Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One

by

The Kinks

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Customer reviews are certainly no place for bickering and personalized debate, but I really must dispute the astounding assertions of a few reviews below. There can be no question that this album serves as both a fantastic starting place for novices as well as one of the top 20 rock albums of all time. Never mind the defining single, "Lola." This album also features the fullest sound The Kinks yet achieved with blistering rockers like Dave's "Rats" or Ray's "Top of the Pops" and "Powerman." It is also the band's most varied album; one of the rare moments at which both Dave and Ray were at the top of their games as songwriters and musicians. Equally as engaging as the rockers are Dave's enchantingly fragile "Strangers" -- the best song he ever wrote -- and Ray's striking and forgotten piano ballad, "A Long Way From Home" or the slightly more aggressive "Get Back Into The Line." "Lola Versus Powerman and the Money-go-Round" is the one Kinks album that comprises every aspect of the band's well-deserved reputation: both the rough edges and the gentle heart, the ability of Dave to write with just as much poignancy as his prolific older brother, and Ray's knack for writing an album whose music is not compromised by its focus on a linear narrative. "Schoolboys in Disgrace" and the Preservation Act albums would demonstrate just how delicate a line Ray toted when he gave in to his artistic craving for plot rock: the albums betrayed musicianship in favor of the characters and stories it adorned. But "Lola . . ." and the equally intense "Muswell Hillbillies" extended the unique accomplishments of prior concept albums, "Village Green" and "Arthur." This 1970 landmark is every bit the rock 'n roll destination that so many critics and mature listeners claim it is, and suggestions to the contrary derive only from those who weren't there or fail to connect with the distinctly literary rock Ray and Dave cranked out over the decades.

It's so surprising how many people are giving this album 5 stars. As a long time Kinks FANatic I felt I had to conribute.

I would hate for a newcomer to their music to buy this and think they have truly gotten a GREAT Kink's album. While there are some great tracks, notably This Time Tomorrow, Get Back in Line and Strangers (of course Lola & Apeman but I skip them from overexposure), this is far from a GREAT Kinks album!

The 4 previous releases and even the one following (Muswell Hillbillies) are GREAT albums.

Some of the songs are downright preachy and plain dull. Even if they weren't, the production and mixing quality are sub par.

Don't get me wrong, even the worst Kink albums are in my opinion better than most, but I really would hate a first time listener to think that this material is what all Kink fans consider among their best work. I really wouldn't even consider it top ten.

Like some others have said, I'd recommend a Kink virgin start with Kronikles. If you like what you hear move on to Village Green, Arthur, and Something Else for great 60s output. Though the 70s started with Powerman, it is hardly indicative of the rest of that decades Davies output as it is so varied. Those recommendations are for another thread, but if anyone is inclined to explore this great band's output, it is a ride well worth taking!