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Product Details
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Track Listings
| 1. Things Are Gonna Change |
| 2. After The Fall |
| 3. Next-Door Neighbour |
| 4. All She Wrote |
| 5. Creatures Of Little Faith |
| 6. Run Away From Time |
| 7. The Tourist |
| 8. Is There Life After Breakfast? |
| 9. The Getaway (Lonesome Train) |
| 10. Other People's Lives |
| 11. Stand Up Comic |
| 12. Over My Head |
| 13. Thanksgiving Day |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
As the leader of one the most vital and volatile bands of the British Invasion, Ray Davies may also have been one of the genre's most underappreciated, often playing second fiddle to the likes of Lennon, McCartney, and Jagger, but never failing to reignite the flame on a now-legendary songwriting caldron. More than a decade since the Kinks' last release, Davies makes his virgin foray into solo artistry with 13 songs that reverberate with the wistfulness and introspection that have forever been his trademark. It doesn't take long to detect, as the guitar/bass crescendo and tomorrow-will-be-better lyrics make "Things Are Gonna Change (The Morning After)" a singalong halfway through its 4:21. And then the world once again is put under Davies's uncanny surveillance: his pal Mr. Brown in the country-singed "Next Door Neighbour," "The Tourist" hobnobbing in New Orleans (where Davies makes an American home), and eras of lost acquaintances in "All She Wrote," a Kinks-ish acoustic rocker. They are reminders of what we've missed--and hopefully what's yet to come--from a remarkable artist whose return is undoubtedly being celebrated from the streets of a restored Big Easy to the barstools of Muswell Hill. --Scott Holter
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Ray Davies has been MIA for too long."Other People's Lives" is a terrific return to form. The glossy production surface compliments the songs-- here he does what he does best creating character studies in each song perfectly crafted with rich melodies. From the touch of sonic discord (pardon the pun) that opens "Things are Gonna Change" to the witty lyrics and a melody that would have fit at home on "Village Green" in "Is There Life After Breakfast?" Ray's in top form. The playing perfectly supports his witty observations in "Stand Up Comic" which acts as a perfect metaphor for his own career.
The CD booklet has great liner notes from Ray discussing the origin of the songs, how they came to be recorded, what he thinks of them now that they're finished. As usual the notes are clever, witty and feature his brand of self depreciating humor that fans love. While the material was written and recorded prior to his attack in New Orleans (he chasd a purse snatcher that had his girlfriend's stuff and was injured in a knife attack in the process) and Hurricane Katrina they sound like they capture that vibe.
His last album 1998's "The Storyteller" CD had some new material that was extremely good mixed in with vintage Kinks tunes as part of Ray's "audiobiography" tour for X-RAY. These songs were recorded in 2002 but weren't mixed until last year with finishing touches put on the album as well. At age 62 Ray has found his muse and that's good for us the listeners. Sure some people complain that Dave's biting guitar playing is missed (and it is on a few tracks)but it would also have felt out of place on some of these more intimate tracks. Besides, Dave's been busy making some fine music of his own with "Bug" and was recovering from his stroke last year.
Ray we missed you! Don't wait another 7 years to release the next album!
The CD booklet has great liner notes from Ray discussing the origin of the songs, how they came to be recorded, what he thinks of them now that they're finished. As usual the notes are clever, witty and feature his brand of self depreciating humor that fans love. While the material was written and recorded prior to his attack in New Orleans (he chasd a purse snatcher that had his girlfriend's stuff and was injured in a knife attack in the process) and Hurricane Katrina they sound like they capture that vibe.
His last album 1998's "The Storyteller" CD had some new material that was extremely good mixed in with vintage Kinks tunes as part of Ray's "audiobiography" tour for X-RAY. These songs were recorded in 2002 but weren't mixed until last year with finishing touches put on the album as well. At age 62 Ray has found his muse and that's good for us the listeners. Sure some people complain that Dave's biting guitar playing is missed (and it is on a few tracks)but it would also have felt out of place on some of these more intimate tracks. Besides, Dave's been busy making some fine music of his own with "Bug" and was recovering from his stroke last year.
Ray we missed you! Don't wait another 7 years to release the next album!
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By ralph
Format:Audio CD
A long wait for this one. Mr. Davies first proper solo disc! It's all I expected (and more) from Ray Davies. 13 minor masterpieces, and nothing drags this disc down! It's been a long
long time we've heard anything new from Ray (with or without the Kinks). Savor this one! A very solid 5 star CD!!!
long time we've heard anything new from Ray (with or without the Kinks). Savor this one! A very solid 5 star CD!!!
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
"Working Man's Café" is Ray Davies' second solo-release in two years; but it actually could be called his first real solo album. "Return to Waterloo" from 1985 was a soundtrack-album, "Storyteller" was mainly a live-recording and last year's "Other People's Lives" was recorded over a 3-4 years period.
It been more than ten years since Ray last recorded with brother Dave as the Kinks, so maybe it's irrelevant to compare his present music with his legendary band. But as his vocals and songs were such a big part of the band's profile, it's really hard not to do so; especially as his new album has so many ingredients that were also typical of the Kinks.
