Dual reaction Kinks " You Really Got Me"(64) Van Halen'- You Really Got Me"( 78 seminal cover). First hit for both bands(Google it)!!!! Both major influence in rock! Suggest Halen "Eruption" which segue's into " You Really Got Me". BTW Who- "My Generation (circa 65) Kinks-You Really Got Me"(circa 64) Both pre-Punkish Both opposite of what Alex doesn't like about most from that era. In Andy's words- Both major Bops !
When this song was first released in England it was censored. But not for what you might think. They had to change the reference to "Coca Cola" to "cherry cola". They had a ban on using brand names in songs. Go figure.
Ray was in the US and they made him fly back to England to sing "cherry cola and fly back. When he got back they said, "Oh sorry, we didn't quite get it and made him flay back a second time. Rumor has it that is why he wrote the line "The air pollution is a 'foggin' up my eyes" in Ape Man. At least that's what the lyric sheet says. It may be the first time the f bomb was sung in pop music.
More Kinks? "You Really Got Me" from the early period; "Destroyer" (which references "You Really Got Me"), "Juke Box Music," "Do It Again," "Better Things" from the later period. The gorgeous "Celluloid Heroes from the in-between period.
Check out “Celluloid Hero’s” “Victoria" "Till the End of the Day" "Tired of Waiting for You" "All Day and All of the Night" "Sunny Afternoon" "Waterloo Sunset" "You Really Got Me“
Shangrila - Face in the Crowd- HAVE ANOTHER DRINK!!!!!- these guys would LOVE that.-Australia. Village Green Preservation Society- Too Much On My Mind- All of My Friends Were There- you could fill up this page with great songs by the Kinks.
For my money the Kinks 'Destroyer' is a top 10 rock song; inexplicably underappreciated. One of the few songs I still get exited for when I hear those first notes. Also worth a listen is "A Rock and Roll Fantasy', primarily for it's lyrics. Every time I hear it I'm dumbfounded that they could write that and actually put it on an album.
I'm a gay who did drag for a while... I never hit on straight dudes, though... not my gig. I gotta love how you two just sort of took that part of the song in stride. It tells me a lot about who you are. For the LGBTQ+ community, I want to thank you for NOT being creeped out about it. It was fun watching your reaction to this song. Love the Kinks!
I'm sorry but I think it much more likely that they simply "Didn't Get It," rather than the two of them being so advanced that this wouldn't even provide cause to raise an eyebrow, or something, thus, I don't believe that it tells you shit about who they are. However, I don't think that anyone would be Offended by this song today. I remember when this song first came out, in 1964 and it was fun back then, much like it is today. This song was actually banned in the U.K. when it first came out, but I don't know for how long? Keep Smiling...
The Kinks are a great band. They did a very interesting range of songs, from simple hard rockers like _You Really Got Me_ to developing a strong story-telling element, like in this song. _Waterloo Sunset_ is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. _Dead End Street_ is also recommended.
I love today’s youth. The song in its day was exceptionally edgy for its content, but today, even after finding out she is trans, you still refer to her as “she” and “chick” and don’t bat an eye. Thank you for that 🥰
Rock and Roll Fantasy, Sleepwalker, Sunny Afternoon, 20th Century Man, Strangers, Better Things, Catch Me Now I'm Falling, (Wish I could fly like) Superman, Low Budget
At first I thought "oh man they missed it..." and the discussion after was sounding like you were gonna be blown away when you got to the lyrics. Then you got to the lyrics and -- holy Cow I loved your non-reaction. Great job, took it in stride and got the gritty vibe of the song.
What are you talking about? They DID "miss it". You can tell by their facial reactions at the line "I can't understand why she walked like a woman but talked like a man" ... You could also tell at the line "I'm not the world's most masculine guy *but I know what I am* IN THE BED, I'm a man & so is L-O-L-A ...) ... ... I mean-- It must've dawned on them *only afterward* when they started seeing the comments. Because *back when hearing* those lines, their faces registered-- NOTHING. You were right the first time-- They did miss it.
When this came out I happened to be in a church group. The assistant pastor was trying to connect with a group of us teens and played this current hit song for us in order to have stuff to talk about and see what our reaction would be. He was surprised and a little disappointed (I think) that we all knew exactly what the song was about but it didn't bother us at all. Darn hippie teens, so peaceful and accepting... It was a bit scandalous at the time to the adults, but for us kids it was just a fun tune. I'd already heard it and have loved it ever since. The live version is particularly exciting.
There are some more Kink's songs that people really love. Probably not everyone's suggestion but "Come Dancing" keeps getting better with each passing decade to mine ears..
I think the Kinks had broken up when "Come Dancing" was made. It's one of my favourite song's. The diversity in Ray Davies's writing is breath taking. Yes I'm a fan.
One of the things I like seeing when people react to this song is the expression on their face when they realise what the song is about. You guys are normally good with this but this time it seemed to go right over your head and there was no lightbulb moment. Shame on you. Great song though
I wanted to add that The Kinks catalog of songs Rivals that of any band!, and it's universally known that there's not very many songwriters better than Ray Davies
My mother's name was Lola. She talked like a woman and walked like a man. That song absolutely tortured her. It's based on an actual incident, where the Kinks' managed picked up a woman in a club and got something of a surprise. He never lived it down.
His first solo album, the "Primal Scream" Plastic Ono Band one. God, Mother, Working-class Hero, I Found Out, the whole thing, really would have been a great choice.
Kinks recommendations: “The Village Green Preservation Society” “Powerman” “Waterloo Sunset” “Victoria” “Autumn Almanac” “Days” “Strangers” I could go on, but that should be enough for now.
I was in my pre teens back in 1970 just about to turn 12 so and moved to the UK from NYC to live, I was brought up after on British music as my older sister worked in a record department and brought up on all the hits of the day although she was mainly a Beatles fan, my elder brother was into heavier rock and loved the stones. My own personal taste was the rockier music from sabbath, zeppelin and the like. On a Sunday the record player never seemed to stop playing music from morning till night. Even today I love the hits of my early years.
A great song, very subversive for the time, but not the best introduction to a class band from the 60s, Plenty of alternatives. "Waterloo Sunset" is regarded by many as one of the greatest songs of the 1960s. "See my friends" is my favourite Kinks track.
As I commented elsewhere here, I have heard Bob Geldof compare "Waterloo Sunset" to Wordsworth's "Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802." In my mind, it's the most beautifully romantic song that any of the British Invasion bands ever produced - even more beautiful than the Beatles' "Something" or "For No One," or the Rolling Stones' "Angi."
Gents, I recommend "Waterloo Sunset" for your next Kinks song, a song with a great melody. "Sunny Afternoon" is my 2nd choice. I'm glad that you're checking out The Kinks, generally regarded as the 4th greatest band of the British Invasion, after The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, all of whom you are well-acquainted with.
