Face to Face (The Kinks album)
Encyclopedia
Face to Face, released in 1966 on Pye Records
in the United Kingdom and on Reprise Records
in the United States, is the fourth UK studio album by The Kinks
. A major artistic breakthrough for Kinks' songwriter Ray Davies
, the LP
represents the first full flowering of Davies' use of narrative, observation, and wry social commentary in his songs. It heralded The Kinks' move away from the hard-driving rock and roll style of 1964-65, which had catapulted the group to international stardom. It was the first Kinks album consisting entirely of Ray Davies compositions, and was their first album recorded over several months, rather than in one concentrated session.
" and "Dedicated Follower of Fashion
", and came to full fruition in May 1966 with the hit single "Sunny Afternoon", which reached Number 1 in the UK. This song's great popularity proved to Davies and the Kinks' managers that the group could find success with this style of songwriting. The new album would follow this pattern, as would the group's recorded output for the next five years. The 1966-1971 period inaugurated by this album would later be called Davies' and the Kinks' "golden age".
The album was released in a particularly tumultuous year for the band, with personnel problems (bassist Pete Quaife
was injured, resigned, and later rejoined the band), legal and contractual battles, and an ongoing hectic touring schedule. The album was critically well received, but did not sell particularly well at the time of its release (especially in the United States), and was out of print for many years. Re-issues since 1998 have included bonus tracks of songs released contemporaneously as singles (most notably "Dead End Street
") and two unreleased tracks.
of "Dandy
" and the self-absorption and hypocrisy of the wealthy elite on "House in the Country" and "Most Exclusive Residence for Sale". Davies' humanity is also on display in tracks such as "Rosie, Won't You Please Come Home", an unusual 1960s pop song that sided with the plight of parents against the cruelty of a rebellious child (a true harbinger of the Kinks' growing affinity for unfashionable but timeless themes). Other highlights include "Sunny Afternoon", the world-weary "Too Much on My Mind", the foreboding "Rainy Day in June", and the Eastern-tinged, enigmatic "Fancy".
Some rock historians have credited the album as arguably one of the first rock and roll
concept album
s, with the loose common theme of social observation. In the album's original inception, Davies had attempted to bridge the songs together with sound effects, but was forced to revert to the more standard album format by Pye Records
before the album's release. Some of these effects remain, in "Party Line", "Holiday in Waikiki", "Rainy Day in June", and other songs not included in the final album ("End of the Season", "Big Black Smoke"). Contractual issues held up the release of the album for several months after final recording, and Davies was also in conflict with Pye over the final album cover art, whose psychedelic
theme he later felt was inappropriate.
The song "I'll Remember" was the earliest track on the album, having been recorded in October 1965 during sessions for The Kinks Kontroversy, and sounds dated in comparison to other songs on the album. Two other songs recorded during the Face To Face sessions -- "This Is Where I Belong" and "She's Got Everything" -- were eventually released as B-sides to singles released in 1967 and 1968, respectively. Both songs eventually appeared on the 1972 U.S. compilation album The Kink Kronikles
.
There is not consensus on who played bass on several of the album's tracks. Pete Quaife had temporarily quit the band before the June–July 1966 recording sessions, and his replacement John Dalton
can be confirmed playing only on the track "Little Miss Queen of Darkness". Ray Davies' autobiography X-Ray indicates a session player was retained for some tracks, but no documentation survives to identify the player.
Two songs on Face To Face, although written by Ray Davies, were originally recorded and released by other British bands in the months prior to the release of this album. The Pretty Things
had a minor UK hit in July 1966 with "A House In The Country", which peaked at number 50 and would prove to be the band's final entry on the singles charts. Herman's Hermits
, meanwhile, took their version of "Dandy" top ten in several countries (including number 5 in the US, and number 1 in Canada), beginning in September 1966. The Rockin' Vickers
also recorded a version of "Dandy" which they released as a single in December 1966 in both the UK and the US. They recorded another Ray Davies composition, "Little Rosy", that was never recorded by the Kinks. Note that "Dandy" was not issued as a single in the UK.
Side 1
Side 2
SMRCD028
, and "A Girl Who Goes to Discoteques." It is unclear whether any of the abovementioned tracks will ever be released officially. Dave Davies has indicated they were never satisfactorily completed for release, and some were later reworked into different songs, as is the case with another song from these sessions "Yes Man" (an early version of "Plastic Man
").
