Ray and Dave had six older sisters,but this one was for Renee who was visiting from Canada and after giving Ray his first guitar on his 13 th birthday,suffered a massive heart attack and died while out dancing with friends. This is a moving tribute to her and it honors and celebrates how she lived.
Wow: heard this song when it first hit the airwaves, and felt subtle melancholy undertones that I attributed to simple nostalgia. Good to know the real story even if it's a sad one.
What’s so bitter sweet about this is when he’s singing the last verse he’s communicating to Renee beyond the grave. Every time this song is played she gets to dance in his memory !
A beautiful "love letter" from Ray Davies to his older sister Rene. Rene loved dancing. If you live long enough in the same area you will see the same changes through the years. This was a hit for The Kinks in 1982.
Yes, saw them on that "State Of Confusion" tour! That saw my first time seeing them. I mother liked their song "Don't Forget To Dsnce" from that album. I had to watch MTV in my parents' bedroom because of the "Grown People" channel.😂😂
Amber, the instrument you are thinking of is the steel drum. It has many bumps inside of different sizes, and each produces as different note or tone. When they are struck rapidly, they can produce a sort of warbly, almost continuous sound like a keyboard. In this song, the sound was likely produced by a synthesizer, possibly played through a rotating Leslie speaker.
The song was inspired by Davies' memories of his older sister, Rene, who died of a heart attack while dancing at a dance hall. The lyrics, sung from the perspective of an "East End barrow boy," are about the boy's sister going on dates at a local Palais dance hall.[2] "Come Dancing" is a tribute to the Davies' older sister Rene. Living in Canada with her reportedly abusive husband, the 31-year-old Rene was visiting her childhood home in Fortis Green in London at the time of Ray Davies' 13th birthday-21 June 1957-on which she surprised him with a gift of the Spanish guitar he had tried to persuade his parents to buy him.[3] That evening, Rene, who had a weak heart as a result of a childhood bout of rheumatic fever, suffered a fatal heart attack while dancing at the Lyceum ballroom.[3][4] Where my life comes full circle with this song, is that my Dad had rheumatic fever while he was in the Navy during WWII and years later died of his weakened heart just like Rene.
Wow, being English and understanding about dance clubs being called palleys which was short form for palladium’s, and upon reading previous comments about rheumatic fever comments, my father had it and they told him later in life it would give him problems. And later in life, his heart valves that’s why he died. The comments on this channel are amazing just saying.
Ray was always a great song writer, I really liked their live lp One for the Road because it covered so much from near every era up to that point - not to mention I saw them live twice on their Low Budget tour. I always loved the song Misfits but, Dave's Guitars on Low Budget and You Really Got Me were top notch.
You know, the Kinks have a great song called “Give the People What They Want “-I just noticed your motto! Worth a listen. I can’t remember if you have listened to “All Day and All of the Night” yet, but it’s early Kinks and a total banger.
when they get to the end of the song where his sister stood and cried as the "pally" was knocked down,it always brings tears to my eyes. i still live in the area where i grew up,and go by my childhood home occasionally. i've seen so many things from my past torn down. a starbucks sits on the spot where our family used to buy gas,the liquor store and ice cream shop have been replaced by condos,the family restaurant my brother used to work at was replaced with an outback steakhouse. just like ray sang,when something is torn down part of my childhood dies. i'm sure it's the same for most people who never strayed far from where they grew up. hang on to those memories,folks. they are precious.
They missed the pathos contained in this happy sounding song. The happy sound is what you get when dancing. But the world of the youth of his sister and of the guy who loved to take her dancing, is dead. That guy now is just a ghost watching others dance to new music but he can’t participate. The same fate awaits us all. Just now we’re enjoying what we got before the world changes and takes it away. Then we’ll all be his sister’s paramour.
Their other big 80's hit was "Do It Again." Often overlooked because of how big a hit "Come Dancing," was, but they went back to their 60s rock roots with "Do It Again." It's a banger for sure.
Same. And I always tear up at the end. My sister is still alive but I think this song triggers some kind of nostalgia for things from my childhood that only still exist in my memory. It makes me very happy and very sad all at once.
Same here! One of my older sisters was very pretty and a very good dancer. This was during the disco craze and she always had guys lining up to take her dancing. They had dance contests and she nearly always win whoever her partner was. Memories of Sharon "Sherrie"
Oh yes.. My sister was 12 years older than me, I’d watch her as she put on her make up, painted her nails and rollers in her hair on a Saturday evening as she got ready to go to the Hammersmith Palais in the 1970’s, she’s no longer with us but this song will always be for her
I can't explain why this song has the ability to always make me cry, weirdly it also gives me a sense of nostalgia for I time I don't even remember. Ray Davies has a powerful gift. Magic.
