Search - Various Artists :: Ray Davies Songbook

Excellent tribute album.

09/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of the two Kinks tribute albums available commercially that I personally own, this is the better one (the other is "Kinky Kovers", which I have already reviewed and gave only two stars). This is a diverse selection of Kinks songs penned by Ray Davies (Since this is the "Ray Davies Songbook", songs written by Dave Davies are neglected.). The Pretenders' beatiful version of "Stop Your Sobbin'" is already well known, but not to be missed are Marianne Faithfull's haunting rendition of "Rosie, Won't You Please Come Home" (here called "Rosie Rosie"), a metallic version of "Tired of Waiting for You", and a non-metallic version of "You Really Got Me" (the latter by Robert Palmer; Van Halen's metallic version of YRGM is not included). Those are some highlights, but most of the tracks on this CD are keepers -- in contrast to the relatively pathetic "Kinky Kovers". (Also note: There are two fantastic tribute albums not available commercially, but only through the Kinks Preservation Society with tracks recorded by the Kinks' most dedicated fans; check out their Web site.)"