I love Waterloo Sunset and wish I had a convertible Jag just so I could drive around playing it. To me it's just such a British sounding song. I feel like these guys won't like it that much though, seems like they like '60s music less than '70s.
@@douglasfrantzen3011 They like some late '60s music. I think that The Kinks were at their peak in the late '60s, so to me, you can't skip that music if you're going to listen to The Kinks.
I remember Bob Geldof comparing "Waterloo Sunset" to Wordsworth's poem "Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802." To my mind, it is the most romantically (and Romantically) beautiful song any of the first wave of British invasion bands ever produced, better than the Beatles' "Something" and "For No One" or the Stones' "Angi."
Shhhh.don't say that..back in 1970..they did what they needed to muddy the mix.. Really..computers weren't around till 1990..you did what you had to , to get the sound..Millelienals..
Love love love the Kinks. Positively one of the most influential yet underrated bands of all time. Pete Townshend was a big fan and the Kinks influenced the early Who. You're familiar with You Really got me so allow me to recommend Waterloo sunset, Celluloid heroes, Victoria, and the greatest Christmas rocker yet, Father Christmas.
The song actually gave me a nudge in trying to understand what being gay meant to a twelve year old in 1970. I think it may have assisted in my acceptance of the gay community. Sounds kinda cheesy when I say it out loud, but it's still true.
The point of "Lola" is at the end of the song you still don't know. Their first big song, "You Really Got Me", was probably the first "hard rock" song and Jimmy Page sessioned on it.. "Victoria", off their Arthur album, kicks ass too.
Jimmy Page did a number of Kinks session work but You Really Got Me is not confirmed as one of them. Another urban myth is that on those Kinks sessions Page recorded the guitar solo. NOT TRUE. According to Page himself, most of his work on most sessions comprised of locking in the rhythm section. Which in his case meant he recorded rhythm guitar alongside session drummer Bobby Graham. Most singles of their early work dos not have Mick Avory on the actual record. Session pianist Nicky Hopkins was the other regular contracted by production to do Kinks sessions. Most of the Kinks members were not made aware of what was done to their recordings after they left their recording sessions. All this during the first three years - their first self-titled album to Something Else (1964-67). By the time of Arthur you had the full band on all the tracks of the album.
@@JulioLeonFandinho There's an interview with Page on TH-cam where he talks about his session work and specifically mentions this song, Goldfinger with Shirley Bassey, and Donovan. That it's an urban legend is the urban legend.
My little brother recently discovered The Kinks on TH-cam. He’s been turning me on to a lot of deep cuts. They’re fantastic. I don’t know why they don’t have as much notoriety as The Who Alex your hair looks fantastic
The Kinks were one of the early "British invasion" bands who came to the States in the mid=1960s along with the Beatles and Stones. A string of pop hits then. Later on in the 1970s, a string of albums filled witht he song writing and wit of Ray Davies, one of my favorites. My friends and I listed a lot to Presevation Act I, Preservation Act II, Village Greeen Preservation Society et all. Ray's songs are known for their social commentary. Saw them in 1978 on their tour promoting the album Superman was on. Really fun showby this classic Brit band.
They came to the States in the mid 60s and were kicked out and banned for 4 years before their first tour really started. Their career as a band might have been completely different if not for that.
Van Halen covered a few Kinks songs, ten years later in '81 they did a sequel song of sorts called Destroyer. Spoilers, he's still with Lola. In late 80s, 75 cent beers and ten cent wings. Reminiscing
You guys needs a crash course in British rock. The Kinks are one of the greats, released albums from 1964 until 1993 and scored a lot of hit singles. You've heard the 2 most popular but there are tons more. 'Waterloo Sunset' is one of the best songs ever written. Their '60s hits are very catchy and reflective of the period. They didn't get into psychedelia like other bands, they made a string of concept albums from '68 to '75. In the '80s they went arena rock and did very well in the US. Other great songs: Tired of Waiting for You, A Well Respected Man, Stop Your Sobbing (covered by The Pretenders, Ray Davies ended up marrying Chrissie Hynde), Sunny Afternoon, Days, Victoria, Apeman, Come Dancing, Better Things, Father Christmas, Misfits, Scattered
The Kinks have so many great, quality songs. A very underrated band. I put them up there, on the level of greatness, with the likes of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who etc.. Check out the Kinks song - "Do it again."
@@sirslice It was the BBC that forced the issue - no "product placement" allowed on BBC Radio at the time. Hopefully, the BS practice has changed since 1970...
@@Lwize They have changed. You could leave it as Coca Cola now, but the next line would have to be 'Other carbonated soft drinks are available. A-B-L-E, able'.
The guy on the left even said at the start that they need to listen out for the layered meaning. And then didn’t even attempt to do that and completely missed it 🥴
So glad you’re finally getting to the Kinks. They’re one of my favorite bands. Overall this is one excellent album. Some tracks aren't as memorable as others, but The Contenders, Strangers, Get Back In Line, This Time Tomorrow, Apeman, and Powerman are important tracks to listen to some day. Tall order I know, but perhaps in your off-camera time. The Kinks are very influential on the alternative and indie scenes. Please keep going with the Kinks!
I agree with your comments. This is my personal favorite album of theirs, although not my favorite track. Other great albums of theirs are Arthur ( Or the decline of the British Empire), The kinks are the village green preservation society, and face-to-face
Nicholas Mckibbin I love those albums as well. Love the whole stretch from Face To Face - Muswell Hillbillies. I can’t decide what my favorite album of theirs is.
The live version is better but I’m happy they’re getting to one of my favorite bands. Live version of Celluloid Heroes is killer. All Day and All of the Night, Jukebox Music, Victoria, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, etc, etc, and so forth.
You all might like "Victoria" by the Kinks. It's a banger. Great lyrics to unravel, too. In that era, lots of dance bands put "Victoria'' in their repertoire.
There are a number of layers in the lyrics indicating that Lola was a cross dresser. This song was way before its time. I'm surprised it was not censored when thins were different.
I remember the early 60's still. The absolute HARDEST rockers were the Kinks and the Dave Clark Five. As the decade progressed, many more bands cranked it up, but these two prepped us. By the time of Lola, Davies was tuning up his writing chops for more progressive works. A couple of earlier comments mentioned Waterloo Sunset which was such a beautiful song that did great in England but I don't even think was released as a single here. We Kink fans found it on Kink Kronicles though.
I don't think getting down on my knees would be the thing I'd go for in that situation. Guess if you decide to go for it, you'd may as well go all the way for it 😂. A song like this would be shocking in 2020, to think this came out in the 70's, wow. Hats off to The Kinks!! 👏👏
The Kinks are one of the greatest rock groups of all time and are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sir Ray Davies is a song writer on the Lennon McCartney Richard Jagger level. They are less well known because they were very naughty boys who were banned from the US for 4 years at the height of their career. They still managed to have 24 top 40 songs. They have been covered by an astonishing number of big names, in a wide variety of genres, from Cher and Tom Jones to David Bowie, Green Day, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello and many, many others. They have inspired and influenced everyone from The Who to Oasis to Ozzie to Pearl Jam. God Save the Kinks.