Agree - 700 songs in their catalog- hundreds of their songs are just as good as their hits - around the dial - I need you - artificial man - big sky - animal - dreams - holiday live - misfits- moments - 20 th Century man - holiday live - ladies of the night- and to the bone - scattered- still searching - only a Dream …..etc
Dedicated Follower of fashion is another classic Kinks track you need to listen to. Ray Davies is a superb songsmith always telling mini stories with his lyrics.
It was so much fun to hear this tonight. Having a much bigger appreciation of music than I had in the 80's. That horn part at the end sounded SO good with headphones. Love it. Love YOU
To me the most amazing thing about this song is that it was released in the 80's, and they were a 1st Gen British Invasion band! Not only that, other bands from that time put out music. But, it's not a reach. They aren't trying to be anything other than the Kinks and honestly this song just won't age for me. I love it, My Wife loves it, it brings us back a real long time. In fact, this whole album is good. You need the ultimate Kinks rocker next, gotta play "Destroyer", it ties into "Lola", it bangs so hard.
Yes a lot of 60s bands/artists had hits in the 80s! It was an unusual time were older and newer artists from all genres of music became mainstream and had songs that hit the pop charts!
So many great Kinks songs from the 60s onwards. Dedicated Follower of Fashion, Victoria, Village Green Preservation Society, Celluloid Heroes are just a few of my favourites. Never thought when they first started, dressed in hunting jackets playing hard material like You Really Got Me and All Day and All of the Night, that they would evolve into such a multi talented group led by the quintessentially English genius of Ray Davies. A huge rabbit hole to explore and enjoy!
Also as well as the tribute to his sister, it's a throwback to the days when the only way young people got to meet each other (in the UK) was to go to the local dance. So for example, all my Aunts and Uncles knew how to dance the old way - classic dancing (ballroom). One of my Aunts and Uncles met that way. My Uncle said "if you couldn't dance, you didn't get the girl!"
It took me way too long to find this video of this reaction, as it was one I was genuinely looking forward to from your reaction to other tracks by The Kinks, and Amber's love of story-telling songs. The extra depth of meaning to this song, that it is dedicated to his beloved sister, and a time gone by but never forgotten, always comes through for me.
Ray Davies is a much revered English songwriter, held in great esteem by all and has written some of the great English songs which captures English life from way back - he's up their with the greats of music and given how this song came about its a wonderful memorial....imagine being able to write a song like this and hear it played, genius
The Kinks most popular song came out in 1964, called "You Really Got Me." If you listen to that and compare it to this, you'd think it was two different bands, but the Kinks are very versatile.
Kinks always good for fun, creative tunes. This is one of my favorites. It's based on Ray Davies's memories of that type of entertainment and how his sisters, who he really looked up to, enjoyed going dancing so much.
The Kinks kind of invented punk during the first British Invasion and then came back in the post punk/new wave era of the second British Invasion. This song is about Ray/Dave's sister living in Canada with her abusive husband at that time. Ray wrote a lot about their family, also in the rock opera Arthur. Go and check out Shangri-La. Mr Churchill Said, or She Wore a Hat like Princess Marina
This is my favorite Kinks song! It’s reminds me of when I was young watching my big sister go out on dates in the late seventies! Very sentimental for me! ❤I also love to see You sporting the Duran Duran t-shirt because I’m a lifetime Duranie!❤❤
This is an absolute favorite, and I love the scenes of the sister watching her now adult brother playing and singing in a band. I wish Jordan hadn't kept closing his eyes during those scenes, because I think it's the best part, especially if you know the story behind the song. He may not have felt the same as I do, anyway. I just like for people to take in the full video for a reaction. Anyway... Ray Davies had five or six older sisters who were all into dancing, and this song is dedicated to his sister Renee, who died of a heart attack in her 30s. She had given Ray a guitar for his 13th birthday, and went out dancing that night. She was on the dance floor when she had the heart attack. Whenever I see the sister in the audience, I feel like it's not just a tribute to his real sister, but that Ray may feel like she's with him, hearing his music and still dancing in the afterlife. I wonder if Amber or Jordan thought anything like that?
I appreciate your reaction! You guys are the best. Being a teenager in the 80s, I have always loved this song. My (little) brother surprised me with a special brother/sister dance at his wedding reception to this song. No I am not crying - it's allergies, lol. One of my favorite storytelling songs is UP THE JUNCTION by SQUEEZE. I would love to see your reaction to that one.