Pye Records
Pye Records was a British record label. In its first incarnation, perhaps Pye's best known artists were Lonnie Donegan , Petula Clark , The Searchers , The Kinks , Sandie Shaw and Brotherhood of Man...
in the United Kingdom and on Reprise Records
Reprise Records
Reprise Records is an American record label, founded in 1960 by Frank Sinatra. It is owned by Warner Music Group, and operated through Warner Bros. Records.-Beginnings:...
in the United States, is the fourth UK studio album by The Kinks
The Kinks
The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion band, The Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock acts of the era. Their music was influenced by a...
. A major artistic breakthrough for Kinks' songwriter Ray Davies
Ray Davies
Ray Davies, CBE is an English rock musician. He is best known as lead singer and songwriter for the Kinks, which he led with his younger brother, Dave...
, the LP
Gramophone record
A gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove...
represents the first full flowering of Davies' use of narrative, observation, and wry social commentary in his songs. It heralded The Kinks' move away from the hard-driving rock and roll style of 1964-65, which had catapulted the group to international stardom. It was the first Kinks album consisting entirely of Ray Davies compositions, and was their first album recorded over several months, rather than in one concentrated session.
History
Davies, who had suffered a nervous breakdown just prior to the major recording sessions for the album, seemed to be responding to the overwhelming pressures on him by escaping into stories of the bittersweet existence of ordinary suburban people, their failings, and frustrations. The new style of writing began gradually the previous year with compositions such as "A Well Respected ManA Well Respected Man
"A Well Respected Man" is a song by the British band The Kinks, written by the group's lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ray Davies, and originally released on the U.K. EP Kwyet Kinks in September 1965 . It was released as a single in the U.S. during October of that same year and reached #13...
" and "Dedicated Follower of Fashion
Dedicated Follower of Fashion
"Dedicated Follower of Fashion" is a 1966 single by British band The Kinks. It lampoons the contemporary British fashion scene and mod culture in general...
", and came to full fruition in May 1966 with the hit single "Sunny Afternoon", which reached Number 1 in the UK. This song's great popularity proved to Davies and the Kinks' managers that the group could find success with this style of songwriting. The new album would follow this pattern, as would the group's recorded output for the next five years. The 1966-1971 period inaugurated by this album would later be called Davies' and the Kinks' "golden age".
The album was released in a particularly tumultuous year for the band, with personnel problems (bassist Pete Quaife
Pete Quaife
Peter Alexander Greenlaw "Pete" Quaife was an English musician, artist and author. He was a founding member and the original bass guitarist for The Kinks, from 1963 until 1969....
was injured, resigned, and later rejoined the band), legal and contractual battles, and an ongoing hectic touring schedule. The album was critically well received, but did not sell particularly well at the time of its release (especially in the United States), and was out of print for many years. Re-issues since 1998 have included bonus tracks of songs released contemporaneously as singles (most notably "Dead End Street
Dead End Street (song)
"Dead End Street" is a song by the British band The Kinks from 1966, written by main songwriter Ray Davies. Like many other songs written by Davies, it is slightly influenced by British Music Hall. It was originally released as a non-album single, but has since been included as one of several bonus...
") and two unreleased tracks.
Content
The album's songs are rife with Davies' sardonic wit, skewering the vapid Don JuanDon Juan
Don Juan is a legendary, fictional libertine whose story has been told many times by many authors. El burlador de Sevilla y convidado de piedra by Tirso de Molina is a play set in the fourteenth century that was published in Spain around 1630...
of "Dandy
Dandy (song)
"Dandy" is a 1966 song from The Kinks, appearing on their Face to Face album. It was released as a single in Continental Europe only, where it charted, reaching #1 in Germany, #2 in Belgium and #3 in the Netherlands...
" and the self-absorption and hypocrisy of the wealthy elite on "House in the Country" and "Most Exclusive Residence for Sale". Davies' humanity is also on display in tracks such as "Rosie, Won't You Please Come Home", an unusual 1960s pop song that sided with the plight of parents against the cruelty of a rebellious child (a true harbinger of the Kinks' growing affinity for unfashionable but timeless themes). Other highlights include "Sunny Afternoon", the world-weary "Too Much on My Mind", the foreboding "Rainy Day in June", and the Eastern-tinged, enigmatic "Fancy".
