Ray Davies charms in back-to-basics performance at the Michigan Theater
But he did much more during a 2-hour, perfectly paced, mostly acoustic show that covered all of his klassic Kinks hits, while digging deeply into a catalog of gems that easily holds its own (and then some) against anyone else’s.
Still in fine, full, throaty voice at 65, Davies was charming and witty, telling stories and even reading a passage from his autobiography, "X-Ray," which served as a sort scene setter to describe the genesis of a songwriter so deeply rooted in the post World War II era of Great Britain’s declining empire.
Not that the added context was really necessary. Davies’ songs speak for themselves, and on Thuesday, he and accompanist Bill Shanley on lead guitar delivered them with all the grace and charm they deserve.
Stripped largely of the distorted guitar blasts that are their calling card, the simple lyrical genius of tunes like “You Really Got Me,” “Til the End of the Day” and “I Need You” fully emerged, as if by stripping them to their essence he allowed them to flower fully.
Remarkably, even though the setlist was laden with more hits, including “So Tired,” “Dedicated Follower of Fashion,” “Well Respected Man” and “Victoria,” it never took on the vibe of a nostalgia revue, thanks not only to the strength of the songs, but Davies’ easy way of discussing them and bringing the audience in on the act, as he did frequently.
Meanwhile, chestnuts like the opening “This is Where I Belong,” “Autumn Almanac” and the breathtaking “Two Sisters” served as reminders that Davies and the Kinks were always far more than the sum of their hits.
After nearly 20 songs and 90 minutes, Davies made good on his initial promise, tossing aide his jacket, standing up and bringing opening act The 88 onstage for all-too-brief but highly spirited electric romps through “All Day and All of the Night,” stellar album cuts “Dead End Street” and “David Watts” and, inevitably, a rousing singalong of his “Lola.”
If this is what Davies can still do, it only asks the inevitable question of what it would be like if he were to actually — as he said he’d like to — finally reform the Kinks for one last time.
After all, as he proved again and again on Thursday, the songs deserve it.
Will Stewart is a free-lance writer for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
John
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 3:50 p.m.
Yes, it was a great show, though I was hoping for "Waterloo Sunset." "Two Sisters" was great, especially with the intro. Wish I had a recording of the show so I could keep enjoying it year after year!
Milan Mijatovic
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 : 10:15 p.m.
As time lends clarity and perspective to the music of the post-war era, Ray Davies is emerging as an artist of great consequence. Of note, "Two Sisters" was astonishingly beautiful. Moose Mijatovic
Ann Dwyer
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 4:50 p.m.
I can't believe how good he sounded. But he does strike me as the type of guy who wouldn't tour unless he was in good form. I do wish the band had played more songs with him. It was awesome to see his energy when they were out there.
81wolverine
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 11:30 a.m.
Davies sure looks great for age 65. I hope I'm doing that well when I reach that point! But, I grew up in the Detroit area listening to the Kinks and saw them once in San Diego in the 80's. They've always had a very unique sound and style that's timeless. Glad to hear it was a great show.
robotmonster
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 10:01 a.m.
I am sorry I missed this- I am a veteran of many Kinks shows, including one way back in 1975 at the Michigan Palace. Does anyone know if they he did the song "Livin on a thin line?"
Moose
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.
Ray Davies is a writer and performer with an inimitable style. A man who obviously enjoys his line of work and sharing the stories of his life. Bill Shanley, who performed onstage with Mr Davies is one of the finest guitarists anywhere. While Mr Davies, strummed and sang, Mr Shanley occasionally stole the show with his high energy strumming that sounded exactly like the acoustic guitars on The Kinks recordings. The opening act, The 88, are a band in the KInks mold, but sounded as fresh as today. Energetic and tight, they performed catchy rock songs with melodies and lyrics, just like the old days;-) They were a delight. (If only the sound mix on the vocal was better)
Will Stewart
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 9:06 a.m.
Rick: You are so right. Thanks for the clarification. Will Stewart
Rick
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 8:32 a.m.
The set with The 88 started with "All day and all of the night", not a reprise of "You really got me". It was great, even better than I expected. I saw The Kinks 4 times and Ray Davies solo when he was last here in 97. First time I remember him doing "I need you", which is a favorite of mine.
SBean
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 1:26 a.m.
Great show. I took my son for his birthday. We loved Apeman, the highlight of the show for me, but Dave's backing vocals were missed.