Such a bittersweet song! So much nostalgia, so much love and joy, so much a tribute to someone he misses, and a brilliant song on top of that! I always end up smiling through tears on this one.
Waterloo Sunset didn't hit in the USA, but its one of my 5 favorite Kinks songs. Come Dancing was a huge hit in the early 1980s. Sunny Afternoon and Gloria were among my Favorite Kinks songs.
The key to them is their lyrics. As awesome as their music is, it’s their the lyrics that truly shine. The lyrics to this are very poignant. They have a song called Do It Again that is one of the great hidden gems of rock.
This was the song (and video) that first introduced me to the Kinks on MTV. After this, I was able to delve back into their previous albums. This one is a total classic!
Love the Kinks. Saw them in concert many years ago, The Pretenders, opened for them. That's when Ray and Chrissy made babys. Actually they have you statement as an album title. Thanks again for the smile.
"Powerman" playing during the opening scene of "Darjeeling Express", a film by Wes Anderson is the greatest use of a pop recording in cinema history since "Born To Be Wild" in the opening of Easy Rider
I am so happy you two reacted to this song and enjoyed the fun music and story telling. 😢I miss dance halls which envolved into discotheques which envolved in to clubs which got ruined by stupidity and violence by some ignorant people!
The bass player for this era of the Kinks was Jim Rodford, who had previously been in Argent (Hold Your Head Up), and went on to be in the Zombies until he died a few years ago. His son Steve is the Zombies' current drummer. Jim was Rod Argent's cousin.
When you were listening to the guitar riff and really getting into that I knew the brass band at the end would blow your minds. This song was released my senior year in high school and is among my favorites. Thanks for your take on it.
"Come Dancing" was the name of an old British TV ballroom dancing competition show that Brits of Ray Davies' generation grew up with. Then a movie called Strictly Ballroom came out and renewed interest in ballroom dancing. The show was revived and renamed "Strictly Come Dancing" to capitalize on the movie's success and changed to celebrities dancing with professionals. It was a massive hit and was imported to the US as "Dancing with the Stars."
The "island-y type of vibe" instrument Amber is thinking of is called a steel drum. And the blasting horns at the end is called a "shout section" or "shout chorus." You see them all the time in jazz, but I mean, who does that in a pop song? It's brilliant. And can I just say, I'd like to look half as smooth as Ray Davies does in this video. Damn!
My brother and I were in our 20’s when this song came out. We were the two middle siblings and resembled one another. I remember dancing with Kent to this song and people would clear the floor and clap while we danced because they knew we were brother & sister! I smile when I hear the quirky beloved song. ☺️
A nice companion song to this is "Don't Forget To Dance" off the same album that "Come Dancing" was on. A slower more melodic song more like the pace of "Waterloo Sunset". In the video the band plays in a ballroom replicating when they played a concert in the Lyceum Ballroom on New Year's Eve 1962. The same ballroom where Ray Davies sister Renee died of a heart attack while dancing and is the inspiration for the song "Come Dancing".
On BBC TV in the 60s and 70s there were programmes of area teams engaging in competitive ballroom dancing , aired under the title of Come Dancing. A generation after these programmes were taken off air the BBC relaunched a ballroom dancing competition - this time involving celebrities paired with professional dancer partners - it was a runaway success and the programme dominates Saturday evenings through autumn and right up to Christmas since about 2001. The title chosen was Strictly Come Dancing ( rehashed as Dancing With The Stars in the USA ). The Strictly part of the title was a nod to the successful Australian film of 1992 called Strictly Ballroom , all about young people in ballroom dancing competitions.
What you heard in the song was a synthesizer, that was imitating the sound of what is called a kettle drum. It is a concave metal plate, with various bent sections of the drum that create different tones or sounds when struck with a drumstick with a round end on it. It is similar to a xylophone or a vibraphone. Kettle drums are typically used to play Caribbean music. The first time I saw a kettle drum played, was on an episode of “Sesame Street” during the early-1970s. If the both of you ever go to Miami, Florida on vacation, you will most likely come across street musicians playing kettle drums there.
I was lucky enough to see this tour in the 80s which happened to be their last tour. The Kinks live blew me away. Their stage presence, energy and musicality was on par with The Who (and their my fav band) and The Stones. It’s too bad the brothers can’t stand each other and never could get their act together to reunite. 😢 Good selection for your channel.
