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Review by muzikman June 9, 2003 (2 of 3 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics: |
The Kinks are one of those rock bands that have always been around. Considering they started back in ‘60s, that is not too far from the truth. Being a viable source of music for fans worldwide for over 4 decades now is a tribute to Ray and Dave Davies and their sheer brilliance in creating rock-pop gems. Ray is the master storyteller and his brother Dave has his chops down on guitar to set all of his brother’s stories into motion. With standout musicians like Mick Avory (drums) and Jim Rodford (bass) to help them along over the years, they always had a lineup that was quality talent from top to bottom when they went into the recording studio or on the road.
In 1979, they made an album that put them on the map in America like never before. “Low Budget” was the perfect blend of pop rock and political satire. It charted favorably, was exceptionally successful, and opened up the arena rock realm to the band. They never looked back after that album.
I remember hearing all the most popular tunes from the album on the radio while I was going to disc jockey school in Connecticut. It was common to turn on the radio anytime during the day or evening and hear “Low Budget,” “A Gallon of Gas,” and” (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman” playing. Although I never went out and actually bought any Kinks albums, I had a friend in school that loved them so I had a chance to hear a lot of their previous work. I was in awe at what a great rock and roll band they were and to this day cannot understand why they were not extremely popular here in the U.S. before the commercial success of “Low Budget.”
This was one of the last great albums of the classic rock era before the mindless ‘80s kicked in and music lost its heart and soul (temporarily). It has gradually become one of my favorite all time albums. It has all the trappings, hooks and big guitars that made arena rock so popular. Of course, the charm, grace, and wit of Ray Davies sure made it all that much more enjoyable.
With this great new issue from Mobile Fidelity, all the best of those rocking guitars, the pulsating rhythm section, and Mr. Davies’ distinctive British inflected vocals come delivered realistically to you from your sound system. Great rock ‘n’ roll and the best possible sound you could imagine is what every music lover yearns for. When you listen to a classic rock album such as this in a format that brings out all the best in the music, you find simple satisfaction and the real pleasures of a listening experience.
©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
April 21, 2003
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