Austinist: ACL Review: Ray Davies

kenneth

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:39:46 -0600

Yes, I was there, even stood behind you in line. I agree it started OK, then became semi-yawner and finished with a bang. I also sensed that Ray was disappointed in audience reaction to his solo material.

bingsy

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:29:55 -0600

I agree, from the songs that were noted as great to the silent agreement of the set's adult contemporariness. Plus I had to listen to my boyfriend rant about aging rockers for a couple of days. I think the difference is that if you are a Ray Davies fan you liked it more than if you are a Kinks fan.

omit

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:14:44 -0600

I loved it, but I've listened to the new album for a while, and I knew it would be focused on that. I didn't expect a greatest hits set (which we got a couple years ago for the Storytellers tour). I thought the enthusiastic audience brought out the best in him despite the fact I knew from reading previous reports he had a routine down as far as between-song banter, etc. "20th Century Man" was transcendent.

Michael Favia

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:22:16 -0600

I did neglect to mention that there were a few poeple who kept the spirit all the way through. So obviously they saw something I missed too. I don't think that it was the set selection that dulled my opinion though. I don't mind that strategy usually. It all looked just a little too much like another day at the office to me. Perhaps you just had to come at the performance from another angle than I did. Anyone else attend with a different opinion?

citizen Able

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:04:25 -0600

Long Way From Home was the only song lacking the quality of the rest of the set. Most old rockers play newer songs and the whole crowd snoozes. I think the schlub you saw fall asleep couldn't handle the free brew. The band and Ray's voice sounded fantastic. He mentioned that one of his new songs was derivative and maybe it was, but who cares? It rocked.