If you're reading this, you have probably heard of the Kinks and can name a few of their songs, but you're wondering if it is worth seeing Ray Davies live. Stop thinking about it, buy a ticket and GO! I was completely mesmerized by Ray when I first saw the Kinks in 1976, and he has never disappointed me since. Don't miss the opportunity to see one of the true giants of rock and roll in the relatively small, intimate theaters that he typically plays. He is warm, witty and relaxed on stage, and can draw from a catalog of songs that is on par with, and in many cases better than, the other great British Invasion bands of the 1960s. Plus, his concert appearances are never quite the same. The first half of his Napa performance consisted of acoustic duets with his longtime guitar partner, Bill Shanley. Many of the songs had an English folk twist, and even the rockers sounded as solid as if a full band was backing him. In the second half of the concert, Ray and Shanley were joined on stage by The 88, an LA indie rock band that has recorded and toured with Ray frequently the last couple of years. The set list consisted mostly of 60's Kinks classics, but Ray threw in a couple of late-70s Kinks songs that he has not often performed (Misfits and Full Moon), as well as a couple of 2000s songs from his recent solo CDs (In A Moment and Next Door Neighbor). Whether old or new, Ray's songs stand the test of time -- the passion is there and the lyrics are mature and thoughtful enough that it seems natural for Ray (in great shape at age 68) to still be singing them. I could go on and on, but I'll just end this by saying that Ray Davies is one true artist that every rock lover should see.