The Kinks are one of the best bands out of England in the 60`s. Waterloo Sunset, Sunny Afternoon & You Really Got Me are great. They were leaders in a pre-punk type of attitude. Their production on Lola is like a "wall of sound" production. It was a very contraversial tune when it came out because of the subject matter but it went to number one mostly because it is just a really good tune. Can you guys give a band from the 60`s a try - Spirit. Their album The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus is an American classic light years ahead of most other bands. The tunes Mr. Skin, Prelude-Nothing to Hide and Animal Zoo are incredible. Great having you guys around.
Bought a vinyl copy at a Goodwill for a buck. Best dollar I ever spent that's for sure. Not a single bad track in that one. "Brother" is my personal favorite from it.
Saw the Kinks back in 72 In Cleveland. They put on one of the best concerts I ever went to. Ray Davies is a genius, very ahead of his time. And they had so many hits back then.
I can remember the first time that I heard this song. I was a kid. My babysitter, who was a sweet little old lady explained it to me. I don’t think I even understood it back then. But I still remember that moment. And that’s a good thing! 💕
Finally hitting The Kinks! We are doing our first Deep Cut Livestream tomorrow @ 2pm EST! Be there or be square, also make sure to vote in the poll for this week on the community tab, cheers friends! 🙌🏻🔥
Live stream request for Pretenders, Middle of the Road!! Chrissie is the most badass babe in tock history!!
No way! This is going to be pretty cool. The Kinks rock. Great Guitar Rock songs in mid 1960’s. Band has been around for years. This song is little more Acoustic, but it one of their most classic songs. Lyrics are hilarious. Enjoy guys, this is the opposite of Prog Rock. If there were more bands like the Kinks in the 1970s, Punk Rock may have never happened... Talk to Artie before you listen to the song...
@@peterquinones3522 Second
@@peterquinones3522 ...But it's not a deep cut!
Deep cut request: Slip Kid by the Who. You'll never get to it on the channel.
This was like going to the movies with someone missing the plot twist.
I agree that was my exact thought watching this reaction!!
@@marianmanzo I liked how, after they read about the song, they continue to talk about how awesome it would be to be 'that chick' having a song written about her. I think this generation is just not particularly bothered about all that, and it seems good. It's like 'oh, but you're a girl? OK, cool'. it's interesting to watch as a much older person from a time when this song was scandalous… in part because Ray's not horrified by his experiences. He almost fell for his Lola, after all :)
@@airwindows Supposedly the song is not about Ray's experience but their manager's
Aka the crying game
brilliant
Wow, this songs lyrics flew way over their head
With a song that is as musically compelling as this the lyrics don’t stand out at first.
I was wondering if they were gonna get it.
Maybe the generation gap
kids today... LOL
yip,, they totally missed it!
"I know what I am and I'm glad I'm a man, and so's Lola"
Cleverest. Lyric. Ever.
She walks like a woman but talks like a man. When she grabbed me she nearly broke my spine. Lots of clues in this song. We all got it way back when it first came out!
these 2 dumb asses ,,, don't know what they listen to ,,, it tells U a story ... they DIDN'T hear it ,,hahahahahah
"I know what I am and in bed I'm a man, and so's Lola"
these dummy's DIDN'T get that ...hahahahaha
Always always give my props to The Kinks in that Lola was at least 50 years ahead of its time.
Lola's a guy
@@camasprairie1369 At the time this was being written the 'Sexual Offences Act 1967' was just making itself felt in England. The words would have been noticed (and generally approved off).
Sexual Offences Act 1967 was a real changer by basically saying that things consenting adults did in private was no buisness of anyone else. A lot of ajustment was going on at this time.
Yup
Yeah. Like the Beatle's JoJo, or Lou Reed's Holly, It's not they were ahead 50 years, it's that it was ignored for 50 years.
Velvet Underground-Walk On The Wild Side was before this!
I can’t believe the most important phrase of the song was missed. ‘I know I’m a man and SO IS LOLA’. 😂 I was watching with my wife and we were both waiting for that “moment of realization” and when your eyes open and you look at each other at the same time. Great song.
I was waiting for their reaction. Their lack of reaction made it so funny.
Gee wiz me either
I was waiting too, but it never did come. LOL
It’s‘I’m glad I’m a man and so is Lola’. Is she glad he’s a man?
"College students" huh?? 😂
Key line: "I'm glad I'm a man and so is Lola".
Even that line, though, is brilliantly ambiguous: you can read it as either Lola is a man or Lola is glad the singer is a man. Davies is extraordinarily clever that way.
(And yes, Lola is a man. My point is just that Davies is intentionally coy about it.)
I think they missed it. Lol
Definately missed the key line :-)
Yup, they missed it. And, I think it’s “in a bed I’m a man, and so was Lola”
@@richardnanian6075 Seems he made it pretty clear when he says "girls will be boys and boys will be girls".
“But I know what I am and I’m glad I’m a man and so is Lola...”
Always felt how clever yet deceptively simple that lyric is.
How about SHE picked me up and put me on HER knee.
I know what I am and in bed Im a man, and so is Lola
lmao i always thought the lyric was “i know what i am i’m a helluva man and so is lola” 🤣🤣
Yet I missed it for the first 25 years of my life. 😊
It's a brilliant lyric. Is Lola glad that she was sexually satisfied, or are they both men? 🤔 👍🏽✌🏾
There are many hints in the song - "dark brown voice" , "when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine", "she walk like a woman and talk like a man" AND "I'm glad I'm a man and so is Lola". Times were WAY different when this song aired and The Kinks were fond of innuendoes. Lola is a man.
And the fact that he's so young, inexperienced, and naive that he can't figure out what is happening.
So is michelle obama
It's "In bed I'm a Man and So is Lola"
''But I KNOW what I am and I'm glad I'm a man...''
@@fridaylong2812 nyet
Yes, the Kinks are very diverse. Ray Davies is a genius.
You guys need lyric sheets in alot of your videos, especially this one.
The Kinks are possibly the most underated influential band of all time. They influenced so many other musicians from members of the Who, to Van Halen, Boston and practically every punk rock and garage band.
You're correct, Pete Townsend is a huge fan, they basically invented some classic riffs, yet they are among the most literate bands ever. Lola was an example of their skill set and humor.
I wouldn't pick "Lola" as an intro to the band. When it came out, it was considered more of a novelty song. On the other hand, when "You Really Got Me" came out, it was probably the hardest rock on the radio.
It's definitely not a song to intro The Kinks on, but I wouldn't consider it just a novelty song. It's actually really great and one of their biggest hit songs.
@Rodzilla Van Halen also covered "All Day and All of the Night" and "Where Have All the Good Times Gone?"
Jimmy Page working as a studio musician played guitar on the 'You Really Got me" original track and was the first person to record a song using distortion through an electric guitar. Kinda making it the world's first Hard rock/metal song.
