The Kinks, Waterloo Sunset

Posted in The Kinks, Youtube Favs on May 23rd, 2011 by Willie

Part 70 of my youtube countdown continues with more Kinks.  The Kinks are the most underrated group of gods from the 60s British Invasion era, and this song, “Waterloo Sunset,” is their overrated masterpiece.  First of all, let me praise it.  From their LP Something Else, “Waterloo Sunset” is a work of genius.  It’s just a simply gorgeous rock ballad with brilliant chords and beautiful background vocals.  So, I just called it genius, how could it be overrated?  Well, its not the Kinks fault.  For whatever reason, rock critics have painted this song as “the most beautiful song of the rock and roll era” according to allmusic journalist Stephen Thomas Erlewine, and Robert Christgau called it “the most beautiful song in the English language.”  Ummm…no.  It’s a fantastic song, but I don’t even think its the best song the Kinks ever made.  I’m not gonna get into which songs are better, because its a matter of subjectivity, but its too easy to knock this song from its pedestal of lofty praise.  Anyway, give this live performance a play, and let me know what you think.  Is it the prettiest song of all time, or is it just an ordinary rock classic, you decide.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,