We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
As much as everybody might like to embrace the life of a rock star, at least for awhile, the truth of the matter is that it can be as mindnumbing and boring as any other job. When that’s the topic for the lyrics of Ray Davies of the Kinks you know you’re in for a treat.
“Everybody’s In Show Biz” is the 11th studio LP for the band although only one of the two-record set is original studio material. The other LP is a live performance from Carnegie Hall.
The Kinks have always been an acquired taste for many people. As I’ve mentioned before when reviewing their material, it helps to either be British or have an understanding of British humor. Davies has always been a fan of old time English music and isn’t shy about sharing that love with his fans. That they are in on the joke is a given. Either that or Davies doesnt really care.
The songs on this LP deal with life on the road. Other artists have done this…(Jackson Browne’s “Running On Empty” is a brilliant example) but this one is pretty good. It’s a loose record with the band seeming to have a good time while recording it. Songs about the dumpy hotels, crappy food and endless stream of drunken travel for the average rock band could sound self-serving but Davies always gives them to you with a wink of an eye.
Some of my faves include “Hot Potatoes”, “You Don’t Know My Name” ( A Dave Davies song), and the standout track on the LP…”Celluloid Heroes”.
If you’re a fan of Ray Davies, you’ll dig this. The rest of you, not so much…
side one: 1. Here Comes Yet Another Day 0:00 2. Maximum Consumption 3:57 3. Unreal Reality 8:05 4. Hot Potatoes 11:39 5. Sitting in My Hotel 15:10 side two: 1. Motorway 18:32 2. You Don’t Know My Name 22:04 3. Supersonic Rocket Ship 24:41 4. Look a Little on the Sunny Side 28:12 5. Celluloid Heroes 31:03 side three: 1. Top of the Pops 37:27 2. Brainwashed 42:02 3. Mr. Wonderful 44:59 4. Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues 45:43 5. Holiday 49:42 side four: 1. Muswell Hillbilly 53:39 2. Alcohol 56:48 3. Banana Boat Song 1:02:08 4. Skin and Bone 1:03:50 5. Baby Face 1:07:43 6. Lola 1:09:36
