Ray Davies

Ray Davies

• Ray Davies and the Crouch End Festival Chorus; Photograph: Sam Seager738.mu.raydavies.2.jpg556361
• Photograph: Courtesy of Universal Music738.mu.raydavies.1.jpg556372

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Ray Davies and the Crouch End Festival Chorus; Photograph: Sam Seager

Since the Kinks disbanded in the mid-’90s, following three decades of hits and rows, Ray Davies has revisited his group’s legacy through a variety of mediums. Newly arrived is perhaps his oddest album of the sort: The Kinks Choral Collection, on which Davies performs Kinks songs backed by a traditional symphonic choir. “It is like farting,” Britain’s quintessential pop songsmith says, “in a cathedral.” Davies, who fronts the Dessoff Chamber Choir this week at the Town Hall, met with TONY in an Upper West Side hotel for a listening session, mostly featuring artists playing New York in upcoming weeks. Having arrived empty-handed, he left with a Fiery Furnaces CD.

The Fiery Furnaces, “Charmaine Champagne”
Music Hall of Williamsburg Dec 11 and Bowery Ballroom Dec 12.

This is fascinating. It sounds like the music I was writing with the Kinks when we first started. I’d like to record with people like this. They’re the sort of band that you look to come on tour with you—it’s so fresh and energized.

The Fiery Furnaces star siblings, just like the Kinks. Do you have any advice for them?
Leave all your quarrels at home. Although inevitably, it’s going to come through in the music.

You famously quarreled with your brother, Dave. Do you regret forming the group with him?
Oh, no. I wanted to do well and let him do well. The best bands are like families—it’s always been that way.

The Choir of Westminster Cathedral, “Descendit Angelus Domini”

I sang in my school’s choir at primary school. The headmaster was also the choirmaster of the church, so we were force-fed this stuff. That’s disappeared. It’s now politically incorrect to sing hymns in assembly.

Did that experience have any influence on your new album?
No. I was on a TV show a few years back. They wanted me to collaborate with someone, and as a bit of a joke I said a choir. But I’m glad I did this. There’s a simplistic plainness about it that seems part of the English culture.

tUnE-yArDs, “Jumping Jerk”
Music Hall of Williamsburg Thu 19 and Sat 21, Permanent Records Fri 20 and Bowery Ballroom Sun 22.

Something like this would never get on the radio in England—new bands have to get the Simon Cowell seal of approval. We had a great DJ, John Peel, who died. John would have played this.

John Peel was probably associated with bands like the Fall more than the Kinks.
When punk came in England, it affected him deeply. He cut his hair short and started talking more aggressively. Not to say that he was frightened by it, but it had a big impact. The thing about the Kinks is, we could outpunk people. We were brats.

Were you obnoxious?
I wouldn’t say obnoxious. [Pause] Well, Dave was obnoxious!

PT Walkley, “Audrey Macy”

This is great. It reminds me of Elliott Smith.

It reminds me more of the Kinks.
Yeah, a certain period of the Kinks. It’s like a New York 21st-century version of “Well Respected Man.” But I like it.

More so than the Who or the Rolling Stones, the Kinks have been tremendously influential on indie rock. Why?
We crisscrossed a lot of styles, which irritated our peers and record companies. To justify it, people thought we were on drugs. And I can’t remember if we were or not. [Laughs] Now, people are more open about psychological issues and are more prepared to talk about their weaknesses. The Kinks showed frailties—I think that’s why it resonates with bands today.

Bob Dylan, “Here Comes Santa Claus”
United Palace Theatre Thu 19.

Has Bob Dylan turned into Stan Freberg? [Pause] You know, musically, this is as valid as him doing his country record. He’s got a lot of bottle.

I’m sorry?
Bollocks. Balls! It’s an English expression. People think that Dylan’s just a poet singing his songs, but he’s a great vocal stylist. This is charming. I’m appalled, but mesmerized.

In America, Christmas music is part of a pop tradition, whereas in England I suspect it’s more religious.
The common denominator is that they’re both sentimental. But this track doesn’t sound sentimental to me—it’s actually a bit cynical. Captain Bob…he’s so unbelievable.

Have your paths crossed?
A few times, but not really. He doesn’t say much. He asked me where the bathroom was.

And did you tell him?
Yes. I showed him to the ladies.

Ray Davies plays the Town Hall Thu 19 and Fri 20. The Kinks Choral Collection is out on Decca.

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