Me, too! I saw them at the Hollywood Palladium, when it was still hosting shows. Sadly, a few years later it had shut down, much like the pally in the song. :(
Always loved the Kinks. Thanks, guys. This look back at the big band era in the U.K. is still looking cool. See ya on the next. Much Peace and lots of love y'all.
Thanks so much for reviewing this vid and helping keep the Kinks alive. I love this song. I saw you flinch when the rock part started, but that was only Ray inserting his anger into the song that places he loved as a kid had been destroyed instead of being renovated for future generations.
That drum you're thinking of is called a "steel drum". Made out of a 45-gallon oil can, hammered into shape to make certain pitches when hit with mallets.
One of the groups associated with 'The British Invasion". Got their start in '63 and in 64 released 2 top 10 hits: You really got me and All day and all of the night. Other top 40 hits: Tired of waiting (65) and Sunny Afternoon (66). "Lola (70) and this top 10 in 1982. Loved this song - brings some good memories.
I had Come Dancing on a 7" single when I was little. It came out a couple of months before my 4th birthday, so it must have been one of the first singles I owned. I have a vivid memory of the sleeve - a black and white photo on a brightly coloured background... Still have it in my record cupboard. :)
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Ray and Dave had six older sisters,but this one was for Renee who was visiting from Canada and after giving Ray his first guitar on his 13 th birthday,suffered a massive heart attack and died while out dancing with friends. This is a moving tribute to her and it honors and celebrates how she lived.
i was just going to post this was a tribute to his sister that died dancing
I like that didn't know that.
@@cspaikido I never knew that!
Oh man, how did I not know that? I like the song even more, now.
Wow: heard this song when it first hit the airwaves, and felt subtle melancholy undertones that I attributed to simple nostalgia. Good to know the real story even if it's a sad one.
What’s so bitter sweet about this is when he’s singing the last verse he’s communicating to Renee beyond the grave. Every time this song is played she gets to dance in his memory !
😢❤
A beautiful "love letter" from Ray Davies to his older sister Rene. Rene loved dancing. If you live long enough in the same area you will see the same changes through the years. This was a hit for The Kinks in 1982.
This was a hit in 1983 guys. The Kinks had been going since the early 60s. Ray Davis (Lead singer) certainly knows how to tell a story. ❤🎼
Yes, saw them on that "State Of Confusion" tour! That saw my first time seeing them. I mother liked their song "Don't Forget To Dsnce" from that album. I had to watch MTV in my parents' bedroom because of the "Grown People" channel.😂😂
DAVIES
@@chrischar9428 Yes, although Ray (but not Dave) pronounces it "Davis".
From the British Invasion to the New Wave era, the Kinks always kept their music fun!
They were a part of *both* British Invasions!
Exactly! You Really Got Me - 60s, Lola - 70s, Come Dancin' - 80s! And more! Love them!
Amber, the instrument you are thinking of is the steel drum. It has many bumps inside of different sizes, and each produces as different note or tone. When they are struck rapidly, they can produce a sort of warbly, almost continuous sound like a keyboard. In this song, the sound was likely produced by a synthesizer, possibly played through a rotating Leslie speaker.
And I was thinking it was a marimba... But yup! Steel drums
Damn fine answer. Nice!
The Kinks are truly one of the GREATEST bands ever!
The song was inspired by Davies' memories of his older sister, Rene, who died of a heart attack while dancing at a dance hall. The lyrics, sung from the perspective of an "East End barrow boy," are about the boy's sister going on dates at a local Palais dance hall.[2]
"Come Dancing" is a tribute to the Davies' older sister Rene. Living in Canada with her reportedly abusive husband, the 31-year-old Rene was visiting her childhood home in Fortis Green in London at the time of Ray Davies' 13th birthday-21 June 1957-on which she surprised him with a gift of the Spanish guitar he had tried to persuade his parents to buy him.[3] That evening, Rene, who had a weak heart as a result of a childhood bout of rheumatic fever, suffered a fatal heart attack while dancing at the Lyceum ballroom.[3][4]
Where my life comes full circle with this song, is that my Dad had rheumatic fever while he was in the Navy during WWII and years later died of his weakened heart just like Rene.
Wow, being English and understanding about dance clubs being called palleys which was short form for palladium’s, and upon reading previous comments about rheumatic fever comments, my father had it and they told him later in life it would give him problems. And later in life, his heart valves that’s why he died. The comments on this channel are amazing just saying.
Kinks-one of the most under-rated bands ever. So many great hits-Celluloid Heroes, Apeman, Too of the Pops , Victoria etc
do it again
Ducks On The Wall - what a rocker!
