Greatest Hits! – THE KINKS*****

You Really Got Me/Tired Of Waiting For You/Set Me Free/Something Better Beginning/Who’ll Be Next In Line/Till The End Of The Day/Dedicated Follower Of Fashion/A Well Respected Man/Ev’rybody’s Gonna Be Happy/All Day & All Of The Night

First hits collection covering the period when The Kinks released some of the hardest rocking tracks from a British Invasion group. At this stage they were largely a singles band. (US:5)

"This is an essential purchase for fans of British Invasion pop/rock music. During the years 1964 to 1966, The Kinks placed eight songs in the US top 40."

"While still in my tender youth, it was often argued which was the better rock band, The Kinks or The Who. This compilation proves that The Kinks were serious rockers and more than just noisy guitar strummers and drum bashers. Ray Davies wrote some of the best 60s rock, all included here. Today's so-called rockers could learn a thing or two listening to this."

"This disc brings together songs from the early phase of The Kinks' career, when they were still primarily a singles band. The recordings range from 1964's You Really Got Me to Dedicated Follower Of Fashion which came out in 1966. As such, it's an ideal snapshot of a great rock band in its rawest, grittiest incarnation, bashing out two-and-three chord ravers with boundless energy and ample power. The aforementioned You Really Got Me is simply one of the greatest rock 'n' roll songs of all time, a propulsive pounder with an electrified vocal and a guitar solo that paints the sky. And it's not the only fine recording here - basically, it's a great collection of rock songs from a great, great group in its early, rockin' prime. Rock fans, pick this baby up."

"These songs were taken from a period when The Kinks were essentially a singles band. And while there is much to enjoy on their early albums, this greatest hits package gives you the essentials."

"Greatest Hits albums fall into one of two categories. The first is a summation of the artist's career up to that point. The GH album acts as a Polaroid snapshot capturing both the elements that influenced the artist as well as their artistic and musical growth. The second is to milk the fans for more money. This collection falls into the former camp. The song selection presents some of Ray's best work."