The Kinks — Waterloo Sunset
Album: Something Else By the KinksAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2421
Length: 3:13
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Dirty old river, must you keep rolling, flowing into the night?
People so busy, make me feel dizzy, taxi light shines so bright
But I don't need no friends
As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset, I am in paradise
(Sha-la-la) Every day I look at the world from my window
(Sha-la-la) But chilly, chilly is the evening time
Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
Terry meets Julie, Waterloo Station, every Friday night
But I am so lazy, don't want to wander, I stay at home at night
But I don't feel afraid
As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset, I am in paradise
(Sha-la-la) Every day I look at the world from my window
(Sha-la-la) But chilly, chilly is the evening time
Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
Millions of people swarming like flies 'round Waterloo underground
But Terry and Julie cross over the river where they feel safe and sound
And they don't, need no friends
As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset they are in paradise
Waterloo sunset's fine
Waterloo sunset's fine
Waterloo sunset's fine
People so busy, make me feel dizzy, taxi light shines so bright
But I don't need no friends
As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset, I am in paradise
(Sha-la-la) Every day I look at the world from my window
(Sha-la-la) But chilly, chilly is the evening time
Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
Terry meets Julie, Waterloo Station, every Friday night
But I am so lazy, don't want to wander, I stay at home at night
But I don't feel afraid
As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset, I am in paradise
(Sha-la-la) Every day I look at the world from my window
(Sha-la-la) But chilly, chilly is the evening time
Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
Millions of people swarming like flies 'round Waterloo underground
But Terry and Julie cross over the river where they feel safe and sound
And they don't, need no friends
As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset they are in paradise
Waterloo sunset's fine
Waterloo sunset's fine
Waterloo sunset's fine
Comments (181)add comment
Beautiful mix - clean and clear.
This one reminds me of the Beatles
For some reason, during this song I could have sworn I was hearing Broken Bells "Your Head Is On Fire", then it actually came on next. Will have to look for this during the next Waterloo Sunset play.
On another note I remember staying at the Union Jack in July 1994 watching Waterloo Station on two consecutive evenings from my balcony as dusk fell. It was one of my most enduring memories of being in the UK. I had no idea there was a song about this.
First Aid Kit does a nice cover of this. It's a few years old but worth watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUFstekZ55I
Bill: "here's a band from a small island off the coast of Europe" 
Bill did you just refer to the Kinks as a band originating on a small dreary Island off the coast of Europe? 
Actually, you're not really wrong, certainly not now :-((
Actually, you're not really wrong, certainly not now :-((
iandouceba wrote:
And I was 10 when this was released
Taking me back to my childhood, great tune 10/10
And I was 10 when this was released
Possibly my all-time favourite song. The summer sunset from Waterloo Bridge is indeed magical.
jaer wrote:
I didn't know they lived close together!
Kinks not far from The Beatles!
I didn't know they lived close together!
Hard 10 plus. Genius.
Brilliant zeitgeist!
Just a classic song, instant 10 :)
The absolute apotheosis of British Invasion pop. For many, it is the unofficial national anthem of England.
Many years ago I decided this is my favourite song of all time, and it remains so.
Kinks not far from The Beatles!
fredriley wrote:
That'll likely be because of the dirty weather, or more accurately the London pollution putting scads of dust particles into the air which usually deepens sunsets.
That'll likely be because of the dirty weather, or more accurately the London pollution putting scads of dust particles into the air which usually deepens sunsets.
The "pea soup fog" immortalized in countless Sherlock Holmes movies
was mostly smoke from coal fired heating in London...IIRC, as late as
the fifties a temperature inversion caused multiple deaths in London...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
fredriley wrote:
That'll likely be because of the dirty weather, or more accurately the London pollution putting scads of dust particles into the air which usually deepens sunsets.
That'll likely be because of the dirty weather, or more accurately the London pollution putting scads of dust particles into the air which usually deepens sunsets.
This makes me feel Kinky.....
Such a perfect song. Like a little symphony.
A perfect pop song capturing the mood of an era.
Kink on. 👍👍👍
ziakut wrote:
The line...'strolling along....' from the Neil Sedaka tune...totally has the same sound in the verse in this tune. I hear it...you're not crazy.