I preferred their early hits and psychedelia rather than the later 70's novelties! 🤡
Low Budget, 20th Century Man , Sleepwalker, Misfits and so on and so on
Ray Davies is a genius
Ray was always a great song writer, I really liked their live lp One for the Road because it covered so much from near every era up to that point - not to mention I saw them live twice on their Low Budget tour. I always loved the song Misfits but, Dave's Guitars on Low Budget and You Really Got Me were top notch.
You know, the Kinks have a great song called “Give the People What They Want “-I just noticed your motto! Worth a listen. I can’t remember if you have listened to “All Day and All of the Night” yet, but it’s early Kinks and a total banger.
Ditto that. Think they may have already reacted to that though.
I mentioned that as soon he started using that :)
I've given up pointing out "Give The People What They Want" to them. I've done it about five times, and I don't think they've noticed.
Part of what Amber is hearing in that cool drum is what's called a steel drum and is characteristic of calypso or Caribbean music.
when they get to the end of the song where his sister stood and cried as the "pally" was knocked down,it always brings tears to my eyes. i still live in the area where i grew up,and go by my childhood home occasionally. i've seen so many things from my past torn down. a starbucks sits on the spot where our family used to buy gas,the liquor store and ice cream shop have been replaced by condos,the family restaurant my brother used to work at was replaced with an outback steakhouse. just like ray sang,when something is torn down part of my childhood dies. i'm sure it's the same for most people who never strayed far from where they grew up. hang on to those memories,folks. they are precious.
I get it. In my town, we have a dollar store sitting right in the middle of where our football field used to be. 😢
They missed the pathos contained in this happy sounding song. The happy sound is what you get when dancing. But the world of the youth of his sister and of the guy who loved to take her dancing, is dead. That guy now is just a ghost watching others dance to new music but he can’t participate.
The same fate awaits us all. Just now we’re enjoying what we got before the world changes and takes it away. Then we’ll all be his sister’s paramour.
Their other big 80's hit was "Do It Again." Often overlooked because of how big a hit "Come Dancing," was, but they went back to their 60s rock roots with "Do It Again." It's a banger for sure.
I was just going to suggest Do It Again too.
Destroyer is another great 80's one by them
Yes to that.
Do it Again , Destroyer , Living On A Thin Line
Ever since I was a kid and heard this song, I associate it with my older sister who did love clubbing and going dancing. It's very sentimental for me.
Same. And I always tear up at the end. My sister is still alive but I think this song triggers some kind of nostalgia for things from my childhood that only still exist in my memory. It makes me very happy and very sad all at once.
Same here! One of my older sisters was very pretty and a very good dancer. This was during the disco craze and she always had guys lining up to take her dancing. They had dance contests and she nearly always win whoever her partner was. Memories of Sharon "Sherrie"
Oh yes.. My sister was 12 years older than me, I’d watch her as she put on her make up, painted her nails and rollers in her hair on a Saturday evening as she got ready to go to the Hammersmith Palais in the 1970’s, she’s no longer with us but this song will always be for her
One of my favorite songs by The Kinks, and there are many. Thanks for this one!!
I can't explain why this song has the ability to always make me cry, weirdly it also gives me a sense of nostalgia for I time I don't even remember. Ray Davies has a powerful gift. Magic.
A great song, one of my favorite songs by the Kinks.
Thanks for playing this one. My Mother loved this song and would dance around the house when this came on. Good memories of her.
The Kinks had a big resurgence in the mid-seventies with their Misfits and Sleepwalker albums. Really great music with no losers on either album.
And an earworm you just can't shake. Love the Kinks! Love the reaction, as always.
The KINKS always danced to the beat of their own Drum !!!!
Thanks for picking this song. I thought you might find it interesting. It made me happy that you enjoyed it.
Yes!! The Kinks are INCREDIBLE!! LOVE THIS SONG!! they have so many fantastic tunes!! Yayayay!!!♥️🙏👏😀🌟🌟🌟
Rest in Paradise sister, 🙏♥️🌟🕯️🌌♥️♥️♥️♥️💃💃💃💃💃
Agree - 700 songs in their catalog- hundreds of their songs are just as good as their hits - around the dial - I need you - artificial man - big sky - animal - dreams - holiday live - misfits- moments - 20 th Century man - holiday live - ladies of the night- and to the bone - scattered- still searching - only a Dream …..etc
This is such a fantastic song. I’ve loved this ever since it came out.
Jay & Amber, you'll love their "All Day And All Of The Night" and "Destroyer!!!
Yes!! LOVE those songs!😁🎶🎸🎼🎤
Excellent breakdown! The “storytelling” aspect is absolutely what helps this masterful classic stand out.
