Just Singing A Song...

Ray Davies, the singer, writer and former leader of The Kinks is not a man to rest on his well-deserved laurels. His new album 'See My Friends' features collaborations with a diversity of guests, on a dozen or so of his best known songs. The project was kicked off when Davies recorded a version of 'Til The End Of The Day with the late Alex Chilton (formerly of Big Star) in 2009. I suspect that everyone else who was invited to join in leapt at the chance to record with the legendary ex-Kink.

Reviews of the album in the press have been mixed, and in places harsh and scathing. I think some of these reviewers are rather missing the point. Davies is one of the greats. One of the finest songwriters of his, or anyones, generation. As such, he has earned the right to do what he likes with his songs, and with whom. If he is pleased with this set of recordings, then so should we be.
Having said that, adding Bon Jovi to any song is unlikely to improve it. However, I love Mumford & Sons on 'Days', Metallica ripping through 'You Really Got Me' , and the splicing of  'All Day And All Of The Night' with 'Destroyer' assisted by Billy Corgan.
A worthwhile fresh look at the work of a true master.

Full tracklisting:

1 Better Things

Ray Davies & Bruce Springsteen

2 Celluloid Heroes

Ray Davies, Jon Bon Jovi & Richie Sambora

3 Days/This Time Tomorrow

Ray Davies & Mumford & Sons

4 A Long Way From Home

Ray Davies, Lucinda Williams & The 88

5 You Really Got Me

Ray Davies & Metallica

6 Lola

Ray Davies & Paloma Faith

7 Waterloo Sunset

Ray Davies & Jackson Browne

8 'Til The End Of The Day

Ray Davies, Alex Chilton & The 88

9 Dead End Street

Ray Davies & Amy Macdonald

10 See My Friends

Ray Davies & Spoon

11 This Is Where I Belong

Ray Davies & Black Francis

12 David Watts

Ray Davies & The 88

13 Tired Of Waiting

Ray Davies & Gary Lightbody

14 All Day And All Of The Night/Destroyer

Ray Davies & Billy Corgan

 http://www.seemyfriends.co.uk/