The Kinks- Sunny Afternoon (First Listen)

[@chrisdavies3049]

One of the most influential bands ever. Every song tells a story. Research them. So many hits. They're in the rock'n'roll hall of fame.

[@tweer64]

They beat the Beatles to the whole "Indian inspired pop/rock song" thing with their song "See My Friends".

[@Codex7777]

You get huge variety with the Kinks. They were one of the earliest instigators of heavy/hard rock but you're just as likely to get English folk, cabaret, musichall, psychadelia, rock or pop... Or some combination of any of these styles. They were among the best songwriters of their generation. Some of their biggest hits include, 'All Day and All of the Night', 'You Really Got Me', 'Waterloo Sunset' and 'Lola'. All are well worth a listen. As is most of their work. They were hampered by extremely poor management but, in their day, they were right up there with The Beatles, The Stones and The Who... :)

[@jpmp1201]

Thanks for the background Codex!

[@carterlink]

That's why I love 'em. They were so many genres in one. They could span every genre on one record.I think it's safe to say that although The Kinks did progress and evolve musically into a more 'modern' sounding band that you might possibly click with, those early to mid sixties tracks are definitely rooted in their era and give them a dated feel. You either like or dislike this aspect. Not just in The Kinks stuff, but all sixties music. I feel that is maybe where the disconnect occurs. It's such an English song though. I'm surprised it travels at all.

[@KillerNetDog]

You probably have heard You really got me covered by more than one band.. Likely All day and all of the night as well, it got covered a lot over the years too, both usually with a bit more hard rock edge.

[@shanna9650]

Perfect summation. There's waaay more to this band and Ray Davies the chief songwriter. Ray is a VERY clever song lyricist and a strong melody writer. His songs are simple on the facade, but have undertones. Other songs well worth mentioning are I'm Not Like Anybody Else, Picture Book, Apeman, Ducks on the Wall, Stop Your Sobbin, Cuppa Tea, 20th Century Man, Union Man, Money Go Round, Come Dancin, Big Sky...

[@TheCornishCockney]

The Kinks are SO English,i'm amazed if any American understands them. National treasures.

[@justintime42000]

I’m American and have always loved British music the most. I will always feel fortunate that I got to live through Beatlemania and The British Invasion. It was so exciting. The Kinks were huge on our side of the pond. Today, with younger people, I couldn’t say how important they would seem compared to a lot of other artists from the past 50 years, but my generation loved them and still loves them. I wish they’d get back together already!

[@Cookie_moonlove]

Swedish and I'm so glad my dad listened ti the Kinks so they have been with me all my life, Love them.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

I'm from Spain and I have one thing to say: God save The Kinks!

[@gerrycoogan6544]

It certainly went over these guys' heads. I'm Scottish but I love the authentic Englishness of bands like The Kinks and Genesis. "Sunny Afternoon" is a classic pub singalong.👍

[@richardw4336]

I have grown up with The Kinks music here in the UK, ( though they were successful in the US too), and they have a pretty big catalogue ( Twenty something albums worth). They had a very British quirkiness with songs like Dedicated Follower Of Fashion and Autumn Almanac and some that are considered Classics like You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset and Lola. I'd definitely recommend further exploration.

[@themroc8231]

The sarcasm and irony went right over their head.

[@vanyadolly]

"And I can't sail my yacht" is one of the best sarcastic lines ever

[@BrianR.]

The Kinks used a lot of sarcasm in their song writing.

[@kevinburn6988]

sarcasm that america doesnt get. ray davis as a writer back then was the only lyricist close to lennon and mccartney.

[@williamberry2351]

@@kevinburn6988 he was above lennon and mccartney

[@williamdeypres1122]

Reached Number I in the UK charts in the hot summer of 1966. Reminiscent of lazy days, ex girlfriends and England winning the World Cup. God bless the Kinks.

