Possibly one of the most influential songs on rock music and its sub genres of all time.

Tom Petty talked about being at a school dance when The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" was played and the sound was so new, so different for that time and place (he grew up in Florida) that everybody on the dance floor just stopped and listened! In the most recent documentary, Paul McCartney said when The Kinks opened for them, all The Beatles would sneak into the audience to listen because they'd never heard another band like them--that's why they were asked to open for them.

Ray Davies writes and sings, brother Dave kicks ass on guitar. Remember this is the early 60's. The fellas are forming rock and roll.

1964!!!! The beginning of Punk Rock. The Kinks.

1964-this is a BANGER! The Kinks are the less covered British Invasion group that is sooo good! I will be honest, I know most of their stuff from greatest hits compilations, but Ray Davies instills a lot of humor and social commentary, a lot from the "common man" perspective. Just an all around great group.

The Kinks were a very very important part of the sixties. The Lyrics from Ray Davies are amazing - he is a poet...MUST LISTEN to Sunny Afternoon.....

They sliced the speakers in the guitar amp to get that raunchy tone! Badass backstory about the recording of this song. Look it up sometime. Great stuff!

Dave Davies, the guitarist was angry. His girlfriend was pregnant and they wanted to get married, but their parents said they were too young and broke them up. Dave was in a rage and took a razor blade and slashed the cone of his little Elpico amp. He ran the little Elpico through a larger Vox amp like a preamp. The slashed cone gave his guitar that distorted sound that became a staple in rock and roll. In the studio, the engineers would kick his Elpico amp as they passed it to make is sound even dirtier.

This is how The Kinks sounded very early, but they soon moved on to a mellower, more English sound. I suggest "Waterloo Sunset" for your next song as the song that most beautifully captures the period that I consider their peak, 1966-1969.

"Tired of Waiting for You" is almost Beatles-quality songwriting

Check out “Destroyer” which they did 17 years later, where they reference both “All The Day” and “Lola” and also somehow create The Pixies/Nirvana loud/soft vibe years before either of those bands even existed.

I think its wild that kids your age get that this is great rock and roll.

Like the Kinks' "All Day and All of the Night," this is a rocking, pioneering recording from the mid-60s. The Kinks, the Who, and the Beatles did some trailblazing hard rock 1960s tracks that also have these wonderful, sophisticated musical elements, like the Beach-Boys-style harmonies in this song.

Fresh as the day I first heard it as teenager. This sound was groundbreaking. I saw them live and have all their early stuff on vinyl. Try Til The End Of The Day.

Keep in mind, they were nothing before this song and went instant #1 in England. This was different then anything for the time and even the record company wouldn't pay for the recording of this song.

Met Ray Davies at the jazz club I managed in NYC. He was a big fan of Les Paul who played two sets every Monday, and Ray would occasionally jam with Les. Great guy. Anyone who had a baby with Chrissy Hyndes is OK with me. Remember guys, this sound was invented by the Kinks. This record was on the radio at the same time as I Want To Hold Your Hand.

Now you've do it...Bring on "Father Christmas!" whoa... my college days... loveyougentlemen!

If you haven't already, try 'Waterloo Sunset' guys. Absolutely beautiful. 👌

Another early Kinks' song to check out would be "I'm Not Like Everybody Else"

Proof that sometimes Grandpa was cooler than we’ll ever be 🤣

One of the great rock songs of all time.

It's such a shame The Kinks were banned from the USA in their prime, it really hurt them.

I always loved the grittiness of the Kinks compared to their early to mid 60s contemporaries.

This is one of those rare instances where the original and cover are both outstanding.

Ray Davies was 19 years old and Dave Davies was 17 when they recorded this song.

The guitarist, Dave Davies slashed the cone in his amplifier to get this dirty tone. And voila, heavy metal/ hard rock was born!

This is the kind of music that was coming out of the radio when I was 11 years old. It sounded great then, even from a tiny (tinny 😏) mono speaker and it sounds even better now. It's so good to see you guys, from the future, digging it too. I'd really like to hear your band banging it out.

A ground-breaking S-tier song. Anyone who was around to hear this for the first time in 1964, must have been blown away.

1st in! Enjoy this S tier classic! You'll hear sooo many influences from this song in later works. Much love 💚💚

“Celluloid Heroes” is a masterpiece by the Kinks, not a fast burner, but a great, great tune, about the frailties of celebrity, so poignant and relevant 50 years later. Ray and Dave Davies ruled. “You really Got Me” And “all Day and All Night” were extremely influential in early Rock. The guitar tone was out of this world, when young artists were experimenting with distortion and sounds you could get out of that kinda new thing called an electric guitar.