@@Rahingo The Kinks and their manager say that Page played some rhythm guitar on other tracks, but that Dave Davies got that guitar sound by slashing his speaker cone with a razor blade. Check out what "Songfacts" says about it :
www.songfacts.com/facts/the-kinks/you-really-got-me
@@Rahingo I believe that was all Dave Davies on that one. He deserves the credit. His own brother, Ray.....lead singer/songwriter, called little brother Dave 'The Raging Bull of the Les Paul". :)
the kinks are the roots of punk and britpop. importance : huge. by the way, this is great live.
Sometimes... there are some bad live vids of this floating around.
Very important group. Influenced so many bands.
@@michaelkeefe8494 I love how Ray used to ask the ladies in the audience to spell cola, and they would never spell it!!
Saw them around '84 and they were nothing less than stellar. Ray teased the crowd a number of times with the guitar opening of "Lola", so by the time they actually did play it, we were more than set for it.
Very memorable show.
This is soho in Britian. It's about his experience of running into a transvestite. Man dressed as a woman.
Actually about Ray's manager's experience of running into a transvestite.
Soho London.
@@jonathanreich6360 Actually ,Ray, not his manager. Rays brother told the story on some tv show years ago.
@@MB-fy1mv Doing a bit more of internet research, Ray seems to come up with a different story every time. Once about him, once about his manager and once about a "crew member."
@@jonathanreich6360 Well, I'm not surprised.I've watched him on a few talk shows over the years and he seems to be a bit slightly off, but I still love and watch the Kinks now and then on TH-cam. Can't help it. I'm old now and then I go back and watch and listen to the (very) old stuff. Thanks for answering. Have a good day sir.
The big 4 of the British Invasion were The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks. Everyone forgets The Kinks.
The first time The Who came to the USA they opened for Herman's Hermits.
You missed the Animals. Delete the who
@@warrengordon888 I love The Animals but The Who had more commercial success.
@@wingnutofcoolness certainly not in the original British Invasion. As Paul Schaefer told me after seeing the Who for the first time, their first three
Chords in Substitute were good, after that there wasn’t much. The Who became popular in the later 60’s
The Zombies very few know, in the hall of fame are they.
The Kinks absolutely beat every other band of their era. I'd recommend some of their stuff like Waterloo Sunset or Sunny Afternoon for more story driven baroque pop stuff
Well, except The Who.... they were right up there with them. :)
Love Waterloo Sunset, probabltmy favourite Kinks song, But Sunny Afternoon is excellent too.
Try something a little different. Lou Red “Take A Walk On The Wild Side”. Not a screaming guitar banger, but a Rock Classic none-the-less
Take a walk on the Wild Side is one of the top five songs in rock history
And hopefully they one day will get to Rock 'n' Roll Animal
James Michael Agreed similar subject better song..not to mention the Velvet Underground
What about “Oh Sweet Nuthin’” by the Velvet Underground?
Lou Reed Live a killer album.
You guys should really like this one, Lola is such a fun song, and remember when you're going over the lyrics, The Kinks released this one in 1970.
Yeah they just glossed over the fact that Lola was a transvestite
I really thought that they would appreciate the lyrics a lot more. Even though a song about a transvestite doesn't have the punch these days that it had back in 1970, the lines are pretty brilliant they way they lay out the story. I mean, come on... "Well, I'm not the world's most physical guy
but when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine". Maybe it's a song that will grow on them with more listens.
Could tell by their reaction to the obvious that they didn't get it. The chick wasn't a chick and soho is in central London so not too dingy. I think Lou Ried is a step to far for them.
This came out the year I graduated High School. Sin, Sex, Beer on the go. We're the class of 70. Somethings you never forget.
Bless the Davies brothers! The world needs rough, boozy, bawdy bands like The Kinks! I highly recommend the “Muswell Hillbillies “ album, where we delve into demon alcohol, acute schizophrenia paranoia, and the complicated life of the 20th century man. Also the people in gray to take you away!
I must say that I enjoyed the total obliviousness of the understanding of the lyrics and the song.🤣
I'm 71 and the big majority of us got it the first time we heard it more than 50 years ago and we loved it.
I'm not sure what that says about today's society.
Glad you enjoyed it too.
Thanks for sharing.
They really were in the top 4 original bands and many later bands followed The Kinks style.
They recorded some great songs. Check the others out.
You really totally and utterly missed the whole point of the song. Lola is a transvestite.
The line I’ve never kissed a women before. Guess what dude still havent
@@wombatmommy5515 Imagine being like you to this day.
No shit 😆
I kept waiting for them to get the gag but they totally missed it.
Completely missed it fo sho
"Man I'm a man & so is Lola" might have been lost on these two. 😂
I agree! 😉😆
Not if you watched the boys reaction. They totally got it, and discussed it, too.
I was in HS when I realized (my dad told me) Lola was a guy.
“and I’m GLAD I’m a man and so is Lola”😉
GLAD i'm a man and so is Lola...
"The way it's talking about a bar somewhere and there's some chick named Lola." Who wants to tell them?
LOL. She ain't no chick, guys!!! In their defense, kids in the '70s didn't catch it either right away.
@@jons.105 Niether did Lola..... Boom. LOL
Your comment made me laugh out loud.
It's 2020 Trans-people aren't "weird" like they were perceived to be in the 70's. To these dudes it's just normal.
@@MisterDarkfall 🤣🤣🤣🤣
They are one of the most underrated bands of all time!,
They were the Radiohead of their generation.
Village green is better than sgt peppers
Definitely, yes!!! I always thought of them as the Who, the Stones and David Bowie all rolled up into one perfect storm.
Dear Andy and Alex, as a 66 year old British man I've found it great fun to see how you have responded to tracks I've known most of my life. My eldest sister is now 71 and I've been inspired by her music since the early sixties. We even had St Peppers a week before its release date as our dad knew people at EMI who released it. So.... the trill of hearing these tracks for the first time when they were released can't be properly appreciated unless you follow the chronology of the years they appeared. St Peppers was mind blowing compared to anything before it. Lola was equally as brilliant... in fact the Kinks (Ray Davies') songs have been favourably compared to the Beatles over the same period. Waterloo Sunset is sublimely beautiful and - of its time - truly one the best tracks.... It even featured in the opening fn the UK Olympics in 2012.
Anyway... thank you for your channel... do have a think of when these tracks were released before comparing, to much, to ones from a later time. Very best regards Paul
LOLA IS A DRAG QUEEN!
What a difference a few decades make. The subject of transticles just doesn't carry the punch that it used to.
Groovy Music Lessons yeah, for sure. At first I thought it went over their head, but no, it’s just acceptance which is a good thing today. A kinder more understanding generation.
Transticles lol
Don’t use “punch” and “testicles” in the same sentence. 😲
Lol... was wondering if they missed the punch line or if there was no punch.