[@stevedotwood]

l liked the Kinks for these so called " Old Melodies" 1930's feel in a way. And Ray Davies' nasal congestion" voice is quite unique.

[@1nelsondj]

It's a brilliant song. If you know Ray Davies' history it helps, he suffered a mental breakdown in this period, unhappy marriage, poor management, banned from touring in the U.S. and all the pressure on him to keep producing more albums. He was stressed and that comes out in the lyrics (along with the descending bass line) but he wasn't blase. His car and wife are gone, the taxman has taken everything, he had nothing left but a sunny afternoon. He repeats "Save me, save me, save me," and "Help me, help me, help me," because he's depressed.

[@justintime42000]

This was a radio hit in 1966. We were all glued to AM radio back then. FM rock radio hadn’t happened yet. Like all Top 40 radio in the 60s, bands had to come out with new singles every 3 months and each hit by each band would get played several times a day, until it fizzled out, and the artist released a new single. This was a song I always enjoyed hearing when it came on and you didn’t want to change the station. It’s a good, memorable tune overall, but one listen won’t make you think so. The bridge has a sexy bluesy/swing vibe to it and the whole song is very singable with clever lyrics. The thing about being younger for you guys is you have the whole library of classic songs to choose from and so how some songs fit into the music scene of its time and into rock musical history is going to be less important to you than someone who lived through those days or someone who takes a real interest in the evolution of rock and roll and rock music. This song wasn’t ground breaking but it was the beginning of The Kinks moving away from their British Invasion roots in their rocker songs like “You Really Got Me,” “All Day And All Of The Night,” and showed how versatile Ray Davies was a songwriter. It’s important to remember that all the rock bands had to constantly reinvent their sound to try to keep up with how fast rock was evolving, which was led by The Beatles, and every other British band that followed the Beatles in the British Invasion either evolved into a different sound that kept getting radio play or the bands fell off the charts and died a slow, cruel death (The Dave Clark 5 comes to mind right away). The Kinks managed to stay on the charts and have new hits into the late 80s, for 24 years. That’s pretty darned impressive. 😊 They are more of an acquired taste than a knockout punch on first listen. I wouldn’t single this song out to listen to today, but it was always a fun song to sing along with on the radio or in a bar with a few friends and I think it’s held up well. I think I’ve seen/heard a crowd scene sing along with it somewhere in a movie, but I couldn’t say which movie. British taxes for rock stars in the 60s and 70s were in the 90% bracket. It’s not as high today but most of the biggest music earners either moved out or don’t live in the UK full time in order to avoid the crushing taxes. George Harrison’s “Taxman” song on The Beatles’ “Revolver” album is another example of how severe the tax system was to musicians. It wouldn’t surprise me if Ray Davies had a tax audit that left him penniless and he had to write this song to survive. “Lazy Afternoon” did not make the list of Billboard Top 100 songs for 1966, for what it’s worth.

[@gasparcarlos13]

This is a huge reason why I watch you guys' youtube channel, I get to listen to cool new music I never heard before.

[@jpmp1201]

Thanks man! I'm glad you're enjoying the ride with us! -JP

[@souldreamer9056]

Ages since I heard this. I love the minor-to-major transition in this song. It’s not a song you need to hear many times to appreciate.

[@JeromeDukes]

These guys were huge and were part of the "British Invasion" of bands that were making their way to US. Unlike the Beatles, sadly their songs were never played in our home growing up. By the time I took an interest in music (preteens), their style/sound probably wouldn't interest me. I know a few of their songs but never really paid attention to them. Considering how huge they were, there are probably going to be a ton of hidden gems in their catalog. Maybe one day, I'll dedicate the time to explore their music. In regards to this song, I agree with your take for the most part, I rate it a 3.0. This song reminds me of "Stray Cat Strut" by the Stray Cats. Which was a hit during the early 80's.

