When your big brother’s talent is such that he’s feted as nothing less than a people’s poet, it can’t be easy making your own mark on the musical landscape. That’s not to say Dave Davies didn’t pull his weight in The Kinks, of course: his skills as a guitarist were an integral component in tandem with Ray’s words and voice.
This compilation celebrates Dave in the spotlight and includes every track from his aborted 1969 solo album (working title A Hole In The Sock Of Dave Davies), which was shelved by Pye after follow-up singles didn’t perform as well as initial hits Death Of A Clown and Susannah’s Still Alive. Most of the selections ultimately surfaced as either Kinks B-sides or cuts on the band’s later albums, but among the unheard treasures are the strummy singalong Do You Wish To Be A Man?, the hymnal barrelhouse folk of Are You Ready? and the blue-eyed soul of Crying.
Singles, alternate mono/ stereo mixes and B-sides are augmented by Dave’s earlier contributions to Kinks albums, such as the jaunty Funny Face from 1966’s Something Else. While Ray’s shadow can’t help but loom large, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest kid brother more than earned his keep.