Yeah, look how accepting A&A were. Didn't even faze them. Not the case at the time of its release.
Cracks me up to see your non-surprised reaction to the subject matter. Back when this came out it was definitely a shocker!! But always a great song no matter how many times I hear it! One of my favorite lines of all time - “girls will be boys and boys will be girls, it’s a mixed up muddled up, shook up world”. Before it’s time, that’s for sure!
They have no clue..i like these guys..but they act like this is new..they flobbed the end becuz it was ackward. Sorry guys thats 1970.LOL
And they thought it was a “mixed up muddled up shook up world “ back then. Look what it’s become now.
Personally, I really don't think they pay that much attention (or, and I don't want to be mean, maybe they don't comprehend them) to the lyrics most of the time. I've noticed on a few of their other reviews they talk more about the chords and sounds then the words.
They had NO IDEA AT ALL
@@maryannanderson1744 "Glad I'm a man and so's Lola". They both missed completely.
PHEW! WE WERE ALL WAITING FOR YOU TO GET IT!!🤗
How can you hear this song and still not know what it is about or how shocking it was at the time. It was amazing it was not banned at the time. Lola WAS a bloke. It was also a true story.
The beeb made them do a radio edit... cherry cola not coca cola. They didn't get the rest, a bit like lou reed take a walk on the wild side
Lola probably was they type of "girl" that Boy George would have loved.
Something else you should know about the Kinks is that the band is fronted by two brothers, Sir Ray Davies on vocals + rhythm guitar and his younger brother Dave on lead guitar. Of all the great feuding pairs in rock, or indeed any popular, music, their 50+ years of constant fighting probably tops it all!
Liam and Noel, long before Liam and Noel. Nothing new under the sun.
You're starting your journey on what may be THE most underrated band in the history of rock. There's so many albums that deserve a listen and the majority of people have no idea they even exist- Arthur, Village Green Preservation Society, Lola, Muswell Hillbillies, Everybody's in Showbiz, Sleepwalker, Preservation acts 1 and 2, Soap Opera, Schoolboys in Disgrace, etc,etc,etc...
But I'm gonna say that to start off, you should stick to the basic popular tracks, then venture out. You Really Got Me and All Day and All of the Night should be next. Maybe even in the same video! They're only about 2 minutes long each. One of the very first songs to have real guitar distortion. Dave Davies got the crunchy, fuzzy guitar sound way back in 1964 by slicing his speaker cone with a razor blade. After that, everyone wanted that distortion sound and the production of fuzz pedals kicked off. Those songs are truly a giant leap towards the modern hard rock, punk, metal genres.
Dont forget the One For The Road version of Celluloid Heroes!! :)
Around Christmas time have to do "Father Christmas"... you are spot on about them being one of the most underrated and forgotten rock bands in history... so much great stuff in there.
Way too many great Kinks songs and albums to list, but Arthur may be my favorite. I think Shangri-La would be a great one to react to next. That or Waterloo Sunset.
@@danhartzog9274 Shangri-La might just be my favorite all time Kinks song. I think Dave Davies mentioned in an interview that's it's his favorite as well.
Waterloo Sunset
You MUST react to Lou Reed’s Take a Walk on the Wild Side. Totally different masterpiece in Rock N Roll lore. You will not regret it
Joan Armatrading's Rosie also worth a listen
And go down the Lou Reed rabbit hole. Rock n Roll (the song) is terrific. Saw him many times; miss him every day.
Can confirm...
they are kinda part one and part two of the same song aren't they? they missed the point of the song. the kinks were excellent. another kink song they might consider listening to is - Apeman. its an ecology song and its one of my favorites. you gotta hear it! thanks for the upload.
Want some edgy Lou Reed? Try Heroin, White Lightning, White Heat (both live of Rock n Roll Animal), Coney Island Baby, Kicks, On the Boulevard.
"And what I am is a man... and so is Lola" no reaction... they didn't get it.
I totally agree I was waiting for it! they did that with a Bob Segar song too the part "with points of her own sitting up way firm an high"went totally over their head an im thinking their life experience to young to get it - im guessing its disapointing
They got it. Keep watching.
They got it, it just wasn't shocking or a big deal to them. This gen is way more cool with LGBTQ identity than previous ones. And thank God for that.
@@LeeBee-hs6mjim old enough that I was there when it 1st came out gees
"I'm glad I'm a man and so's Lola" is the line.
There is no chick, "I'm glad I'm a man and so is Lola..."
I’m so pleased that when they finally got it (after looking up the lyrics and meaning), they didn’t mis-gender Lola.
That is so rare in these react videos. What a wonderful generation!
The most underrated band of the British Invasion bands of the sixties.
Yes. They never got the props they should have.
Most definitely
Personally, I think that honor goes to The Zombies, but I see your point and agree that an argument can be made to support your opinion.
Never underrated by the British great band could hold their own with any groups of the 60s and 70s Ray and Dave Davis great song writers 🎶🎶🎶🎶
They were banned from coming to the US at the peak of their 60's songwriting. That really hurt their success here.
“Celluloid Hero” by the Kinks, so amazing, sad, beautiful, poetic
Yes!! Celluloid Heroes!
The live version. It's so vibrant and alive.
yep.
Great choice.
Masterpiece
John Lennon was rumored to be a closet Kinks fan. Pete Townshend was a total out-of-the-closet Kinks fan citing Ray Davies as one of his influences, and later saying that Ray should be Poet Laureate (of England, of course).
@Joan In Florida John razzed them a lot. Possibly as a cover-up? ;)
@Joan In Florida You're correct, there was always friendly competition between the Big 4
@Joan In Florida Maybe not their best but certainly not sucking
@Joan In Florida sucks? buy yourself a couple of ears and never ever talk again about The Kinks with that potty mouth, blasphemous kid...
God save The Kinks!
@Joan In Florida I'm clueless? says the guy stating that Lola sucks?
OK, then explain to me why this masterful song sucks... I'm waiting for your arguments. And better give some convincing ones
"I'm glad I'm a man and so is Lola". Ah, but is she also 'a man', or is she also 'glad I'm a man.? I always loved how that was left deliberately ambiguous.
In the US the line goes 'where it tastes just like Coca Cola......' In Great Britain there was some sort of rule about mentioning brand names in pop music, so the British release says 'and it tastes just like cherry cola.....'
I think the trans factor for those of us that are older raise this up an entire grade from you guys. Your generation (thankfully) wasn't raised to be shocked by this reveal where we absolutely were and, as such, that makes this song a bit more surprising even after hearing it a thousand times.
Thankfully?
I think it's about who your crowd was at that time. The people I hung with weren't shocked at all.
We over 40 haven't been lectured about the topic since we were kids. Basically its a funny, and entertaining song that comes from reality.
In honor of Eddie Van Halen
Dual reaction
Kinks " You Really Got Me"(64)
Van Halen'- You Really Got Me"( 78 seminal cover). First hit for both bands(Google it)!!!!
