2021 Song Draft- Round 2 Pick 12: Hanspostcard Selects- ‘Waterloo Sunset’ – The Kinks.
Rock critic Robert Christgau has called it ‘the most beautiful song in the English language’, Pete Townshend of The Who has called it ‘divine’ and ‘a masterpiece’, rock critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine has called it ‘possibly the most beautiful song of the rock and roll era.’ Rolling Stone Magazine in their 500 Greatest Songs Ever list has it at #42 which is far too low! I also know that this is a song that both Mrs. Postcard and I agree on. If we made our Top 10 songs list- most likely ‘Waterloo Sunset’ would be the only song to make both of our lists. I remember one time in a long car trip we played this song ten times in a row.
Ray Davies the front man and main songwriter for The Kinks- is one of my favorite songwriters- and perhaps the greatest at writing songs from his observations. This song was inspired by watching two lovers passing over a bridge. the two who inspired this song were actors Terence Stamp and Julie Christie- supposedly- Davies denies that- and says it was inspired by his sister going off with her boyfriend and emigrating to another country. Either way who cares what inspired it- it was a great inspiration he had- made into a wonderful song. Davies has said that the song was originally called ‘Liverpool Sunset’ -that Liverpool is his favorite city and that The Kinks always got the best response in concerts from the Liverpool audiences. Ray Davies performed ‘Waterlou Sunset’ at the closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics.
As a single back in 1967 it reached #2 in the UK Singles Chart.
You stole one from me! Such a perfect song.
Ditto!
Great song Hans…it is a perfect song…and you can’t say that about many.
a very fine song from an excellent songwriter. Ray really was a rarity in being able to put out both great easy-listening pop tunes and good real rockers too.
I should have mentioned it in the review- but I always thought it interesting- Ray and Paul McCartney even in their early- to mid 20’s- were very nostalgic for the past.
It’s a very nice song. Knowing the background makes it more special. It’s a great add to the draft, imo.
Like Mike said, I been robbed! I think you know how much I love this song, especially after raving about it after seeing, “Juliet, Naked.” Whomever decided to add that to the movie is a saint and a blessing. Ray Davies writes the kind of songs that stick with you in the best way possible. The Kinks rank right up there with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, U2, REM, and Pearl Jam for me.
The Kinks get my vote for most underrated act in rock history- even though they did have great success- it should have been more.
Great song – there used to be a local record shop called Waterloo Sunset.
Great name for a record company- I wonder if they had any legal issues with the name?
Just a little local store, in the suburb of Waterloo.
Back when the Stones released Voodoo Lounge a local bar took that name–but not for long… I don’t know what the story was there…
Jagger is probably more litigious than Davies?
Could be- and i figure the entire Rolling Stone enterprise has more lawyers employed looking to keep busy- and keep their jobs.
You knew I was going to pick this. CB doesnt do top tens etc. All the singles Im picking for your idea are a few of the many I love. BUT, this cut is an absolute top song for me. Love Daves licks in this.
“I am in paradise”
Glad you feel the same way about this one- it doesn’t get any better.
When I first started CB i went for another Kinks tune for my first take. Eventually got to WS. Good stuff Hans.
Thanks CB!
Great pick, Hans, love this songs. You know, I really never thought about it, but this has to be one of my favorite Kinks tunes!
Great song! I always liked Ray’s voice. I think it is great that so many of the other participants had this on their list!
I will have to be the odd one…again. I’ve never heard this before. It is a cute song and I found this interesting:
https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2017/04/ray-davies-understanding-hipsters-not-talking-pete-townshend-and-why
Ray is a rather unique character, using his own words. I had to laugh over his exchange with Townshend.