I think the kinks suffered from a combination of problems. Ray Davies was/is an a hole and kind of a weirdo. They didn't have the "cute" or "bad boy" image. They just looked like factory workers. They have an odd name, like and unfinished product. Also they never had great songs.

You're partially right on two out of four. Not bad.


1) Ray Davies is an a-hole, but since when has that ever stopped commercial success in the music business? See Mick Jagger...

2) Image was a small factor. You are thinking in terms of 2015 not 1965. In 1965 image played a role, but talent was the overriding factor. These days image is pretty much the only factor.

3) The name?!

4) Your opinion on their songs is duly noted.





Here are the main reasons for The Kinks not having the overwhelming commercial success, in the USA, they should have enjoyed:


1) They were banned from touring here 1966-1972. These were the all important touring years for the legendary British musical acts like The Who, Led Zeppelin, and The Stones as well as many homegrown American rock and rollers.

2) They were the most quintessentially British group of all the popular British invasion bands. In other words, Americans just did not "get them." Their songs are interwoven with imagery and references that reflect where they are from.

Americans tend to judge other cultures by American standards... If something does not fit into their Americentrism they will reject it rather then trying to understand.

3) They tended to go against the grain of what was trending in music at any particular time. For instance, some say that "You Really Got Me" was the beginning of hard rock/heavy metal. The Kinks played this sort of music for a couple of years. However, by 1967 when hard rock and psychedelic music were taking over the Kinks went mellow and acoustic.

Ray Davies was a maverick even by the standards of the day. Some groups (See AC/DC) have a sound. They play the same music over and over. There is comfort for the fans and a lot of money, but not much in the way of true artistry.

4) Lastly, the conflict between the Davies brothers created problems when it came to recording new material. This has been well documented and needs no further explanation.

ETA: One other factor I failed to mention is that Ray Davies always despised stadium venues. He much preferred more intimate venues which gave him the opportunity to interact with the audience.

I like your line about bands having a sound but not much artistry. I also agree with your choice of AC?DC. You can throw Status Quo into that category, and I would argue that Maiden do that to a certain extent. Pop Music now is sterile regurgitated pap.Simon Cowell has a lot to answer too.Bands who self indulge a bit have a core following, Slipknot for example without the advantage of being played on mainstream TV and Radio. Oh how I hate thee Cowell!!

AC/DC has been playing the same song for the past 35 years...

Where Have All The Good Times Gone?