You could see where Andy was actually picturing his band playing this. And his disappointment the guitar solo ended so quickly.

Starting the week with a bang, not a whimper! In my young world it was the Beatles and the Kinks until Buffalo Springfield came along with a definable American sound. Thanks for bringing the Kinks back so quickly. Have a great week, Gents!

Would love to hear you guys react to Sunny Afternoon!! That’s always been my personal favorite!

You guys nailed this reaction. It's lo-fi, intense, garage, live rock and roll. Rock and roll in the purest sense is raw, messy and electric. People sleep on the Kinks when talking about 60's Brit rock. They were fantastic.

Imagine you’re 17 years old and you invent guitar distortion sound that changed rock n roll forever. Dave Davies is vastly underrated.

For that "garage sound", you need to review "Gloria" by Them (Van Morrison). There was not a single garage band in America that was not driving their parents crazy with it. It was 1964 and there were changes a-comin' in the whole rock revolution. Also the first rock recording to use two drummers.

The British Invasion! You Really Got Me got America rocking!!

Now A&A need to check the Garage Rock predecessor. a year prior (circa 63) The Kingsman- Louie Louie Unitelligeable lyrics decades before " "Smells like Teen Spirit"! So much so an FBI investigation ensued due to disgruntled parents!!! Of course forever associated with the classic film " Animal House". Now that's one A&A would love!!!

Alex looks great as Travolta's double

[sniff] Andy & Alex have come such a long way! Makes a guy feel proud of them! [sniff] I love seeing them get to this point, where they've come to realize that rock'n'roll at its best is messy as well as loud and catchy, that the beauty of great r'n'r lies in its imperfections. For a generation weaned on ProTools, Autotune, and the relentless factory cadence of computerized beats and looped effects, it's a long, hard road to travel before you discover that the true magic is found in the sweaty skronk of tube amps, damaged equipment, staticky cords, lousy room acoustics, and half-competent, beer-fueled post-adolescent musicians making the devil's music with the pure joy that comes from making the girls wiggle while you're making a racket. Next up for these guys should be "Wild Thing" by the Troggs ... the only rip-the-top-of-your-head-off song in r'n'r history that contains an ocarina solo.

This song is such a classic. Next up for The Kinks? Apeman and Ducks On The Wall. But then again there are so many - Celluloid Heroes, Come Dancing, (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman, Supersonic Rocket Ship. I saw them several times back in the day, every show a rockin' good time.

A&A is Bangin'! 2 old Kinks in 2 weeks. In '64 the guitar solo was audio dirt, and inspired thousands of kids to pick up the instrument.

David Bowie said, "I never heard a Ray Davies' song I didn't like." He covered the Kinks', "Where Have All the Good Times Gone" on Pinups, his LP of covers.

Similar vibe: “Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen (1963). Banned in many places and investigated by the FBI because even though no one could understand the lyrics, the Powers That Be just knew they had to be obscene and nasty.

This song is very, very important in the history of rock. It has a great story along with it. Dig it up - you won't be sorry.

For sure this is "S" tier all the way. They were really great at that low production punched out garage sound - but they were also really great at melodic tunes. You should hear "Sunny Afternoon" or "Waterloo Station" to truly appreciate how talented these guys were as songwriters. & musicians. I think the album cover rating is a really good idea as many of us would sit around looking at the album covers while listening to the album. Great analysis.

For more killer garage rock feel, check out Big Star! Their 1972 debut album, #1 Record, could easily be released today and no one would guess it was nearly 50 years old. The song “Feel” would be a great intro. Your next Kinks song has to be “Destroyer!” #keepthecouch

Hard to believe this song was recorded in mid-1964, around the same time the Beatles were recording A Hard Day's Night and Can't Buy Me Love. This tune KICKS ASS!!! I would vote for Waterloo Sunset as the next Kinks reaction video.

And don't forget "Catch me now I'm falling" Ray Davies had the foresight back in mid the 70's🤯

First Odyssey & Oracle, now the Kinks. Excellent morning!

Early 60´s, history in the making, this was uncharted territory. That guitar, c´mon!, Van Hallen came almost 15 years later. Garage feeling, that sums it up! By the way, try The Destroyer from early 80´s, total killer.