Some rock historians have credited the album as arguably one of the first rock and roll
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
concept album
Concept album
In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing...
s, with the loose common theme of social observation. In the album's original inception, Davies had attempted to bridge the songs together with sound effects, but was forced to revert to the more standard album format by Pye Records
Pye Records
Pye Records was a British record label. In its first incarnation, perhaps Pye's best known artists were Lonnie Donegan , Petula Clark , The Searchers , The Kinks , Sandie Shaw and Brotherhood of Man...
before the album's release. Some of these effects remain, in "Party Line", "Holiday in Waikiki", "Rainy Day in June", and other songs not included in the final album ("End of the Season", "Big Black Smoke"). Contractual issues held up the release of the album for several months after final recording, and Davies was also in conflict with Pye over the final album cover art, whose psychedelic
Psychedelic
The term psychedelic is derived from the Greek words ψυχή and δηλοῦν , translating to "soul-manifesting". A psychedelic experience is characterized by the striking perception of aspects of one's mind previously unknown, or by the creative exuberance of the mind liberated from its ostensibly...
theme he later felt was inappropriate.
The song "I'll Remember" was the earliest track on the album, having been recorded in October 1965 during sessions for The Kinks Kontroversy, and sounds dated in comparison to other songs on the album. Two other songs recorded during the Face To Face sessions -- "This Is Where I Belong" and "She's Got Everything" -- were eventually released as B-sides to singles released in 1967 and 1968, respectively. Both songs eventually appeared on the 1972 U.S. compilation album The Kink Kronikles
The Kink Kronikles
The Kink Kronikles is a USA compilation double album of singles, B-sides, album tracks and previously unreleased tracks recorded by The Kinks between 1966 and 1970...
.
There is not consensus on who played bass on several of the album's tracks. Pete Quaife had temporarily quit the band before the June–July 1966 recording sessions, and his replacement John Dalton
John Dalton
John Dalton FRS was an English chemist, meteorologist and physicist. He is best known for his pioneering work in the development of modern atomic theory, and his research into colour blindness .-Early life:John Dalton was born into a Quaker family at Eaglesfield, near Cockermouth, Cumberland,...
can be confirmed playing only on the track "Little Miss Queen of Darkness". Ray Davies' autobiography X-Ray indicates a session player was retained for some tracks, but no documentation survives to identify the player.
Two songs on Face To Face, although written by Ray Davies, were originally recorded and released by other British bands in the months prior to the release of this album. The Pretty Things
The Pretty Things
The Pretty Things are an English rock and roll band from London, who originally formed in 1963. They took their name from Bo Diddley's 1955 song "Pretty Thing" and, in their early days, were dubbed by the British press the "uglier cousins of the Rolling Stones". Their most commercially successful...
had a minor UK hit in July 1966 with "A House In The Country", which peaked at number 50 and would prove to be the band's final entry on the singles charts. Herman's Hermits
Herman's Hermits
Herman's Hermits are an English beat band, formed in Manchester in 1963 as Herman & The Hermits. The group's record producer, Mickie Most , emphasized a simple, non-threatening, clean-cut image, although the band originally played R&B numbers...
, meanwhile, took their version of "Dandy" top ten in several countries (including number 5 in the US, and number 1 in Canada), beginning in September 1966. The Rockin' Vickers
The Rockin' Vickers
The Rockin' Vickers were a 1960s English rock and roll band from Blackpool. They were originally called Rev Black and The Rockin' Vicars, then abbreviated to The Rockin' Vicars, but in order to have a chance to get more gigs or even a record contract, they changed their name to "Rockin' Vickers"...
also recorded a version of "Dandy" which they released as a single in December 1966 in both the UK and the US. They recorded another Ray Davies composition, "Little Rosy", that was never recorded by the Kinks. Note that "Dandy" was not issued as a single in the UK.
Track listing
All songs by Ray DaviesSide 1
- "Party Line" – 2:35
- "Rosie Won't You Please Come Home" – 2:34
- "DandyDandy (song)"Dandy" is a 1966 song from The Kinks, appearing on their Face to Face album. It was released as a single in Continental Europe only, where it charted, reaching #1 in Germany, #2 in Belgium and #3 in the Netherlands...
" – 2:12 - "Too Much on My Mind" – 2:28
- "Session Man" – 2:14
- "Rainy Day in June" – 3:10
- "A House in the Country" – 3:03
Side 2
- "Holiday in Waikiki" – 2:52
- "Most Exclusive Residence for Sale" – 2:48
- "Fancy" – 2:30
- "Little Miss Queen of Darkness" – 3:16
- "You're Lookin' Fine" – 2:46
- "Sunny AfternoonSunny Afternoon"Sunny Afternoon" is a song by The Kinks, written by chief songwriter Ray Davies. Like its contemporary "Taxman" by The Beatles, the song references the high levels of progressive tax taken by the British Labour government of Harold Wilson. The track later featured on the Face to Face album as well...