Both major influence in rock!
Suggest Halen "Eruption" which segue's into " You Really Got Me".
BTW
Who- "My Generation (circa 65)
Kinks-You Really Got Me"(circa 64)
Both pre-Punkish
Both opposite of what Alex doesn't like about most from that era.
In Andy's words- Both major Bops !
VH also covered The Kinks' "Where Have All the Good Times Gone?"
Great idea!
Great suggestion!
@@robertsaul234 Great one as well, though "You Really Got Me" is forever in my 7th grade memory banks!!
I like this idea!
When this song was first released in England it was censored. But not for what you might think.
They had to change the reference to "Coca Cola" to "cherry cola".
They had a ban on using brand names in songs.
Go figure.
lreadl BBC was and is non commercial funded by tv license.
They used the "Cherry Cola" version here in Canada as well.
Ray was in the US and they made him fly back to England to sing "cherry cola and fly back. When he got back they said, "Oh sorry, we didn't quite get it and made him flay back a second time. Rumor has it that is why he wrote the line "The air pollution is a 'foggin' up my eyes" in Ape Man. At least that's what the lyric sheet says. It may be the first time the f bomb was sung in pop music.
Same in Australia.. This is the first time hearing it with Coca-cola and it sounded so weird! 🤣
Listen again guys!!!!!!!!! REALLY!!!!!! Listen to it again!!!!!!!!
Such an underrated band and such a great song. I love the Kinks and I still forget about them a lot. They have some really great tracks!
I still can't believe the Beatles are remembered while these guys were writing clearly superior music. 😫
This song was THE CRYING GAME before there even WAS a "crying game."
Not sure if they'll get the crying game reference but your right
Awesome you remember that great movie. It was the first time I saw Forest Whitaker.
@@markrist4238 fast times for me seeing forest
@@markrist4238 I LOVE Neil Jordan and his stuff. Sad that Jaye Davidson's career didn't go much further beyond this and STARGATE.
@@markrist4238 One of my favorite movies of all time
More Kinks? "You Really Got Me" from the early period; "Destroyer" (which references "You Really Got Me"), "Juke Box Music," "Do It Again," "Better Things" from the later period. The gorgeous "Celluloid Heroes from the in-between period.
You’re not even going to mention Shangri-La, A Well Respected Man, or See My Friends?
All Day and All of the Night
Yes! Destroyer!!!
"(I want to fly like) Superman" was another good relatively later one.
@@codjh9 I had the 12" extended single of "(I want to fly like) Superman"! I played the hell out of it for awhile.
Check out “Celluloid Hero’s” “Victoria" "Till the End of the Day" "Tired of Waiting for You" "All Day and All of the Night" "Sunny Afternoon" "Waterloo Sunset" "You Really Got Me“
Dead end street
Shangrila - Face in the Crowd- HAVE ANOTHER DRINK!!!!!- these guys would LOVE that.-Australia. Village Green Preservation Society- Too Much On My Mind- All of My Friends Were There- you could fill up this page with great songs by the Kinks.
Well Respected Man... been a fave of mine for decades
Apeman
Mr Pleasant
For my money the Kinks 'Destroyer' is a top 10 rock song; inexplicably underappreciated. One of the few songs I still get exited for when I hear those first notes. Also worth a listen is "A Rock and Roll Fantasy', primarily for it's lyrics. Every time I hear it I'm dumbfounded that they could write that and actually put it on an album.
I'm a gay who did drag for a while... I never hit on straight dudes, though... not my gig. I gotta love how you two just sort of took that part of the song in stride. It tells me a lot about who you are. For the LGBTQ+ community, I want to thank you for NOT being creeped out about it. It was fun watching your reaction to this song. Love the Kinks!
I'm sorry but I think it much more likely that they simply "Didn't Get It," rather than the two of them being so advanced that this wouldn't even provide cause to raise an eyebrow, or something, thus, I don't believe that it tells you shit about who they are. However, I don't think that anyone would be Offended by this song today. I remember when this song first came out, in 1964 and it was fun back then, much like it is today. This song was actually banned in the U.K. when it first came out, but I don't know for how long? Keep Smiling...
Uhhh . . these guys were not creeped out. LISTEN again, watch faces. Clueless about this great song & the good time.
The Kinks are a great band. They did a very interesting range of songs, from simple hard rockers like _You Really Got Me_ to developing a strong story-telling element, like in this song. _Waterloo Sunset_ is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. _Dead End Street_ is also recommended.
Yes! We are strictly second class and we don't understand.
Man I love the kinks but to be honest I do not understand the love for Waterloo Sunset
I love today’s youth. The song in its day was exceptionally edgy for its content, but today, even after finding out she is trans, you still refer to her as “she” and “chick” and don’t bat an eye. Thank you for that 🥰
True. But I always wonder why it would matter one way or the other.
Or, in the parlance of the day, a gearbox.
Rock and Roll Fantasy, Sleepwalker, Sunny Afternoon, 20th Century Man, Strangers, Better Things, Catch Me Now I'm Falling, (Wish I could fly like) Superman, Low Budget
The Kinks have at least 50 songs that belong in any discussion of the greatest rock songs of all time.
At first I thought "oh man they missed it..." and the discussion after was sounding like you were gonna be blown away when you got to the lyrics. Then you got to the lyrics and -- holy Cow I loved your non-reaction. Great job, took it in stride and got the gritty vibe of the song.
What are you talking about? They DID "miss it". You can tell by their facial reactions at the line "I can't understand why she walked like a woman but talked like a man" ... You could also tell at the line "I'm not the world's most masculine guy *but I know what I am* IN THE BED, I'm a man & so is L-O-L-A ...) ...
... I mean-- It must've dawned on them *only afterward* when they started seeing the comments. Because *back when hearing* those lines, their faces registered-- NOTHING. You were right the first time-- They did miss it.
When this came out I happened to be in a church group. The assistant pastor was trying to connect with a group of us teens and played this current hit song for us in order to have stuff to talk about and see what our reaction would be. He was surprised and a little disappointed (I think) that we all knew exactly what the song was about but it didn't bother us at all. Darn hippie teens, so peaceful and accepting... It was a bit scandalous at the time to the adults, but for us kids it was just a fun tune. I'd already heard it and have loved it ever since. The live version is particularly exciting.
Yep. Hope you're out of the "church" altogether'
There are some more Kink's songs that people really love. Probably not everyone's suggestion but "Come Dancing" keeps getting better with each passing decade to mine ears..
Oh yes - I adore that song
“Days”, “Waterloo Sunset”, “Strangers”
Come Dancing is about their sister being a successful dance hall girl.
@@stephaniecampbell4039 It's still such a charming song :)
I think the Kinks had broken up when "Come Dancing" was made. It's one of my favourite song's. The diversity in Ray Davies's writing is breath taking. Yes I'm a fan.
I've been surprised more bands haven't covered The Kinks particularly All Day And All Of The Night. Van Halen did do a great version of Really Got Me.
