This Is Where I Belong - The Songs of Ray Davies & The Kinks

iTunes Review

Contrary to all the love showered on the Kinks, they were never as successful in the United States as their legend suggests. Their finest albums from the ‘60s sold poorly upon first release. However, their influence on fellow artists was massive and it has often been the covers of their material by others that have kept Ray Davies and the Kinks in the spotlight. This tribute contains a fair share of satisfying interpretations. None of the obvious covers are here. No Van Halen doing “You Really Got Me,” or the Jam punking out “David Watts.” Instead, fresh covers. Fountains of Wayne were born to play “Better Things.” Jonathan Richman is perfect for the ache of “Stop Your Sobbing” (though the Pretenders own the finest version). Cracker sound like they make their living covering Kinks songs with their artistically true cover of “Victoria.” Matthew Sweet knows “Big Sky” inside and out. Ron Sexsmith, an obvious heir to Davies’ songwriting tradition, understands the beauty of “This Is Where I Belong.” Blur’s Damon Albarn joins Davies for a sensitive cover of “Waterloo Sunset,” one of Davies’ most beloved songs.