" – 3:36 - "I'll Remember" – 2:27
Bonus tracks on post-1998 reissues
Sanctuary RecordsSanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records Group Limited was a record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Until June 2007, it was the largest independent record label in the UK and the largest independent music management company in the world...
SMRCD028
- "I'm Not Like Everybody ElseI'm Not Like Everybody Else"I'm Not Like Everybody Else" is a song written by Ray Davies and first recorded by The Kinks in 1966.-History:Davies had written the song for The Animals, but it was turned down, so the Kinks released their own version with guitarist Dave Davies on lead vocals...
" - 3:29 - "Dead End StreetDead End Street (song)"Dead End Street" is a song by the British band The Kinks from 1966, written by main songwriter Ray Davies. Like many other songs written by Davies, it is slightly influenced by British Music Hall. It was originally released as a non-album single, but has since been included as one of several bonus...
" - 3:23 - "Big Black SmokeBig Black Smoke"Big Black Smoke" is the B-side to The Kinks' single "Dead End Street", written by Ray Davies. The song wasn't originally included on any album, but has since appeared as a track on the popular 1972 Kink Kronikles compilation and as a bonus track on the CD reissue of Face to Face.-External links:***...
" - 2:36 - "Mister PleasantMister Pleasant"Mister Pleasant" is a song recorded by British rock group The Kinks in 1967, written by Ray Davies. It was released as a single in the US and mainland Europe but not in the UK. It was released in the UK six months later as the B-side to "Autumn Almanac"...
" - 3:01 - "This Is Where I Belong" - 2:26
- "Mr. Reporter" (previously unreleased) - 3:58
- "Little Women" (previously unreleased) - 2:11
Original mono album. Released in the UK as Pye NPL.18149, 28 Oct. 1966
- "Party Line" – 2:38
- "Rosie Won't You Please Come Home" – 2:36
- "DandyDandy (song)"Dandy" is a 1966 song from The Kinks, appearing on their Face to Face album. It was released as a single in Continental Europe only, where it charted, reaching #1 in Germany, #2 in Belgium and #3 in the Netherlands...
" – 2:15 - "Too Much on My Mind" – 2:33
- "Session Man" – 2:23
- "Rainy Day in June" – 3:20
- "A House in the Country" – 3:09
- "Holiday in Waikiki" – 2:55
- "Most Exclusive Residence for Sale" – 2:51
- "Fancy" – 2:32
- "Little Miss Queen of Darkness" – 3:21
- "You're Lookin' Fine" – 2:54
- "Sunny AfternoonSunny Afternoon"Sunny Afternoon" is a song by The Kinks, written by chief songwriter Ray Davies. Like its contemporary "Taxman" by The Beatles, the song references the high levels of progressive tax taken by the British Labour government of Harold Wilson. The track later featured on the Face to Face album as well...
" – 3:41 - "I'll Remember" – 2:33
Mono bonus tracks
- "Dead End Street" - 3:24
- "Big Black Smoke" - 2:35
- "This Is Where I Belong" - 2:27
- "She's Got Everything" - 3:11
- "Little Miss Queen of Darkness" (Alternate take) - 3:22
- "Dead End Street" (Early Acetate Version) - 2:56 (Previously released on "Picture Book" box set)
Original stereo album. Released in the UK as Pye NSPL.18149, 28 Oct. 1966
- "Party Line" – 2:38
- "Rosie Won't You Please Come Home" – 2:36
- "DandyDandy (song)"Dandy" is a 1966 song from The Kinks, appearing on their Face to Face album. It was released as a single in Continental Europe only, where it charted, reaching #1 in Germany, #2 in Belgium and #3 in the Netherlands...
" – 2:14 - "Too Much on My Mind" – 2:32
- "Session Man" – 2:14
- "Rainy Day in June" – 3:20
- "A House in the Country" – 3:08
- "Holiday in Waikiki" – 2:50
- "Most Exclusive Residence for Sale" – 2:58
- "Fancy" – 2:31
- "Little Miss Queen of Darkness" – 3:20
- "You're Lookin' Fine" – 2:53
- "Sunny AfternoonSunny Afternoon"Sunny Afternoon" is a song by The Kinks, written by chief songwriter Ray Davies. Like its contemporary "Taxman" by The Beatles, the song references the high levels of progressive tax taken by the British Labour government of Harold Wilson. The track later featured on the Face to Face album as well...