Stranglers did a decent version
An introductory song from the Kinks would be "You really got me". It came out in 1964. It was heavier than the rest of the mop head music at the time.
And Van Halen had a huge hit with it.
@@loosilu you're right. How could I forget that?
Agree only issue is it’s what 2 minutes? In honor of EVH, they could play the Kinks and the VH version back to back. That would be fun.
"You Really Got Me" might be the proto-banger.
@@rexvisitor44 that is a great idea
One of the things I like seeing when people react to this song is the expression on their face when they realise what the song is about. You guys are normally good with this but this time it seemed to go right over your head and there was no lightbulb moment. Shame on you. Great song though
This is one of my favourite songs. You are right, the muddiness really makes it. Genius lyrics especially to think this came out in 1970.
I wanted to add that The Kinks catalog of songs Rivals that of any band!, and it's universally known that there's not very many songwriters better than Ray Davies
My mother's name was Lola. She talked like a woman and walked like a man. That song absolutely tortured her.
It's based on an actual incident, where the Kinks' managed picked up a woman in a club and got something of a surprise. He never lived it down.
“Only like...four times”. Cheers 🍻 to you Andy!!! Too funny!
These two are the future of America!! God help us😵
Suspect lack of internal monologue ! BEAVIS & BUTTHEAD!!
Love the Kinks but seeing today is John Lennon's Birthday...
"Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)"would have made a great reaction choice.
Happy Birthday Walrus
🎶The walrus was Paul🎶... 😅
@@flyinpigmusic331 Or was he?
His first solo album, the "Primal Scream" Plastic Ono Band one. God, Mother, Working-class Hero, I Found Out, the whole thing, really would have been a great choice.
Hear! Hear! Happy birthday to the REAL "King of Rock and Roll!"
Pet Sounds, 'Rich Girl', 'Mr. Blue Sky', 'Lola', live stream tomorrow. Pretty epic week.
Kinks recommendations:
“The Village Green Preservation Society”
“Powerman”
“Waterloo Sunset”
“Victoria”
“Autumn Almanac”
“Days”
“Strangers”
I could go on, but that should be enough for now.
These are all great for some reason I’ve always loved 21’st century man too
This is one heck of a solid list. Each one a banger in its own right that showcases different facets of the Kinks.
Celluloid Heroes
All gems.Id go with Waterloo Sunset👍
@@davidwatt49 What's wrong with your namesake Kinks song???
I was in my pre teens back in 1970 just about to turn 12 so and moved to the UK from NYC to live, I was brought up after on British music as my older sister worked in a record department and brought up on all the hits of the day although she was mainly a Beatles fan, my elder brother was into heavier rock and loved the stones. My own personal taste was the rockier music from sabbath, zeppelin and the like. On a Sunday the record player never seemed to stop playing music from morning till night. Even today I love the hits of my early years.
College = best 4 years of my life. If I was in college now, I would be blasting this and blowing people's minds.
A great song, very subversive for the time, but not the best introduction to a class band from the 60s,
Plenty of alternatives.
"Waterloo Sunset" is regarded by many as one of the greatest songs of the 1960s.
"See my friends" is my favourite Kinks track.
A well respected man is my favorite of theirs in the 60s. But waterloo sunset is great as well
See My Friends was the first rock track using Indian raga sounds.
Chalkerfan of course! Must add that to my ‘List’ !
As I commented elsewhere here, I have heard Bob Geldof compare "Waterloo Sunset" to Wordsworth's "Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802." In my mind, it's the most beautifully romantic song that any of the British Invasion bands ever produced - even more beautiful than the Beatles' "Something" or "For No One," or the Rolling Stones' "Angi."
Richard Nanian nicely put
Gents, I recommend "Waterloo Sunset" for your next Kinks song, a song with a great melody. "Sunny Afternoon" is my 2nd choice. I'm glad that you're checking out The Kinks, generally regarded as the 4th greatest band of the British Invasion, after The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, all of whom you are well-acquainted with.
I love Waterloo Sunset and wish I had a convertible Jag just so I could drive around playing it. To me it's just such a British sounding song. I feel like these guys won't like it that much though, seems like they like '60s music less than '70s.
@@douglasfrantzen3011 They like some late '60s music. I think that The Kinks were at their peak in the late '60s, so to me, you can't skip that music if you're going to listen to The Kinks.
I remember Bob Geldof comparing "Waterloo Sunset" to Wordsworth's poem "Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802." To my mind, it is the most romantically (and Romantically) beautiful song any of the first wave of British invasion bands ever produced, better than the Beatles' "Something" and "For No One" or the Stones' "Angi."
The band slashed their speakers on purpose to give them an unique sound
Shhhh.don't say that..back in 1970..they did what they needed to muddy the mix.. Really..computers weren't around till 1990..you did what you had to , to get the sound..Millelienals..
I can always tell when a reactor totally misses this point of this song when it gets to the last line and there's no change in facial expression.
Love love love the Kinks. Positively one of the most influential yet underrated bands of all time. Pete Townshend was a big fan and the Kinks influenced the early Who.
You're familiar with You Really got me so allow me to recommend Waterloo sunset, Celluloid heroes, Victoria, and the greatest Christmas rocker yet, Father Christmas.
This is one of those songs I fell in love with as a kid before I understood what the lyrics mean. LOL
The song actually gave me a nudge in trying to understand what being gay meant to a twelve year old in 1970. I think it may have assisted in my acceptance of the gay community. Sounds kinda cheesy when I say it out loud, but it's still true.
Me TOO!
The point of "Lola" is at the end of the song you still don't know. Their first big song, "You Really Got Me", was probably the first "hard rock" song and Jimmy Page sessioned on it.. "Victoria", off their Arthur album, kicks ass too.
OMG Victoria is possibly my favorite song by them. Totally underrated band.
Love Victoria. IT doesn't get the love it deserves!
Jimmy Page did a number of Kinks session work but You Really Got Me is not confirmed as one of them. Another urban myth is that on those Kinks sessions Page recorded the guitar solo. NOT TRUE. According to Page himself, most of his work on most sessions comprised of locking in the rhythm section. Which in his case meant he recorded rhythm guitar alongside session drummer Bobby Graham. Most singles of their early work dos not have Mick Avory on the actual record. Session pianist Nicky Hopkins was the other regular contracted by production to do Kinks sessions. Most of the Kinks members were not made aware of what was done to their recordings after they left their recording sessions. All this during the first three years - their first self-titled album to Something Else (1964-67). By the time of Arthur you had the full band on all the tracks of the album.
Jimmy Page never sessioned on you really got me, that's a fake urban legend
@@JulioLeonFandinho There's an interview with Page on TH-cam where he talks about his session work and specifically mentions this song, Goldfinger with Shirley Bassey, and Donovan. That it's an urban legend is the urban legend.
