Ray Davies | Criticism

This literature criticism consists of approximately 1 page of analysis & critique of Ray Davies.

Ray Davies | Criticism

This literature criticism consists of approximately 1 page of analysis & critique of Ray Davies.
This section contains 235 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page)
Buy the Critical Essay by Billy Altman

Even as a staunch Kinks supporter, I was beginning to have my doubts. Although the band's following has grown steadily since they made it into the Seventies (by the skin of their teeth) with "Lola," they seemed to have peaked with Muswell Hillbillies. Ray Davies seemed hopelessly stuck on a thematic dead-end street (perhaps he had started believing all those notices about personifying the "voice of the little people"). But Sleepwalker … is a clear-cut triumph both for Davies and the band.

A few of these songs smack of the self-righteousness that's hindered Davies' recent writing; but the beautiful "Stormy Sky," in which clouds become a symbol for romantic conflict, and "Full Moon," a scary tune about madness and loss of self-recognition, are among his best efforts. The recurrent themes are fear, depression and failed utopianism; in "Life Goes On," we are warned that "life'll hit you when you...

(read more)

This section contains 235 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page)
Buy the Critical Essay by Billy Altman
Copyrights
Gale
Critical Essay by Billy Altman from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.