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Post by seanie on May 9, 2007 10:47:04 GMT -5
SET LIST:
I'm Not Like Everybody Else Where Have All the Good Times Gone? After the Fall Next-Door Neighbour A Well Respected Man Autumn Almanac The Tourist Celluloid Heroes 20th Century Man
INTERMISSION =====================================
No One Listened Come Dancing Village Green Long Way From Home Sunny Afternoon Dead End Street Tired of Waiting for You All Day and All of the Night Imaginary Man The Getaway (Lonesome Train) Lola Days You Really Got Me Waterloo Sunset
Review soon ...
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Post by seanie on May 9, 2007 10:48:04 GMT -5
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Post by HollyH on May 9, 2007 10:50:28 GMT -5
I LOVE THAT PHOTO! (Even though Ray is wearing my least favorite hat...) Ray seems happy to meet you, Seanie!
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Post by nicola6 on May 9, 2007 11:00:21 GMT -5
Great photo, Seanie!
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MiaT
Dreamer
I am here my Prince!
Posts: 791
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Post by MiaT on May 9, 2007 11:00:59 GMT -5
Lucky You !!! Seanie........ Great Picture!!!
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Post by HollyH on May 9, 2007 11:01:51 GMT -5
Seanie looks extremely tall, even next to Ray!
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Post by nicola6 on May 9, 2007 11:02:55 GMT -5
True.
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Post by nancyb on May 9, 2007 11:11:46 GMT -5
Hey Seanie, nice picture, you both look really happy. Sounds like you had a good time.
(Holly I'll take Ray when he's wearing that hat, good?)
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Post by HollyH on May 9, 2007 11:12:52 GMT -5
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TAG
Session Man
Posts: 468
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Post by TAG on May 9, 2007 11:14:38 GMT -5
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Post by seanie on May 9, 2007 11:59:38 GMT -5
To summarise the concert with words is something that is unachievable. You would only ever know the feeling if you'd been to one of his concerts. The energy was mind-blowing; I was ecstatic all the way through and I'm sure I've never felt so much adrenalin. I should note here that Milton McDonald was instantly noticeable on his electric guitar, which he played marvellously, no matter how much I would have loved to see Dave up there.
The concert began with a pleasant and gentle support act, of whom I could not remember the name. Although I enjoyed his subtle voice and skilful playing of the acoustic guitar, I did not think I could contain myself any longer. Finally, he finished his last song and the lights came back on. Before Ray began, there was an exhilarating little harmonica tune that, in my opinion, greatly contributed to the build-up.
Suddenly, Ray started to roar the familiar lines of I'm Not Like Everybody Else. Having overcome the brief moment of, 'Wow, this is really Ray live!' I satisfied my urge to sing along. The first line with which I joined in was, 'When I get started, I go to town!' Since that line, I did not stop singing throughout the entire concert.
A few other people sang at times to well-known Kinks songs, but no one in my area of the concert hall seemed as enthusiastic as I was. I seemed to be the only one participating in Ray's renditions from 'Other People's Lives'; perhaps I should try to get a seat at the front with the serious fans next time?
Nevertheless, the Kinks singalongs were fun and, from listening to live recordings of The Kinks, the band played the old repertoire authentically. I hate to say this, but that concert may have been the closest thing I'll ever see to a Kinks concert.
Moving on, I think 'The Tourist' was well suited to be played live, as it really aided the atmosphere. At the line, 'Money, money!' the band went wild; overall, the song came through better than it did on the studio album. It was then delightful to hear Ray playing the beautiful 'Celluloid Heroes', as he sang it like he meant the words. The intermission certainly came round fast, but we were treated to '20th Century Man' (prior to Ray leaving the stage for almost half an hour!) '20th Century Man' was a excellent choice of song for ending the first session; I now realise how much energy the studio version from 'Muswell Hillbillies' lacks, but performed live, that rage and power burned through Ray, resulting in an astounding sound. Although my parents had never heard the song before, they were blown away.
I was excited about the second session, as I was very eager to hear his new song, 'No One Listened' about his bad experiences in New Orleans during his gun-wound recovery. It certainly impressed; this song, combined with the amazing 'world premiere' 'Imaginary Man' affirmed my belief that 'Songs From the Big Weird' will be just as good, if not better, than 'Other People's Lives'.
The second session was filled with more fun Kinks singalongs and Ray seemed satisfied with the crowd response, but was shouting for more as ever. During 'All Day and All of the Night' especially, we were given the 'WAY-O!' treatment. I loved this; I felt as though I had been transported back in time to a Kinks concerts. His performances of ‘Village Green’, ‘Long Way From Home’ (dedicated to Dave ‘Death of a Clown’ Davies), ‘Days’ (dedicated to Ray’s late friend) and ‘Waterloo Sunset’ were calm in comparison with the rest of the concert, but phenomenal; I could sense a genuine emotional buzz among the fans. ‘All Day and All of the Night’ rocked the concert hall down: it was loud from the very beginning, but for this song, the volume blasted well past 11! ‘You Really Got Me’ started with a ‘Gallon-of-Gas-style’ blues riff and told the story of how the song came into existence. Ray made frequent references to The Kinks and his ‘ratbag but lovable’ brother Dave (using the established £20 fine joke). It’s clear he wants to reunite with The Kinks.
However, I have now learned to respect Ray as a solo artist. When I met Ray at the stage door after the show (I had to wait a fair while as he cleaned himself, but not all night), I told him I enjoyed the show and wished him good luck with the new album. He signed my concert ticket and gladly stood with me so that a photo could be taken. He’s smiling in the picture because I told him I spend all of my pocket money buying his albums and that I had bought over twenty Kinks albums. ‘Twenty?!’ he replied, surprised. What a lovely ending for a magnificent concert! Then, I was taken by surprise when I was recognised by a fellow forum member, Jane (what is her screen name?); I did not expect any of my lot to be at the Nottingham concert. Unfortunately, I did not have time to chat. I must go to the next Kinks convention.
Nottingham was my first Ray Davies concert and it hopefully won’t be my last. When does he start selling tickets for his ‘Big Weird’ tour?
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Post by nancyb on May 9, 2007 12:35:52 GMT -5
thanks for the awesome report! Glad ya told him you spent all your money on his albums, you made his night I bet!
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Post by seanie on May 9, 2007 13:22:50 GMT -5
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Post by rose on May 9, 2007 13:41:14 GMT -5
SEANIE! IS THAT REALLY YOU!?? Now I feel we've (almost) properly met! And who's that cute guy you've latched onto? FAB REVIEW! I think you HAVE captured the essence of RAY live! So glad you had fun, met RAY , and please tell your parents they've raised one fine writer of a lad
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Post by seanie on May 9, 2007 13:52:57 GMT -5
Thanks, Rose. Have you met Ray before?
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