This Is Where I Belong: The Songs of Ray Davies & The Kinks
At his best, theKinks' Ray Davies is one of the cleverest writers in pop, managing to wring universal appeal from a wholly and unapologetically English perspective. Most of the artists featured onThis Is Where I Belongare American, and most acquit themselves admirably. Hosannas must be directed atFountains of Wayne's giddy reading of "Better Things,"Cracker's rousing "Victoria," an intricate working of "Art Lover" byLambchop, and a spectacular, turbocharged "Who'll Be the Next in Line" byQueens of the Stone Age. The decision to close the album with Davies himself performing one of his finest songs--"Waterloo Sunset"--with one of his able heirs, Damon Albarn ofBlur, is a neat touch.--Andrew Mueller