The History of Rock - 37 - The Kinks and the Who

Summary

This transcript explores the evolution of British rock bands in the 1960s, focusing on The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Who. It contrasts the distinct musical and lyrical styles of The Beatles and Stones, while highlighting how The Kinks and The Who blended powerful music with thoughtful lyrics, forging their own unique identities. The video also touches on the American reception of these bands, with The Who's mod roots and The Kinks' U.S. struggles, as well as the lasting impact of the British Invasion on the American music scene, setting the stage for the American response in the mid-60s.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kinks and The Who stand out from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones due to their blend of powerful, aggressive music and thoughtful, clever lyrics.
• 😀 The Kinks, with songs like 'You Really Got Me,' achieved success in the UK and had some success in the U.S., but their popularity was hindered by a ban from entering the country.
• 😀 The Who, despite being a major force in the UK, struggled to find success in the U.S. until their 1967 hit 'I Can See for Miles,' and their breakthrough came later with the album 'Tommy' in 1969.
• 😀 The Who were associated with the Mod movement in the UK, which had a cultural clash with the 'rockers' in the famous 1964 Brighton Beach riots, making them an iconic band for the Mod subculture.
• 😀 The British Invasion of the 1960s, led by groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, radically shook up the American music scene, but did not entirely displace existing music trends like Motown and girl groups.
• 😀 Despite The Beatles' dominance in the U.S., the Supremes, a Motown girl group, managed to stay on top of the charts and continue thriving alongside British artists.
• 😀 The Kinks and The Who both offered critique of societal norms through their lyrics, with Ray Davies' songs like 'A Well-Respected Man' offering reflections on conformity.
• 😀 The Rolling Stones' music was heavily influenced by blues, while The Who and The Kinks blended aggressive rock with more complex, literary lyrics, creating their own distinctive styles.
• 😀 The Who's early hits, including 'My Generation' and 'I Can't Explain,' failed to chart in the U.S. when they were first released, despite their success in the UK.
• 😀 The British Invasion of the 1960s is often seen as a disruptive force in the U.S. music industry, yet it also marked a period of continuity, with American artists like Bob Dylan and The Byrds responding with their own evolving styles.

Q & A

What makes The Kinks and The Who stand out compared to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones?

The Kinks and The Who are unique because they blend powerful and aggressive music with clever, thoughtful lyrics. While their music is often compared to The Rolling Stones due to its raw, guitar-driven sound, their lyrical sophistication aligns more with The Beatles' introspective writing style.

Why did The Kinks struggle to achieve significant success in the U.S. despite their popularity in the UK?

The Kinks struggled in the U.S. due to a combination of factors, including their controversial behavior that led to being banned from the country, which prevented them from touring and promoting their music effectively.

How did The Who's music reflect the mod culture in the UK?

The Who's music was closely tied to the mod subculture in the UK, which was characterized by a focus on fashion, scooters, and a distinct lifestyle. Their aggressive, youthful energy and style made them the ideal soundtrack for the mod movement.

What role did the mod vs. rocker rivalry play in shaping The Who's image?

The Who became associated with the mod subculture, which was in direct opposition to the rocker subculture. This rivalry, especially exemplified in events like the 1964 Brighton Beach riots, helped cement The Who's identity as the voice of the mods, influencing both their music and public image.

Why was 'My Generation' by The Who not a hit in the U.S. despite being a significant anthem in the UK?

'My Generation' did not chart in the U.S. in 1965, partly due to the different cultural context and lack of recognition of the mod movement in America. Despite its later success, it initially failed to resonate with U.S. audiences.

How did the Kinks' song 'You Really Got Me' influence rock music?

'You Really Got Me' is widely regarded as one of the most influential rock songs of its time, especially for its raw, powerful guitar riff. The song's aggressive sound and straightforward structure paved the way for the hard rock and heavy metal genres, with later covers, such as by Van Halen, helping it endure.

What was the significance of the British Invasion for the American music business?

The British Invasion, marked by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, shook up the American music scene by introducing new sounds and styles that challenged existing norms. However, it did not entirely displace American music, as Motown and other American genres continued to thrive alongside British acts.

What is the difference between the mod culture in the UK and the American music scene during the 1960s?

The mod culture in the UK, characterized by fashion, scooters, and youthful rebellion, was not replicated in the U.S. This cultural gap contributed to the challenges British bands like The Who faced in achieving success in America, as their music was deeply tied to the British youth subculture.

How did the Kinks and The Who evolve lyrically during the 1960s?

Both The Kinks and The Who evolved toward more philosophical and socially critical lyrics, influenced by figures like Bob Dylan. Ray Davies of The Kinks, for example, wrote songs that critiqued conformity and inauthenticity, similar to the introspective and critical lyrics of John Lennon and Bob Dylan.

What was the impact of the British Invasion on girl groups like The Supremes in the U.S.?

Despite the dominance of British bands like The Beatles, girl groups such as The Supremes from Motown continued to thrive in the U.S. during the British Invasion. The Supremes' success demonstrates that the British Invasion did not completely overshadow American acts, as Motown and other American genres remained strong.