Interview: Tom Kitts, Ray Davies: Not Like Everybody Else

By BigSteve on May 1, 2008

I first met Tom Kitts at a meeting of the Popular Culture Association. Tom and the late, great Mike Kraus used to host sessions where people presented papers on The Kinks, and I attended five of these sessions over the years, presenting and also listening to papers by Tom, Mike, and a rotating group of Kinks scholars. It’s more fun than it sounds like, and it’s always great to be around other music fanatics.

Tom has now published his magnum opus, a critical biography, Ray Davies: Not Like Everybody Else (Routledge, 2008). Tom is a professor of English at St. John’s University in New York City, and he took time out of his busy schedule for an interview about the book and more generally Ray Davies and the Kinks. If interested, click on this Amazon link to get your copy of the book. I’m sure any Kinks fan will find it a great read.

In general how has the feedback on the book been?

While formal reviews are just now starting to appear, the feedback has been very positive. Kinks fans seem to appreciate the focus on Davies' work -- even if they don't always agree with me. I have done a series of readings and discussions and I have to say that I have been very pleasantly surprised by the positive response I have heard not only at the readings but also in emails from readers across the country and in Europe.

Any reaction from anyone connected with Ray or the Kinks?

I did hear from Grenville Collins and Peter Quaife, who both liked it very much. Both liked the emphasis on the art, which both were a part of and which both are very proud of. I spoke to Ray briefly after his recent show in New York and he seems pleased by the publication. We joked about how long it took for me to get it out. He has a copy, but he said that he hadn't had a chance to read it yet.

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Tags: books, kinks, rth interview
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
Thank you, BigSteve, and Tom, if you're checking in. I look forward to picking up a copy of this book. It's great that he was able to get access to most of the band members.
04/28/08 @ 16:50
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member] Email
Wotta great innerview, BigSteve! Thanks from me to you!

HVB
04/28/08 @ 16:54
Comment from: saturnismine [Member] Email
BigSteve, this is a truly enjoyable read. I liked your questions (and his answers) very much!

Thanks!
04/29/08 @ 08:00
Comment from: mockcarr [Member] Email
Good stuff! Thank you quite a bit.
04/29/08 @ 10:28
Comment from: Tvox [Member] Email · http://www.myspace.com/thetrolleyvox
Tremendous piece, BigSteve!
04/29/08 @ 11:51
Comment from: Oats [Member]
Don't have much more to add -- except that I have a soft spot for UK Jive and mostly despise Phobia -- but wanted to add to the huzzahs. Excellent piece, BigSteve!
04/29/08 @ 12:16
Comment from: andyr [Member] Email
Excellent work, Big Steve. Tom really seemed to appreciate your thoughtful questions and observations.

RTH interviews need to take a more 70's Rolling Stone vibe where the writer spends as much time talking about partying with the musician as the actual Q&A
05/01/08 @ 16:07

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