Ray Davies (1) (1944–)

Being an odd sort of memoir which alternates a reasonably straightforward account of the great songwriter's life and career with a sky-fyish yarn about a similar sort of individual in another life. It's an interesting idea, and at the time, there wasn't much else out there for Kinks fans or historians, but several good biographies later, this is less vital but still worth a look.

An irreverent and unconventional autobiography, just what one would expect from Ray Davies. It readily captures the energy and frenzy of the early career of The Kinks - and their status as outsiders, as rebels among rebels. Davies' intelligence and wit come through, however the book seems a tad repetitive at times. Even with the story coming directly from Davies, one is never quite sure what is truth and what is fabrication, which adds rather than detracts. A very good rock 'n' roll book, show more made even better when listening to the companion album. show less

I think Davies is an amazing poet and storyteller. His songwriter is second to none. This book while interesting seemed only a thumbnail sketch of his American experience and it left me wanting more.

Couldn't get into it. Guess I didn't really get it.