Is Neil a Kinks fan? Perhaps he also enjoyed the song. It's a great song.
The line...'strolling along....' from the Neil Sedaka tune...totally has the same sound in the verse in this tune. I hear it...you're not crazy.
Is Neil a Kinks fan? Perhaps he also enjoyed the song. It's a great song.
I don't feel afraid as long as I listen to Waterloo Sunset on Radio Paradise
Hendon2 wrote:
Video is now blocked by the IOC.....
Shhh...F#%^ the IOC...We want our Kinks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxCVveEMK3Q
Video is now blocked by the IOC.....
Shhh...F#%^ the IOC...We want our Kinks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxCVveEMK3Q
One of the more under appreciated groups of the 60's.
I saw them perform their "Soap Opera" in a NYC theater sometime around early 70's.
It was a "Tommy" knock-off but done well by the Kinks live.
I saw them perform their "Soap Opera" in a NYC theater sometime around early 70's.
It was a "Tommy" knock-off but done well by the Kinks live.
pfreet wrote:
Video is now blocked by the IOC.....
I was fortunate to see the BBC coverage of the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony and saw Ray Davies perform this song beautifully. Maybe the highlight of the closing ceremonies. In the USA, NBC, who were showing the event on delay, decided to skip this to squeeze in another commercial. Terrible.
Here is a poor quality video that might give you an idea of how it went: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_HXRl8F6Mk Maybe someone can find a better quality version.
Here is a poor quality video that might give you an idea of how it went: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_HXRl8F6Mk Maybe someone can find a better quality version.
Video is now blocked by the IOC.....
Perfect Bill. Follow “Werewolves of London” with The Kinks. Because Jolly Old England.
I heard this a few times in the past, I always thought it's by Paul McCartney and he is the lead vocalist ... , now I know better ...
Taking me back to my childhood, great tune 10/10
Love this! Thanks for playing!
skindy wrote:
Now go back visit Victoria Station (and Victoria Underground) and play Victoria in your head.
I finally traveled to London for the first time last year... twice, in fact. I made sure to go to Waterloo Station (and Waterloo Underground) for no other reason than this song. Which played in my head over and over the whole time I was there. This was already one of my top 3 Kinks songs since it's just so beautiful, well-constructed, and well-executed... but just being in the very location elevated it to my absolute fave. Happy, happy, happy. 
Now go back visit Victoria Station (and Victoria Underground) and play Victoria in your head.
Love this song.
I finally traveled to London for the first time last year... twice, in fact. I made sure to go to Waterloo Station (and Waterloo Underground) for no other reason than this song. Which played in my head over and over the whole time I was there. This was already one of my top 3 Kinks songs since it's just so beautiful, well-constructed, and well-executed... but just being in the very location elevated it to my absolute fave. Happy, happy, happy.
Proclivities wrote:
"Admitted to liking ABBA"? Hundreds of millions of people like them. I'm not surprised that Steven Wilson liked their music; Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, and many other musicians and composers liked their music as well. Anyhow, I'm not sure why you're pursuing this "ABBA cover" thing, but carry on.
Nicely put Proclivities!
Yes, my bad. No ABBA cover of this song......
"Admitted to liking ABBA"? Hundreds of millions of people like them. I'm not surprised that Steven Wilson liked their music; Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, and many other musicians and composers liked their music as well. Anyhow, I'm not sure why you're pursuing this "ABBA cover" thing, but carry on.
Nicely put Proclivities!
Yes, my bad. No ABBA cover of this song......
ladybinnath wrote:
I can only hope that this is merely snark and you don't really think Abba's Waterloo is a "version" of this...
Right. My screw up. Disculpame.
I can only hope that this is merely snark and you don't really think Abba's Waterloo is a "version" of this...
Right. My screw up. Disculpame.
trevc wrote:
Abba never covered this song.
Right you are trevc. I have no idea what I was thinking of that day. Oops....
Abba never covered this song.
Right you are trevc. I have no idea what I was thinking of that day. Oops....
westslope wrote:
Yes, it is a cover. And, to repeat, I do like the Abba version.
Elsewhere, and quite by coincidence, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame has admitted to liking Abba. I seem to recall that he listened to Abba as much as he listened to Pink Floyd.