The raw unpolished sound that characterised the Kinks' early recordings for Pye is more or less reinvented on this new album; and this without losing Ray's unique melodic touch. Actually this new album features most virtues of the best Kinks albums. Great songs, lots of energy, great vocals and a lot of variation - without losing consistency.
"Other People's Lives" was not a bad album at all, but it did not really work as well as an album as this new release. Several songs deserve to be brought forward, and a good handful of them are already among my Davies favourites.
There some very beautiful ballads; several with moving melancholy lyrics. The closing track "Real World" is a great song in the vein of "Don't Forget to Dance". "Imaginary Man" is another ballad - just as strong. "One More Time" is a great midtempo song, very much sounding like the Kinks of the late 70's.
More bluesy is "Working Man's Café" and "Morphine Song" has some female harmony vocals that make you think of "Preservation Act" - both fine tracks.
"You're Asking Me" is Ray at his wildest - great melodic rocker - with a "Sunny Afternoon" bridge - it's almost as if Dave Davies singing the harmony vocals; an obvious live-favourite.
A great album from an artist who has neither lost his powerful voice nor his unique writing skills.
It been more than ten years since Ray last recorded with brother Dave as the Kinks, so maybe it's irrelevant to compare his present music with his legendary band. But as his vocals and songs were such a big part of the band's profile, it's really hard not to do so; especially as his new album has so many ingredients that were also typical of the Kinks.
The raw unpolished sound that characterised the Kinks' early recordings for Pye is more or less reinvented on this new album; and this without losing Ray's unique melodic touch. Actually this new album features most virtues of the best Kinks albums. Great songs, lots of energy, great vocals and a lot of variation - without losing consistency.
"Other People's Lives" was not a bad album at all, but it did not really work as well as an album as this new release. Several songs deserve to be brought forward, and a good handful of them are already among my Davies favourites.
There some very beautiful ballads; several with moving melancholy lyrics. The closing track "Real World" is a great song in the vein of "Don't Forget to Dance". "Imaginary Man" is another ballad - just as strong. "One More Time" is a great midtempo song, very much sounding like the Kinks of the late 70's.
More bluesy is "Working Man's Café" and "Morphine Song" has some female harmony vocals that make you think of "Preservation Act" - both fine tracks.
"You're Asking Me" is Ray at his wildest - great melodic rocker - with a "Sunny Afternoon" bridge - it's almost as if Dave Davies singing the harmony vocals; an obvious live-favourite.
A great album from an artist who has neither lost his powerful voice nor his unique writing skills.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ray Davies-Other People's Lives
Ray Davies, Premier Songwriter, scores again with another triumphant album of musical masterpieces. Pure genius!!! Read more
Published 20 months ago by Stephen Garvey
5.0 out of 5 stars
a modern classic
I really loved this cd, It hasn't a weak song on it. And it's about 'other peoples lives' literally. Ray is singing about other people pretty much. Read more
Published on January 6, 2011 by Michael Dobey
5.0 out of 5 stars
still happening.
Who knew that the Kinks would sound like a Ray Davies album? Even without brother Dave's crazily perfect guitar parts this is almost a Kinks album. But not. Read more
Published on November 26, 2010 by OLD GUY.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid Solo Effort from a Living Legend
If you love the song Waterloo Sunset then this is your album. Ray Davies delivers an introspective and restrained set of tunes that is unlikely to convert any new fans but will... Read more
Published on April 21, 2010 by Jonathan H. Stone
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Superb Album
From start to finish,this album excels.There is no filler,no fluff.Davies is one of the finest, and perhaps the most overlooked songwriter of his time. Read more
Published on December 7, 2008 by David B. Owens
4.0 out of 5 stars
Some Good Music from Ray Davies
Ray Davies music offers a unique view of the world, cynical, empathetic, and always seeing the humor in life. That's what keeps bringing me back to him and the Kinks. Read more
Published on May 27, 2008 by Roger O Thornhill
4.0 out of 5 stars
entertaining
This was a gift for my husband, a super Kinks fan. He said his last album was better. However very original, and glad to own it.
Published on March 25, 2008 by Mary M. Behne
4.0 out of 5 stars
He's at it again...............
Ray Davies just keeps making quality music and the liner notes were enjoyable to read. Its a shame that the media just doesn't appreciate Ray Davies and the Kinks like they do Mic... Read more
Published on January 25, 2008 by E. Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hymn for a New Age
If you're new to The Kinks and Ray Davies, Working Man's Café is a no-brainer to recommend. Ray's a rock classic and you owe it to yourself to be introduced. Read more
Published on January 16, 2008 by Knight in the Wilderness
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ray's Back!!!
I am a long time Kinks fan and Ray Davies supporter as well as an honest critic of Ray's works. I was somewhat disappointed with "Other People's Lives" (Ray's previous release)... Read more
Published on January 14, 2008 by Steve Silverman
Listmania!
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