My little brother recently discovered The Kinks on TH-cam. He’s been turning me on to a lot of deep cuts. They’re fantastic. I don’t know why they don’t have as much notoriety as The Who
Alex your hair looks fantastic
The Kinks were one of the early "British invasion" bands who came to the States in the mid=1960s along with the Beatles and Stones. A string of pop hits then. Later on in the 1970s, a string of albums filled witht he song writing and wit of Ray Davies, one of my favorites. My friends and I listed a lot to Presevation Act I, Preservation Act II, Village Greeen Preservation Society et all. Ray's songs are known for their social commentary. Saw them in 1978 on their tour promoting the album Superman was on. Really fun showby this classic Brit band.
They came to the States in the mid 60s and were kicked out and banned for 4 years
before their first tour really started. Their career as a band might have been completely different if not for that.
Van Halen covered a few Kinks songs, ten years later in '81 they did a sequel song of sorts called Destroyer. Spoilers, he's still with Lola. In late 80s, 75 cent beers and ten cent wings. Reminiscing
You guys needs a crash course in British rock. The Kinks are one of the greats, released albums from 1964 until 1993 and scored a lot of hit singles. You've heard the 2 most popular but there are tons more. 'Waterloo Sunset' is one of the best songs ever written. Their '60s hits are very catchy and reflective of the period. They didn't get into psychedelia like other bands, they made a string of concept albums from '68 to '75. In the '80s they went arena rock and did very well in the US.
Other great songs: Tired of Waiting for You, A Well Respected Man, Stop Your Sobbing (covered by The Pretenders, Ray Davies ended up marrying Chrissie Hynde), Sunny Afternoon, Days, Victoria, Apeman, Come Dancing, Better Things, Father Christmas, Misfits, Scattered
Yea, this song was actually banned in the U.K. for being too explicit, although by looking at these two & their Reaction, you'd never know it.
The Kinks have so many great, quality songs. A very underrated band. I put them up there, on the level of greatness, with the likes of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who etc.. Check out the Kinks song - "Do it again."
Proper "Coca-Cola" version. Excellent.
...as opposed to Cherry Cola (proof that lawyers can cause lyrics to change).
@@sirslice It was the BBC that forced the issue - no "product placement" allowed on BBC Radio at the time. Hopefully, the BS practice has changed since 1970...
Actually I always thought 'Coca-Cola' was a bit awkward and that 'Cherry Cola' flowed and was far better.
@@Lwize They have changed. You could leave it as Coca Cola now, but the next line would have to be 'Other carbonated soft drinks are available. A-B-L-E, able'.
Yea I think cherry cola was more fitting to. Just sucks why it was used.
1967 group is Buffalo Springfield song title: For what is worth.
One of my all time favorites!
The guy on the left even said at the start that they need to listen out for the layered meaning. And then didn’t even attempt to do that and completely missed it 🥴
So glad you’re finally getting to the Kinks. They’re one of my favorite bands. Overall this is one excellent album. Some tracks aren't as memorable as others, but The Contenders, Strangers, Get Back In Line, This Time Tomorrow, Apeman, and Powerman are important tracks to listen to some day. Tall order I know, but perhaps in your off-camera time. The Kinks are very influential on the alternative and indie scenes. Please keep going with the Kinks!
I agree with your comments. This is my personal favorite album of theirs, although not my favorite track. Other great albums of theirs are Arthur ( Or the decline of the British Empire), The kinks are the village green preservation society, and face-to-face
Nicholas Mckibbin I love those albums as well. Love the whole stretch from Face To Face - Muswell Hillbillies. I can’t decide what my favorite album of theirs is.
Apeman... Definitely!!!!
@@ethanwalmark5621 Yes!
Glad someone finally mentioned Apeman.
The live version is better but I’m happy they’re getting to one of my favorite bands. Live version of Celluloid Heroes is killer. All Day and All of the Night, Jukebox Music, Victoria, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, etc, etc, and so forth.
apeman
You all might like "Victoria" by the Kinks. It's a banger. Great lyrics to unravel, too. In that era, lots of dance bands put "Victoria'' in their repertoire.
There are a number of layers in the lyrics indicating that Lola was a cross dresser. This song was way before its time. I'm surprised it was not censored when thins were different.
I remember the early 60's still. The absolute HARDEST rockers were the Kinks and the Dave Clark Five. As the decade progressed, many more bands cranked it up, but these two prepped us. By the time of Lola, Davies was tuning up his writing chops for more progressive works. A couple of earlier comments mentioned Waterloo Sunset which was such a beautiful song that did great in England but I don't even think was released as a single here. We Kink fans found it on Kink Kronicles though.
... let's not forget "Paul Revere and the Raiders," huh?
You guys might really dig the live version of this one. Gives audience participation a whole new spin.
I don't think getting down on my knees would be the thing I'd go for in that situation. Guess if you decide to go for it, you'd may as well go all the way for it 😂. A song like this would be shocking in 2020, to think this came out in the 70's, wow. Hats off to The Kinks!! 👏👏
I think it’s GREAT gen Z is checking out the great old songs! Right On guys! Classic Song!
The Kinks are one of the greatest rock groups of all time and are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sir Ray Davies is a song writer on the Lennon McCartney Richard Jagger level. They are less well known because they were very naughty boys who were banned from the US for 4 years at the height of their career. They still managed to have 24 top 40 songs. They have been covered by an astonishing number of big names, in a wide variety of genres, from Cher and Tom Jones to David Bowie, Green Day, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello and many, many others. They have inspired and influenced everyone from The Who to Oasis to Ozzie to Pearl Jam. God Save the Kinks.
The Kinks are one of the best bands out of England in the 60`s. Waterloo Sunset, Sunny Afternoon & You Really Got Me are great. They were leaders in a pre-punk type of attitude. Their production on Lola is like a "wall of sound" production. It was a very contraversial tune when it came out because of the subject matter but it went to number one mostly because it is just a really good tune. Can you guys give a band from the 60`s a try - Spirit. Their album The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus is an American classic light years ahead of most other bands. The tunes Mr. Skin, Prelude-Nothing to Hide and Animal Zoo are incredible. Great having you guys around.
The whole Sleepwalker album is a must listen.
Fully agree ! Sleepwalker and also Misfits are excellent albums !!!
Bought a vinyl copy at a Goodwill for a buck. Best dollar I ever spent that's for sure. Not a single bad track in that one. "Brother" is my personal favorite from it.
One of the first Kinks albums I got into. Before that it was the hits that really got me.
and Misfits
Epic poetic pop hit of early 70’s. Thanks guys.
Saw the Kinks back in 72 In Cleveland. They put on one of the best concerts I ever went to. Ray Davies is a genius, very ahead of his time. And they had so many hits back then.
That was like watching the Sunshine Bus drive past with a couple of window lickers onboard.
I can remember the first time that I heard this song. I was a kid. My babysitter, who was a sweet little old lady explained it to me. I don’t think I even understood it back then. But I still remember that moment. And that’s a good thing! 💕