[@iainweller452]

Classic Kinks Love it 😍

[@aidilgotze4437]

The Kinks is such an underrated band. One of my fav of all time

[@cooperdoe5370]

They tripping this song is fire

[@gangstahippie5351]

shit review. sunny afternoon is a quality song. the way they set the mood is incredible and harmonizes perfectly with the lyrics. the vocals are especially mint. how can this not have instantly drawn you in? what do you want? a mediocre guitar solo in the middle?

[@Umiflow]

gee whizz I enjoy the occasional mediocre solo.

[@kg7507]

@@Umiflow a mediocre guitar solo would have ruined the gloominess captured in the song if it had been added to be honest. it has everything it needs. sometimes a song doesn't need a solo. but they said nothing stood out to them. that's why i said if they wanted a mediocre guitar solo in the middle, for it to stand out.

[@Umiflow]

mr touchingston I think it’s perfectly reasonable to have listened to the song and not liked it. Everyone has their own opinion.

[@gangstahippie5351]

​@@Umiflow well i happened to not like their opinion. i'm free to hate, manny peralt'ass'.

[@Umiflow]

gee whizz lol you win 🤣.you me and Justin should grab some wings and listen to the kinks. Hit me up if you’re in orlando

[@jimbricker4982]

What grabs the attention? THE MELODIES, esp. on the chorus. This song is earworm city. Trust me. 😉

[@justintime42000]

Agree! Ever since I saw this video I can’t get this song out of my head. Of course, I like it and know it well. It’s a good earworm!

[@jonnno2439]

Yes, please try the KInks, "You Really Got Me", "All Day And All Of The Night" "Lola", "Days" etc and definitely Waterloo Sunset.

[@Lwize]

The Kinks were huge in the 60's, and this song is heavily Beatle-esque.

[@TheCornishCockney]

bloke on the left as we view,seems so disinterested,i wonder why he's there.

[@Umiflow]

Lol it’s my house

[@TheCornishCockney]

@@Umiflow oh ok,venue provider but you still gotta look a bit enthusiastic mate.

[@Umiflow]

Cockney Red 😂 sure

[@bugaloo2836]

He is lame

[@bbdamur17]

@@bugaloo2836 lol

[@rosenfield10]

I thought the progression was neat and I thought the lyrics were the fun part. I like it. 3.2 The catch is the depressing nature of the lyric contrast to a spirited musicianship. IMO.

[@guitgas]

Pretty spot on description of the song. Girlfriend steals the car, spreads tall tales, taxman after me.... Guess I'llsip at my ice cold beer on a sunny afternoon. And the music and harmonies add that lazy feel.

[@Cookie_moonlove]

Music that you understand and love right away you get sick of fast. Kinks gets better the more you listen to them you get them. You start to hear the sarcasm, jokes, the serious issues and the feeling/emotion the music. I love listening to their lyrics! But why Ilooked for reactions now is because the last week I have had them playng in the background and they are great for that to, anyway I got curious but kind of expected reactions like yours. I'm so glad my dad likes them so I'v started listening to them as a kid. (sweden here btw)

[@zoniekat]

It's a good, groovy song. Who cares? I care! I want it on my Playlist. Do you guys like anything?

[@jpmp1201]

Oh absolutely! Theres a ton of songs we like/love on here 😊 -JP

[@tdsims1963]

Love. This. Song!! Boy, you guys have missed the subtle viciousness of this song.

[@davidt9238]

They certainly have missed most of what is good about this great song.

[@Grizazzle]

The behind the scenes info has ruined my immersion! Always enjoy The Kinks. Definitely worth you guys doing other songs of theirs. I disagree that a song has to be captivating, sometimes just being somewhat interesting or memorable is enough. In this case, the main chorus line is memorable for me and it sometimes plays in my head on a warm sunny day. So as far as I'm concerned, mission accomplished. Thanks, guys. Keep up the good work!