What a sweet song- I can imagine the entire story 😊
the song is a tribute to his older sister that sadly passed away while dancing and not at an old age either
I forget how much I like this song until I hear it again !
This brings back such early vibes of MTV and just the pure awesomeness of it all.
I love this song. It’s one of my alarm songs. I love to wake up to it. It’s just so fun!
This song just makes my day every time I hear it. So special！Every time they hit the big band part at the end it I get a tear in my eye.
You need to do (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman. It's one of my favorite tunes from the Kinks.
This is 80's pop Kinks and a Big Hit!! The video was on regular rotation on MTV, and I love it! It's a real love letter to their sister and her life!
Dedicated Follower of fashion is another classic Kinks track you need to listen to. Ray Davies is a superb songsmith always telling mini stories with his lyrics.
It was so much fun to hear this tonight. Having a much bigger appreciation of music than I had in the 80's. That horn part at the end sounded SO good with headphones. Love it. Love YOU
The Kinks are so original! Glad you diving deeper into more Kinks music. You have close to 700 songs to choose from.
Something of a come back song in the 80s. My favorite of their songs, the message is so sweet and it really makes you want to move your feet!
I've seen The Kinks 3 times great every time one of the best live bands ever.
I love that you listened to this gem from 1983. Such a cool comeback for The Kinks!
To me the most amazing thing about this song is that it was released in the 80's, and they were a 1st Gen British Invasion band! Not only that, other bands from that time put out music. But, it's not a reach. They aren't trying to be anything other than the Kinks and honestly this song just won't age for me. I love it, My Wife loves it, it brings us back a real long time. In fact, this whole album is good. You need the ultimate Kinks rocker next, gotta play "Destroyer", it ties into "Lola", it bangs so hard.
Yes a lot of 60s bands/artists had hits in the 80s! It was an unusual time were older and newer artists from all genres of music became mainstream and had songs that hit the pop charts!
So many great Kinks songs from the 60s onwards. Dedicated Follower of Fashion, Victoria, Village Green Preservation Society, Celluloid Heroes are just a few of my favourites. Never thought when they first started, dressed in hunting jackets playing hard material like You Really Got Me and All Day and All of the Night, that they would evolve into such a multi talented group led by the quintessentially English genius of Ray Davies. A huge rabbit hole to explore and enjoy!
Ray Davies, a musical genius! A joyful, enthusiastic ballad!
Also as well as the tribute to his sister, it's a throwback to the days when the only way young people got to meet each other (in the UK) was to go to the local dance. So for example, all my Aunts and Uncles knew how to dance the old way - classic dancing (ballroom). One of my Aunts and Uncles met that way. My Uncle said "if you couldn't dance, you didn't get the girl!"
It took me way too long to find this video of this reaction, as it was one I was genuinely looking forward to from your reaction to other tracks by The Kinks, and Amber's love of story-telling songs. The extra depth of meaning to this song, that it is dedicated to his beloved sister, and a time gone by but never forgotten, always comes through for me.
Ray Davies is a much revered English songwriter, held in great esteem by all and has written some of the great English songs which captures English life from way back - he's up their with the greats of music and given how this song came about its a wonderful memorial....imagine being able to write a song like this and hear it played, genius
The Kinks most popular song came out in 1964, called "You Really Got Me." If you listen to that and compare it to this, you'd think it was two different bands, but the Kinks are very versatile.
Great song. Loved it when it was out. Love it now. How many bands were still cranking out hits 20 years into their career. Kinks were.
Kinks always good for fun, creative tunes. This is one of my favorites. It's based on Ray Davies's memories of that type of entertainment and how his sisters, who he really looked up to, enjoyed going dancing so much.
I’m a fan since 1964 - 700 songs in their catalog - GSTK!
Great review! AROUND THE DIAL another great story.
What is so good is that the KInks could do such a song as this jewel, and also songs like the massive "All Day And All Of The Night"
The Kinks kind of invented punk during the first British Invasion and then came back in the post punk/new wave era of the second British Invasion. This song is about Ray/Dave's sister living in Canada with her abusive husband at that time. Ray wrote a lot about their family, also in the rock opera Arthur. Go and check out Shangri-La. Mr Churchill Said, or She Wore a Hat like Princess Marina
I loved watching how much you both enjoyed this Kinks classic! I'm into following you now!