GOOOOOOOD MORNING FROM RAINEY NOR CAL!!!!! ☮️❤️♾️

Tired of Waiting For You or Well Respected Man. Not as crunchy of rockers like All the Day or You Really Got Me but awesome early songs. Tired of Waiting made it to # 6 on Billboard top 100. I think their highest American song til Come Dancing came out 20 some years later and tied with it.

Father Christmas is a great one for the upcoming season.

I grew up with all the music from the British Invasion & The Mersybeat. The Kinks were huge & had a lot of hits. I especially love their music from the 60's & 70's. "All Day and All of the Night", "Set Me Free", "Tired of Waiting for You", "A Well Respected Man", "Dedicated Follower of Fashion", "Sunny Afternoon", "Dead End Street", "Waterloo Sunset", "Autumn Almanac" & "Lola".

For a 57 YO song... this number ROCKS OUT! I think we forget sometimes how ahead of the times the Kinks really were. One of the English pioneers for sure, that reminded or introduced Americans of our own music. I love the the early distortion/fuzz. Good pull men.

Fast forward 16 years or so to the song “Destroyer” Banger!!!

Dave Clark Five has some early bangers as well, first band to hit the drums hard!

"20th Century Man" Underrated great tune from an underrated great band.

Wow I wasn't expecting this fantastic I'm excited to listen to this and watch you guys react of course

I was recently on the phone with an old friend and fellow guitarist from our very first garage band in 1964. We had been learning Stones and Lonnie Mack stuff at the time. Coincidentally we discussed this song and how it was such a life changing event for both of us. Power chords, volume on 10 and a driving solo. Of course we didn't know then that he had razor cut and poked holes in his speaker cones to get that dirt. The staticky, bad cable noise you can clearly hear in the intro is the distinctive sound of a speaker cone on it's way to being totally blown. I couldn't afford a fuzztone back then but inspired by Dave Davies', I ran my signal through a Heathkit preamp between the guitar and amp for the overdrive and rigged up a footswitch. Didn't sound half bad.

To hear how Ray Davies' songwriting talent developed, but keep that raw rocking sound, try _Dead End Street._

Saw The Kinks in Chicago at the Aragon "Brawl" Room in 1977. My ticket stub says 5.50. The good ol' days when concerts were 5 bucks! That place with its wood floors got incredibly rowdy. Good times!

Adding to the Waterloo Sunset suggestion, master craft level song and recording.

The song that launched a thousand garage bands

So glad to see you're both enjoying the Kinks. One of the best bands ever. The great thing about the Kinks is that they never stagnated. They kept growing. Yes, this early, garage band, pre-punk sound is awesome but they do so much more. Dig deep, boys. The Kinks won't disappoint you.

Next has to be Waterloo Sunset, completely different vibe but showcases Ray Davis extraordinary story telling ability, Just beautiful

Paranoia Self "Destroyer" would be a great 80's Kinks banger to react to. Also Rock & Roll Fantasy is pure melodic Kinks magic.

The Kinks returned to this sound in 1979 with the song "Destroyer" from the album "Give The People What They Want"...one of their BEST albums.

There were very few if any acts before the Kinks in this “Garage Band” genre except for British band “Dave Clark Five” who were incredibly popular and kicked out some rowdy songs like “Do You Love Me” and “Glad All Over”, to name a couple, in 1963-1964 and encourage you to check them out! The girls went nuts over these guys!

The song that changed everything, basically. This was the first hit song ever to use a distortion on the electric guitar. Dave Davies apparently cut slits in his amp's speakers with a razor blade (because he was mad at his girlfriend) and then later discovered the cool distortion when he used that amp later. They put it in this song and rock and roll changed forever!

This came out before All Day and All of the Night as a single and live these were often done as a medley

You guys should listen to The Sonics, probably one of the greatest garage rock bands. Psycho, Have Love Will Travel, The Witch, a lot of great songs.

A musical about the Kinks was made about 5 years ago - Sunny Afternoon. Best musical I have ever seen, charting their rise from when they were penniless and living in a tiny flat, to their eventual genius and success. It shows how they kicked in their speakers to create this unique and punchy sound. Absolutely glorious musical. If it is ever revived, do go and see it.

Great tune. From their self titled album. They set the bar in the mid 60's.

Iconic. Always great to kick off the week with classic 60s rock.

You guys should really hit up "96 Tears" by ? and The Mysterians. Trust me on this one.

This is the loudest concert I’ve ever attended. My tinnitus matches one of those notes in the imperfect solo.

'Waterloo Sunset' is the song to hear. A work of real beauty.

