ALBUM REVIEW: The Kinks - The Kink Kontroversy

    The Kinks, by 1965, had developed one hell of a reputation as a live act. Not only had they garnered notoriety for their noisy approach to rock and roll on previous albums and singles, but their live concerts had become subject of controversy. In Europe, stories of onstage riots and concert fights emerged out of Kinks concerts, and in the US things got so bad that the group was banned from playing in the US - little did the group know that this ban would play a significant role in the group's development as artists in the coming year. Because of the imminent change that was already beginning to occur, The Kink Kontroversy is largely a transitional record, with hints of what lies ahead sprinkled in between what is the group's hardest-hitting, most energetic rock yet. Controversy sells.

    Third times the charm is the key of this record, never more evident by the fact that the group can finally make good covers. There's only one, the opening cover of "Milk Cow Blues," but it's still easily their most galvanizing cover yet - a simple but distinct guitar riff that builds into a soaring verse, complete with a rough Dave Davies vocals. I've been critical of Dave's singing up until now, but I think his slightly nasal tone is finally starting to pair with the music better - either he's gotten better or the Kinks have gotten better, both distinct possibilities. The group, for the record, is even more sharp on this record than on their previous record, and all the instrumentation that was shining on Kinda Kinks remains ever present here. The addition of piano on a lot of tracks also adds a new layer of musical depth to the tracks - the closing track "You Can't Win" is not just a powerhouse of a closing track, but probably one of the best Kinks tracks up to this point, with clean harmonies, crashing drums, and subtle-yet-filling piano courtesy of the legendary Nicky Hopkins. Their typical power-chord rocking doesn't cease to impress, either, with Side A closer "Till the End of the Day" being a great single that follows in the tradition of previous Kinks records - I may prefer the non-album "Dedicated Follower of Fashion," but this is still solid stuff.

    All of the aforementioned stuff largely shows a further refinement of what the group had already been doing on their first two albums - The Kink Kontroversy, however, also shows the growth of Ray Davies as a songwriter. Even songs that sound like traditional Kinks music on the surface, such as the rocking "Where Have All the Good Times Gone" hide a deeper layer under them - that song in particular references nostalgia and the difficulties of older life, even referencing Beatles tunes in the lyrics. Other moments like Side B opener "The World Keeps Going Round" is an acceptance of the loss of love and moving on in what is also one of the greatest performances from the group yet - Mick Avory's drumming on this track is excellent. "Ring the Bells" is an emotional opposite, being a lovely ballad about marriage and love, showcasing that the group has already come a long way from "You Really Got Me." Even Dave Davies is continuing down the path of his brother with "I'm Free," a song about, well being free. It may not be my favorite, but it's a good tune from Dave nonetheless.

    Three albums in seems to be the gold number for all these British Invasion groups - The Beatles' Hard Day's Night, The Who's Sell Out, and The Kinks' Kontroversy. The pinnacle of their early rock & roll sound is reached on this record, with more than a few glances at what was soon to come from Ray and Co. The Golden Age just around the corner - the good times yet to have gone. With all that in mind, Kontroversy is probably overlooked in the grander scheme of things, especially considering how tightly performed, executed, and consistent the record is from front to back - very good.

RATING: ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯

Listen to The Kink Kontroversy.