Besides, I reckon that well done covers are flattering for the original song writers.
———————
For the dumbfounded and mildly curious, I have this Kinks song rated a 9.
Abba never covered this song.
Yes, it is a cover. And, to repeat, I do like the Abba version.
Elsewhere, and quite by coincidence, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame has admitted to liking Abba. I seem to recall that he listened to Abba as much as he listened to Pink Floyd.
Besides, I reckon that well done covers are flattering for the original song writers.
———————
For the dumbfounded and mildly curious, I have this Kinks song rated a 9.
Abba never covered this song.
I was fortunate to see the BBC coverage of the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony and saw Ray Davies perform this song beautifully. Maybe the highlight of the closing ceremonies. In the USA, NBC, who were showing the event on delay, decided to skip this to squeeze in another commercial. Terrible.
Here is a poor quality video that might give you an idea of how it went: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_HXRl8F6Mk Maybe someone can find a better quality version.
Here is a poor quality video that might give you an idea of how it went: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_HXRl8F6Mk Maybe someone can find a better quality version.
great stuff and still stands up !
TerryS wrote:
There US prospects were not zilched by any in-fighting in the band. They were zilched by the powerful American musicians union (who called them Commie, Limey, bastards) banning them from performing for 4 long years from 1966-1970, when the band was at its peak. The more you know...
Fortunately, anyone who knows anything about the Kinks knows that their US "prospects" were merely deferred. The release of Lola and a string of hits in the 70's lead to huge US tours in the late 70's and on thru the 80's.
Fighting with your brother on stage is wont to make show bookers look elsewhere. Pretty much zilched their US prospects.
Only Keef is allowed to face punch his mate on stage and get away with it.
Ask Gallagher.
Only Keef is allowed to face punch his mate on stage and get away with it.
Ask Gallagher.
There US prospects were not zilched by any in-fighting in the band. They were zilched by the powerful American musicians union (who called them Commie, Limey, bastards) banning them from performing for 4 long years from 1966-1970, when the band was at its peak. The more you know...
Fortunately, anyone who knows anything about the Kinks knows that their US "prospects" were merely deferred. The release of Lola and a string of hits in the 70's lead to huge US tours in the late 70's and on thru the 80's.
“That ridiculous ban took away the best years of the Kinks’ career when the original band was performing at its peak.”
Read More: Brawls and Bans: The History of the Kinks' Struggles in America | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kinks-in-america/?trackback=tsmclip
Read More: Brawls and Bans: The History of the Kinks' Struggles in America | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kinks-in-america/?trackback=tsmclip
Ray Davies said. “That ridiculous ban took away the best years of the Kinks’ career when the original band was performing at its peak.”
Read More: Brawls and Bans: The History of the Kinks' Struggles in America | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kinks-in-america/?trackback=tsmclip
Read More: Brawls and Bans: The History of the Kinks' Struggles in America | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kinks-in-america/?trackback=tsmclip
Ray Davies said. “That ridiculous ban took away the best years of the Kinks’ career when the original band was performing at its peak.”
Read More: Brawls and Bans: The History of the Kinks' Struggles in America | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kinks-in-america/?trackback=tsmclip
Read More: Brawls and Bans: The History of the Kinks' Struggles in America | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kinks-in-america/?trackback=tsmclip
westslope wrote:
Yes, it is a cover. And, to repeat, I do like the Abba version.
Elsewhere, and quite by coincidence, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame has admitted to liking Abba. I seem to recall that he listened to Abba as much as he listened to Pink Floyd.
Besides, I reckon that well done covers are flattering for the original song writers.
———————
For the dumbfounded and mildly curious, I have this Kinks song rated a 9.
"Admitted to liking ABBA"? Hundreds of millions of people like them. I'm not surprised that Steven Wilson liked their music; Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, and many other musicians and composers liked their music as well. Anyhow, I'm not sure why you're pursuing this "ABBA cover" thing, but carry on.
Yes, it is a cover. And, to repeat, I do like the Abba version.
Elsewhere, and quite by coincidence, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame has admitted to liking Abba. I seem to recall that he listened to Abba as much as he listened to Pink Floyd.
Besides, I reckon that well done covers are flattering for the original song writers.