[@bhavs26]

You guys should check out Tame Impala. A psychedelic project led by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker, who writes, records, performs, and produces the studio albums. The song I choose for you guys is 'Mind Mischief'

[@thisguy1520]

This music sounds simple, but taken in the context of that time, is so subversive that you still won't hear it in commercials, or elevators today.

[@davidt9238]

Background music? Background music? The listener on the left just doesn’t get it, does he? If you really listened closely there is TONS going musiclly here. I have noticed that some American’s just don’t get a British approach to music. And it sounds very little like the Beatles.

[@Jovolution]

Love The Kinks🎸

[@johnr8095]

This album is has this hit but there are actually two other songs about rich guys who own a house and then lose it. They form a story of sorts. The first song is about this callous guy who treats everyone like whit. But he has a house in the country so he doesn’t care. Then there’s this song. And finally there’s a song called Most exclusive residence for sale which describes his comeuppance. Not sure the songs are alboht the same person, but they could easily fit. This is the hit song, though.

[@thomasjacques5286]

The top tax rate in the UK back then was 95% and rich rockers were protesting. Checkout the Beatles "Tax Man" for more

[@TheCorrectAnswer56]

Immediately reminded me of Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc. I wonder if The Kinks were an influence on them.

[@donaldmoon]

This song is about the higher levels of British society, making fun of them. The Kinks address the ridiculous behavior of the muckety mucks. --don

[@donaldmoon]

Another example would be the Kinks' "A Well-Respected Man". --don

[@DurandCompton]

But, but, but....The Kinks. I mean, it's The Kinks. Carry on.

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Love love love these guys

[@sidecardog5244]

Mid 60’s British Invasion...one of the top 4. Beatles, Stones, The Who, Kinks. Best song is Lola (probably first transgender song, shocking at the time). Other hits include ‘You’ve Really Got Me’ and ‘All the Day and All of The Night’. I like their music but this song was a lightweight little ditty. Maybe the chips with no dip of pop music.

[@sloot69x]

It,s a satirical song,about celebrities in the 60,s who moaned about paying too much tax Ray Davies was a huge influence of the 60,s and on many artists to come,understanable you didn,t pick up on it.

[@briancarnival6916]

Ray, Dave and Mike Avory - come back and give us a swansong - I'd love to see you - I never got the chance !

[@BulaPc]

The guy in the denim jacket didn’t sit still and he said the other fella is annoying what a beaut

[@paulkruger491]

One of my favorite songs. I'm old. 56 lol.

[@LSBBD]

I'm 57, I'm older.

[@MarkTitus420]

Listern to "Lola". It's a great story telling song of a mistaken man/women - don't want to spoil it. Listen for yourself.

[@skybluemarshall]

This song is a joke. It's a humorous critique of the wealthy "Old Money" segment of English society. The song makes fun of rich people's problems. "Boo hoo! They're taking my yatch away". If you put this song in it's proper context, it's kind of funny and slightly rebellious. Although British Invasion bands like The Kinks, The Who, The Stones and The Beatles, made a lot of money in the 60s, they never really saw themselves as belonging to proper, wealthy, silver spoon, British society. That's because most of the British Rockers came from poor, working class families. Now that they were rich and famous, wealthy society was forced to accept them, but they were still seen as the outlaws within that society. These young guys were now part of the "New Money" in Britain and they were starting experience rich people's problems of their own, like the oppressive taxes of 1960s England and the pressures of becoming businessmen in the music industry. But, unlike many of their wealthy peers, the Rock stars weren't a bunch of lazy trust fund kids, living off daddy's money. They were very hardworking muscians and they felt qualified to criticize the segment of society, to which they now belonged. This song is a big, tongue in cheek joke. It's a hard working rich guy, making fun of lazy rich people, who never worked a day in their lives, but they were complaining about the government cramping their lifestyles with huge tax bills. The songwriter, Ray Davies, made the character in his song, a drunken, woman beater, to keep listeners from feeling too sorry for him.

[@shanna9650]

Well Dressed Man!!!