I'm really grateful to have seen them a few times it amazes me with all the hit songs they had they were really underrated
This is my favorite Kinks song! It’s reminds me of when I was young watching my big sister go out on dates in the late seventies! Very sentimental for me! ❤I also love to see You sporting the Duran Duran t-shirt because I’m a lifetime Duranie!❤❤
The Kinks are one of the great bands. They were one of the groups that helped music evolve over the years.
This is an absolute favorite, and I love the scenes of the sister watching her now adult brother playing and singing in a band.
I wish Jordan hadn't kept closing his eyes during those scenes, because I think it's the best part, especially if you know the story behind the song. He may not have felt the same as I do, anyway. I just like for people to take in the full video for a reaction.
Anyway...
Ray Davies had five or six older sisters who were all into dancing, and this song is dedicated to his sister Renee, who died of a heart attack in her 30s. She had given Ray a guitar for his 13th birthday, and went out dancing that night. She was on the dance floor when she had the heart attack.
Whenever I see the sister in the audience, I feel like it's not just a tribute to his real sister, but that Ray may feel like she's with him, hearing his music and still dancing in the afterlife. I wonder if Amber or Jordan thought anything like that?
I appreciate your reaction! You guys are the best. Being a teenager in the 80s, I have always loved this song. My (little) brother surprised me with a special brother/sister dance at his wedding reception to this song. No I am not crying - it's allergies, lol. One of my favorite storytelling songs is UP THE JUNCTION by SQUEEZE. I would love to see your reaction to that one.
The Kinks 1981 album is called Give the People What They Want. They have a song Give the People what they want song as well.
My favorite Kinks song, and I didn't know the story behind it, so thanks to those of you that shared it! Makes me like it even more now.
Such a bittersweet song! So much nostalgia, so much love and joy, so much a tribute to someone he misses, and a brilliant song on top of that! I always end up smiling through tears on this one.
Waterloo Sunset didn't hit in the USA, but its one of my 5 favorite Kinks songs. Come Dancing was a huge hit in the early 1980s.
Sunny Afternoon and Gloria were among my Favorite Kinks songs.
The instrument you're thinking of, Amber, is the steel drum, but in fact, I think it's a synthesizer tuned to sound like a steel drum.
The drummer, Mick Avory is still playing with Kinks' tribute band 'Kast off Kinks' . They have gigs in southern England this year. They are brilliant.
The key to them is their lyrics. As awesome as their music is, it’s their the lyrics that truly shine. The lyrics to this are very poignant. They have a song called Do It Again that is one of the great hidden gems of rock.
Great choice you guys. Kinks had several great songs
This was the song (and video) that first introduced me to the Kinks on MTV. After this, I was able to delve back into their previous albums. This one is a total classic!
Love the Kinks. Saw them in concert many years ago, The Pretenders, opened for them. That's when Ray and Chrissy made babys. Actually they have you statement as an album title. Thanks again for the smile.
"Powerman" playing during the opening scene of "Darjeeling Express", a film by Wes Anderson is the greatest use of a pop recording in cinema history since "Born To Be Wild" in the opening of Easy Rider
I am so happy you two reacted to this song and enjoyed the fun music and story telling. 😢I miss dance halls which envolved into discotheques which envolved in to clubs which got ruined by stupidity and violence by some ignorant people!
Very much a '50's english dancehall vibe, evan more special now knowing the backstory to it. Thanks to all you contributors much appreciated 😊
The bass player for this era of the Kinks was Jim Rodford, who had previously been in Argent (Hold Your Head Up), and went on to be in the Zombies until he died a few years ago. His son Steve is the Zombies' current drummer. Jim was Rod Argent's cousin.
When you were listening to the guitar riff and really getting into that I knew the brass band at the end would blow your minds. This song was released my senior year in high school and is among my favorites. Thanks for your take on it.
Never heard of The Kinks, but I enjoyed listening to their song!
Thanks for dropping this, and have a very blessed day!
"Come Dancing" was the name of an old British TV ballroom dancing competition show that Brits of Ray Davies' generation grew up with. Then a movie called Strictly Ballroom came out and renewed interest in ballroom dancing. The show was revived and renamed "Strictly Come Dancing" to capitalize on the movie's success and changed to celebrities dancing with professionals. It was a massive hit and was imported to the US as "Dancing with the Stars."
The "island-y type of vibe" instrument Amber is thinking of is called a steel drum. And the blasting horns at the end is called a "shout section" or "shout chorus." You see them all the time in jazz, but I mean, who does that in a pop song? It's brilliant. And can I just say, I'd like to look half as smooth as Ray Davies does in this video. Damn!