———————
For the dumbfounded and mildly curious, I have this Kinks song rated a 9.
"Admitted to liking ABBA"? Hundreds of millions of people like them. I'm not surprised that Steven Wilson liked their music; Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, and many other musicians and composers liked their music as well. Anyhow, I'm not sure why you're pursuing this "ABBA cover" thing, but carry on.
allmodcons wrote:
Yes it does! We could be hearing this on RP, if THE JAM SONG ROSTER EVER GETS EXPANDED:
It doesn't get better!
Yes it does! We could be hearing this on RP, if THE JAM SONG ROSTER EVER GETS EXPANDED:
I am in paradise...
Fighting with your brother on stage is wont to make show bookers look elsewhere. Pretty much zilched their US prospects.
Only Keef is allowed to face punch his mate on stage and get away with it.
Ask Gallagher.
Only Keef is allowed to face punch his mate on stage and get away with it.
Ask Gallagher.
The Kinks are the bastard stepsons of the British invasion.
Incredibly talented, they released a steady stream of albums and scored a number of hits but never received the adulation of The Beatles or the Stones.
It’s not their looks: they’re at least as ugly as the Glimmer Twins (and the Golem known as Bill Wyman).
Was it their lo-fi production values? Too much filler on their albums?
Who knows, but we’re left with great music.
This is one of their best. Lonesome lyrics and intricate chord structure create a folk meets rock meets Fleet Street mash up.
More at https://wdavradio.wordpress.com/
It doesn't get better!
westslope wrote:
Yes, it is a cover. And, to repeat, I do like the Abba version.
Elsewhere, and quite by coincidence, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame has admitted to liking Abba. I seem to recall that he listened to Abba as much as he listened to Pink Floyd.
Besides, I reckon that well done covers are flattering for the original song writers.
———————
For the dumbfounded and mildly curious, I have this Kinks song rated a 9.
heh
Yes, it is a cover. And, to repeat, I do like the Abba version.
Elsewhere, and quite by coincidence, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame has admitted to liking Abba. I seem to recall that he listened to Abba as much as he listened to Pink Floyd.
Besides, I reckon that well done covers are flattering for the original song writers.
———————
For the dumbfounded and mildly curious, I have this Kinks song rated a 9.
heh
ladybinnath wrote:
I can only hope that this is merely snark and you don't really think Abba's Waterloo is a "version" of this...
Yes, it is a cover. And, to repeat, I do like the Abba version.
Elsewhere, and quite by coincidence, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame has admitted to liking Abba. I seem to recall that he listened to Abba as much as he listened to Pink Floyd.
Besides, I reckon that well done covers are flattering for the original song writers.
———————
For the dumbfounded and mildly curious, I have this Kinks song rated a 9.
I can only hope that this is merely snark and you don't really think Abba's Waterloo is a "version" of this...
Yes, it is a cover. And, to repeat, I do like the Abba version.
Elsewhere, and quite by coincidence, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame has admitted to liking Abba. I seem to recall that he listened to Abba as much as he listened to Pink Floyd.
Besides, I reckon that well done covers are flattering for the original song writers.
———————
For the dumbfounded and mildly curious, I have this Kinks song rated a 9.
A few weeks ago I had to visit London and while walking by the south bank I could only hear this song on my mind!
Boy_Wonder wrote:
Yeah... his life has just been a walk in the park. Maybe you should read the biopic. Best honor RD while we still can.
Best boy wonder grow up...
Love the song, an all-time great....
But was at something recently where Ray Davies was being interviewed (by Julian Temple, who has made a biopic of RD) and what a grumpy old misery-guts he is! Best left as an icon...
But was at something recently where Ray Davies was being interviewed (by Julian Temple, who has made a biopic of RD) and what a grumpy old misery-guts he is! Best left as an icon...
Yeah... his life has just been a walk in the park. Maybe you should read the biopic. Best honor RD while we still can.
Best boy wonder grow up...
Perfect timing.
Maybe the best of the Kinks (in my humble opinion!). Quite a delicate and sweet piece.
10
Love the song, an all-time great....
But was at something recently where Ray Davies was being interviewed (by Julian Temple, who has made a biopic of RD) and what a grumpy old misery-guts he is! Best left as an icon...