Thanks for doing this absolutely classic rock n' roll song! Much Love, guys!💖💖😘😘👍👍

Good analysis of this. I was a musician, cutting my teeth on this stuff but even before that on the Beach Boys, the Chantays, the Surfaries and many of the surf-rock bands. The Kinks, the Zombies, the Yard Birds, the Beau Brummels were all ones we were learning then.

I saw a documentary about rock more than 35 years ago now, I can’t recall the title. But I recall when they got to the Kinks and “You Really Got Me” I remember the comment “the critics said it sounded like they were playing their guitars with hammers”. I think that’s perfection of the garage sound 😁

Please please please Waterloo Sunset next. Doesn't have to be soon, it just has to be.

Well, as far as "early-hard-rocking" Kinks in the vein of "You Really Got Me" and "All Day And All Of The Night," I'd say, "I Need You." But they evolved after these songs. My favorite period of theirs is from 1965-1970. A ton of great ones, including "Picture Book," "People Take Pictures of Each Other," "Do You Remember, Walter?" and others from their album THE KINKS ARE THE VILLAGE GREEN PRESERVATION SOCIETY. Then you got some earlier classics like "Waterloo Sunset" and "This Is Where I Belong," "I'll Remember" and a host of others. And then on to "Strangers" off of the "Lola" album.

An absolute classic.

You have to listen to The Kinks' "Destroyer" (1981). It has a lyrical reference to Lola, a musical reference to All Day and All of the Night, and then a chorus that will stick in your head for the rest of your lives.

May be a while before you cover The Kinks again, but Apeman and This Time Tomorrow are great.

Destroyer should be next from the Kinks

"Waterloo Sunset", "Sunny Afternoon", "Victoria", "David Watts"... plenty to choose from! If you like "David Watts", try The Jam - a hugely successful UK band who followed the Kinks in the late 70s - they made a great, harder cover version.

Rock & Roll Fantasy is mellow but a great song. Thanks for this one. I was 12 years old when this came out and would soon be Jonesing for my 1st guitar. Not doing the exact notes, but the shapes if very common when you do an acoustic guitar and singing. You get the feel of several instruments but not the exact note perfection.

Saw the Kinks in 1964 at the Sheffield City Hall with the Hollies just prior to this single’s release!

According to Ray Davies in his one-man show, the record company was breathing down their neck for a “hit”, and it felt like a “make or break” moment in the studio that day. So, when the guitar solo came around, he sidled up to his brother Dave and tried psyching him up, urging him on with “C’mon! C’mon!”, to which, an already agitated and anxious Dave replied in no uncertain terms, “F*ck off!!”, and then tore into the solo. Ray claims it’s there on the master recording but barely audible. Ah, nothing like brotherly love.

Original mid-1960s garage bands (primarily active from 1964-68) influenced a lot of future bands. All of these groups are mostly one hit wonders. I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night) by The Electric Prunes (San Fernando Valley) Psychotic Reaction by Count Five (San Jose, California) Nobody But Me by The Human Beinz (Youngstown, Ohio) Talk Talk by The Music Machine (Los Angeles, California) 96 Tears by ? (question mark)& The Mysterians (Bay City and Saginaw, Michigan) Pushin' Too Hard by The Seeds (Los Angeles, California) Dirty Water by The Standells (Los Angeles, California) Incense And Peppermints by Strawberry Alarm Clock (Los Angeles, California)

The 1981 album Give The People What They Want is a banger. I saw them live that year and there’s a concert on youtube (Rockpalast Grugahalle Essen). Definitely give this a try. Back to Front and Destroyer are my absolute favorites from that album.

The birth of hard rock. The Kinks are at the same time one of the most influential and underrated bands of all time.

“Define what a garage band is…” Now you’re ready for The Sonics.

Crazy to think this was written on the family piano in their parents living room. Great song!

A later Kinks song from the late 70s that would be good to hear you react to is "Catch Me Now I'm Falling"

I saw the Kinks twice. At one show Ray went over to Dave in the middle of a song, yelling at him the whole way and then punched him! Dave kept playing and they finished the song. My buddy and I did an actual double take. Hilarious!

I like the the raw sounds that the Kinks created in this song; especially the addition of the tambourine & piano. It's pretty simple sounding to the teenage audience. It's fun. Percussion & vocals and guitar riffs are pure too. That said.... Do I like VH's version?? Oh you better believe I do. It's hard to remake an original...but Eddie's guitar gives the listener an "eargasm". And the pause with squeaky vocals & screams are great stereo gems. I like both versions!!! It's rock!! Makes us smile.