The Kinks' scattershot U.S. career never fully flourished like that of their British Invasion peers. The most quintessentially British of British bands -- especially in the increasingly nostalgic songs of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Ray Davies -- the Kinks enjoyed a spike in popularity in America in the late '70s and early '80s. The gold-selling 1980 double live album One for the Road is a fascinating document of trailblazing elder statesmen who paved the way for heavy metal and punk, but never felt a glorious pop song was out of their grasp. It also proves that Dave Davies is a criminally underrated lead guitarist. The Davies brothers, bass guitarist Jim Rodford, drummer Mick Avory, and guest keyboardists Ian Gibbons and Nick Newell recorded One for the Road at several concerts in 1979 and 1980. "Lola" is the best-known track from this album, and this live reading was a minor hit single; Ray Davies' teasing intro shows his playful side. "The Hard Way"; "Low Budget"; a raw, stripped-down "(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman"; "Celluloid Heroes"; and "You Really Got Me" are the other standouts. "20th Century Man" appeared on the original 2-LP release, but was cut from Arista's U.S. CD. ~ Bret Adams, All Music Guide
Track List
(try tracks 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 and 15)
I truly believe The Kinks meshed into a near perfect live rock band during this period. I have had the honor to see The Kinks live in the early 70's, late 70's, 1980, and 1986. 1980 was the apex. Not only a criminally underatted lead guiterist, but a criminally underated rock group!
This double lp rocks !new versions of their classics that sound exciting but also newer material from low budget and misfits lps as well. superman is an outstanding live song not just for rays writing and song texture...i wanna hear dave play that guitar!!!!overall this is an entertaining live record today as it was in its release in 1980 a must own!myspace/kentcrawford2