Best story telling story of the Kinks, Celluloid Villains and Hero’s.
best acting performance by a rock star in a music video ever
My brother and I were in our 20’s when this song came out. We were the two middle siblings and resembled one another. I remember dancing with Kent to this song and people would clear the floor and clap while we danced because they knew we were brother & sister! I smile when I hear the quirky beloved song. ☺️
Great memories! (And I always appreciate a Duran Duran tee.)
I fully agree with that assessment!
I love this song so much. It always makes me think of my mom, who loved to dance more than just about anything else.
A nice companion song to this is "Don't Forget To Dance" off the same album that "Come Dancing" was on. A slower more melodic song more like the pace of "Waterloo Sunset". In the video the band plays in a ballroom replicating when they played a concert in the Lyceum Ballroom on New Year's Eve 1962. The same ballroom where Ray Davies sister Renee died of a heart attack while dancing and is the inspiration for the song "Come Dancing".
On BBC TV in the 60s and 70s there were programmes of area teams engaging in competitive ballroom dancing , aired under the title of Come Dancing. A generation after these programmes were taken off air the BBC relaunched a ballroom dancing competition - this time involving celebrities paired with professional dancer partners - it was a runaway success and the programme dominates Saturday evenings through autumn and right up to Christmas since about 2001. The title chosen was Strictly Come Dancing ( rehashed as Dancing With The Stars in the USA ). The Strictly part of the title was a nod to the successful Australian film of 1992 called Strictly Ballroom , all about young people in ballroom dancing competitions.
I saw the Kinks numerous times in the '70s and they always put on a great show that was a cross between a rock concert, a Broadway show and Vaudeville
What you heard in the song was a synthesizer, that was imitating the sound of what is called a kettle drum. It is a concave metal plate, with various bent sections of the drum that create different tones or sounds when struck with a drumstick with a round end on it. It is similar to a xylophone or a vibraphone. Kettle drums are typically used to play Caribbean music.
The first time I saw a kettle drum played, was on an episode of “Sesame Street” during the early-1970s. If the both of you ever go to Miami, Florida on vacation, you will most likely come across street musicians playing kettle drums there.
Come Dancing = a song that never fails to make me smile.
My fav Kink song was "All Day And All Of The Night" released 1964. A great Garage Rock Band.
I was lucky enough to see this tour in the 80s which happened to be their last tour. The Kinks live blew me away. Their stage presence, energy and musicality was on par with The Who (and their my fav band) and The Stones. It’s too bad the brothers can’t stand each other and never could get their act together to reunite. 😢 Good selection for your channel.
Me, too! I saw them at the Hollywood Palladium, when it was still hosting shows. Sadly, a few years later it had shut down, much like the pally in the song. :(
Yup, saw them on this tour at the Montreal Forum. Last minute decision, was a great show.
A Kinks fan from their beginning. Keep ‘em coming. You guys are great.
Always loved the Kinks. Thanks, guys. This look back at the big band era in the U.K. is still looking cool. See ya on the next. Much Peace and lots of love y'all.
Thanks so much for reviewing this vid and helping keep the Kinks alive. I love this song. I saw you flinch when the rock part started, but that was only Ray inserting his anger into the song that places he loved as a kid had been destroyed instead of being renovated for future generations.
My favorite band!
Got to see them the last 4 times that they played in Cleveland.
They also have a song called "Give the People What They Want".👍🎸😎
One of my favorite songs by The Kinks is "Low Budget" which is a fun banger.
Love to watch your genuine reactions with the music. You to are blessed and are a blessing. Be well.
A song with a wide nostalgic feeling!! 1981? I still remember !
That drum you're thinking of is called a "steel drum". Made out of a 45-gallon oil can, hammered into shape to make certain pitches when hit with mallets.
My favorite. Such a fun song.
One of the groups associated with 'The British Invasion". Got their start in '63 and in 64 released 2 top 10 hits: You really got me and All day and all of the night. Other top 40 hits: Tired of waiting (65) and Sunny Afternoon (66). "Lola (70) and this top 10 in 1982. Loved this song - brings some good memories.
It is so amazing,! Mood elevator for sure! Thank you! You both are a true blessing!🙏🌟♥️🎵💃🕺🤟👏💜🕯️🌌🙏🙏🙏🙏🕯️🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵
The Kinks had a lot of great songs. You should check out Rock and Roll Fantasy. I saw them on a hot sweaty night in Austin a long time ago.
I had Come Dancing on a 7" single when I was little. It came out a couple of months before my 4th birthday, so it must have been one of the first singles I owned. I have a vivid memory of the sleeve - a black and white photo on a brightly coloured background...
Still have it in my record cupboard. :)