[@brucecampo6543]

I like the KInks this song isn't my favorite,but I would still give them another listen if I were you two, I like to hear your commentary on Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper" or Procul Harem's, "Whiter Shade of Pale" cool, thanks

[@blitztim6416]

Never heard of The Kinks? Oh but you have heard Van Halen's version of their song 'You Really Got Me'

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

GOD SAVE THE KINKS

[@johnm9845]

Guy on left would be better off on laptop playing games

[@bugaloo2836]

It doesn’t even seem like the guy on the left even tries to care. I’m out.

[@Gboz90]

Yes he seems utterly arrogant

[@yes_head]

Odd pick -- it seems WAY outside of your wheelhouse (Manny gives a song that was a number 1 hit in 1966 a 2. What does that tell you?) The Kinks were a thing unto themselves, built around Ray Davies' songwriting and storytelling and his brother Dave's reckless guitar playing (these guys wrote "You Really Got Me"). Ray Davies was a peer of Pete Townsend of the Who, and was a major influence on people like Peter Gabriel. The Kinks aren't as well known in the US as other bands because they were actually banned from coming over and touring for several years because US concert promoters were actually frightened of them (they were also the unfortunate recipient of blowback against bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who). Their songs are also often very British, and it helps if you get inside that cultural headspace.

[@kevinburn6988]

these people just dont get it.

[@jonnno2439]

Please try "You Really Got ME" by the kinks.One of the first "heavy" songs

[@PryorPrints]

Love the Muse videos you do but HAVE to do Muse - Knights of Cydonia (the end is worth it!) Live at Wembley is good but the original music video is interesting too so take your pick!

[@philipm06]

Is this the Muppet Show?

[@Brax1982]

Way too apologetic. It's a song used in commercials and montages. It is what it is, indeed. The Kinks have tons of songs, of course. I don't know too much about them. If you like that style and want a bit more meat to it, you could try The Coral. I no longer know which songs, though.

[@jonnno2439]

Oh Yeah. React to You Really Got Me

[@peppernagre3126]

Hossenfeffer! Definitely Beatles like. Two and a half.

[@bboyz5713]

Clearly your gilfriend hasnt run off with ur car and gone back to her ma and pa telling tales of drunkeness and cruelty....

[@j.kbarnett7640]

What's wrong guys, couldn't you bop to it, not hip hop enough. Do you really think you are experts, when it comes to listening.

[@stevedunwoodie7621]

better than the beatles

[@magikmalick]

Please react to Elliott Smith - King's Crossing. Please.

[@gasparcarlos13]

read the part and return at 5, it's a hell of a road, if you can keep it alive, but I don't care if I fuck up. I love Elliott smith

[@unstrung65]

The guy with the glasses is extremely irritating and simply doesn't get it . It's one of the Kink's better songs that reflects exactly what Ray Davies is singing about . The song 'resonates' with a hell of a lot of people - he even takes his earphones off - to show his pre - derision .

[@Largeagegaplove]

Not one of my favs from that era I don't often agree with Manny but I do on this one....do TRAFFIC - THE LOW SPARK OF HIGH-HEELED BOYS

[@Justin_Bank]

agree with you on the Traffic recommendation...

[@summera45]

I 2nd that! One of the best rock sax solos ever from the great Chris Woods RiP

[@Vince-lq3ve]

@@Justin_Bank ...

[@Grizazzle]

Great song, but the length of it may be a problem for a reaction/review.

[@staybyyourside]

Please react strangers-the kinks

[@rackpunch4026]

Wasted on some people.

[@leslierobertson2564]

Get rid of your friend, he’s hyperactive and annoying, not listening to the song. He ruined my enjoyment of the song and your opinion.

[@Matt..G]

The Kinks have some very cool songs but good grief this ain’t one of them imo. Because it’s by the legendary Kinks I give it a 2.0 if it were by an unknown band... a solid 1.0 😬