" – 3:40 - "I'll Remember" – 2:33
Stereo bonus tracks
- "This Is Where I Belong" - 2:46
- "Big Black Smoke" - 2:51
- "She's Got Everything" - 3:10
- "You're Looking Fine" (Alternate Stereo Mix) - 2:53
- "Sunny Afternoon" (Alternate Stereo Mix) - 3:49 (no fade-out)
- "Fancy" (Alternate Stereo Mix) - 2:57 (fade-out extended)
- "Little Miss Queen of Darkness" (Alternate Stereo Mix) - 3:22
- "Dandy" (Alternate Stereo Mix) - 2:15
Song and album notes
The original UK CD release of the album (PRT CDMP 8829) reverses the two sides (that is it begins with "Holiday In Waikiki" and proceeds in order to "I'll Remember" which is then followed by "Party Line", from which the tracks continue in order, ending with "A House In The Country").Unreleased Songs
The version of "Mr. Reporter", released as a bonus track on the 1998 Castle CD re-issue of the album, was actually recorded in 1969 for Dave Davies' aborted solo album. An earlier recording featuring Ray Davies on lead vocals was recorded in February 1966, and was apparently intended for this album or an unissued EP. The scathing track was probably shelved to prevent offending pop press reporters, whom it targets for satire. Other unreleased songs from the Face To Face sessions reportedly include "Fallen Idol", a song about the rise and fall of a pop star, "Everybody Wants To Be A Personality," about celebrities, "Lilacs And Daffodils" (AKA "Sir Jasper"), which is reportedly about a schoolteacher and the only Kinks track with vocals by drummer Mick AvoryMick Avory
Michael Charles "Mick" Avory is an English musician, best known as the longtime drummer and percussionist for the British rock band, The Kinks, joining them shortly after their formation in 1964 and remaining with them until 1984, when he left amid creative friction with guitarist Dave Davies...
, and "A Girl Who Goes to Discoteques." It is unclear whether any of the abovementioned tracks will ever be released officially. Dave Davies has indicated they were never satisfactorily completed for release, and some were later reworked into different songs, as is the case with another song from these sessions "Yes Man" (an early version of "Plastic Man
Plastic Man (song)
For other uses, see Plastic Man "Plastic Man" is a pop song, written by Ray Davies and recorded by The Kinks in 1969.The song is in a similar style to earlier tracks such as "Dedicated Follower of Fashion". It was written and recorded specifically as an attempt at a hit single, released only days...
").
Personnel
- Ray DaviesRay DaviesRay Davies, CBE is an English rock musician. He is best known as lead singer and songwriter for the Kinks, which he led with his younger brother, Dave...
– lead vocals, rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
, mellotronMellotronThe Mellotron is an electro-mechanical, polyphonic tape replay keyboard originally developed and built in Birmingham, England in the early 1960s. It superseded the Chamberlin Music Master, which was the world's first sample-playback keyboard intended for music... - Dave DaviesDave DaviesDavid Russell Gordon "Dave" Davies is an English rock musician best known for his role as lead guitarist and vocalist for the English rock band The Kinks....
– lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Party Line", "You're Lookin' Fine" and "Mr. Reporter", bass on "Dead End Street" - Pete QuaifePete QuaifePeter Alexander Greenlaw "Pete" Quaife was an English musician, artist and author. He was a founding member and the original bass guitarist for The Kinks, from 1963 until 1969....
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocals (except where noted) - John DaltonJohn Dalton (musician)John Dalton is a British bass guitar player, best known as a member of The Kinks' from 1969 to 1976, replacing original member Pete Quaife.- Biography :...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
on "Little Miss Queen of Darkness" (and possibly "Rainy Day in June," "Big Black Smoke," and "Dead End Street") - Mick AvoryMick AvoryMichael Charles "Mick" Avory is an English musician, best known as the longtime drummer and percussionist for the British rock band, The Kinks, joining them shortly after their formation in 1964 and remaining with them until 1984, when he left amid creative friction with guitarist Dave Davies...
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussion - Nicky HopkinsNicky HopkinsNicholas Christian "Nicky" Hopkins was an English pianist and organist.He recorded and performed on noted British and American popular music recordings of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s as a session musician....
– keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, harmonium (on "Sunny Afternoon") - Rasa Davies – backing vocals on "Sunny Afternoon", "Session Man", and "Rainy Day In June"