But was at something recently where Ray Davies was being interviewed (by Julian Temple, who has made a biopic of RD) and what a grumpy old misery-guts he is! Best left as an icon...
Hearing this a lot... too much I think
Incredibly beautiful song.
It was wintertime and I was in seventh grade and I hated everything. Then I heard this one morning and things got a little better.
Ray, you are just the greatest.
Ray, you are just the greatest.
PERFECT POPSONG!
westslope wrote:
I can only hope that this is merely snark and you don't really think Abba's Waterloo is a "version" of this...
Lovely.
Though, if pushed, I'll admit that I prefer the Abba version......
I can only hope that this is merely snark and you don't really think Abba's Waterloo is a "version" of this...
The best pop song ever - as good as it gets 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10OHHH, how I love The Kinks. Ray Davies, will you marry me? (pleeeease? 
)
) drife wrote:
He's got brothers named Dabba and Doo. I think they're related to Fred Flintstone.
Abba, who is Abba?
He's got brothers named Dabba and Doo. I think they're related to Fred Flintstone.
westslope wrote:
Cathy Dennis does a really nice cover of this song.
Lovely.
Though, if pushed, I'll admit that I prefer the Abba version......
Cathy Dennis does a really nice cover of this song.
Beatle-esque. Pleasant.
9+
This is now a lead song for the Musical 'thrust' of "London 2012" or "The City of 2012" on the BBC at least.
westslope wrote:
Abba, who is Abba?
Lovely.
Though, if pushed, I'll admit that I prefer the Abba version......
Abba, who is Abba?
One such song and your reputation as songwriter is established. Fantastic, still.
This song is concentrated the whole of rock music, all of 60 -70 years ! Greatest, greatest song !!
westslope wrote:
I'd be happy to push you. Off a cliff.
Lovely.
Though, if pushed, I'll admit that I prefer the Abba version......
I'd be happy to push you. Off a cliff.
nagsheadlocal wrote:
Oh, gosh, I lived just upriver from the Albert Bridge and used to sit in my (cold, damp) flat and watch the sun go down over Battersea. For a town with such frequent dirty weather, the sunsets were often spectacular.
That'll likely be because of the dirty weather, or more accurately the London pollution putting scads of dust particles into the air which usually deepens sunsets.
Oh, gosh, I lived just upriver from the Albert Bridge and used to sit in my (cold, damp) flat and watch the sun go down over Battersea. For a town with such frequent dirty weather, the sunsets were often spectacular.
That'll likely be because of the dirty weather, or more accurately the London pollution putting scads of dust particles into the air which usually deepens sunsets.
westslope wrote:
Nobody will push. I promise.
Lovely.
Though, if pushed, I'll admit that I prefer the Abba version......
Nobody will push. I promise.
Lovely.
Though, if pushed, I'll admit that I prefer the Abba version......
One of my favs!!!!
Top 5 all time fer moi.
Sounds very fresh today. Great stuff!
haresfur wrote:
Oh, gosh, I lived just upriver from the Albert Bridge and used to sit in my (cold, damp) flat and watch the sun go down over Battersea. For a town with such frequent dirty weather, the sunsets were often spectacular.
I remember crossing over the river from Waterloo to Charing Cross at sunset to save a few p. on the tube.
Oh, gosh, I lived just upriver from the Albert Bridge and used to sit in my (cold, damp) flat and watch the sun go down over Battersea. For a town with such frequent dirty weather, the sunsets were often spectacular.
Stefen wrote:
Perhaps you're not.
RP has a LOT of listeners. (See "Who's Listening Where" on the main page.) Most of us practice something my grandmother taught me: "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything." So I won't say anything about this song.
I gather I'm way out of sync with most RP listeners. I didn't like this song when it came out, and I still don't. Somehow the sound just grates me.
Perhaps you're not.
RP has a LOT of listeners. (See "Who's Listening Where" on the main page.) Most of us practice something my grandmother taught me: "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything." So I won't say anything about this song.
Propayne wrote:
Certainly one of my very favorite pop songs of all time.
One of the most beautiful songs every written IMHO.
Certainly one of my very favorite pop songs of all time.
SinisterDexter wrote:
The line...'strolling along....' from the Neil Sedaka tune...totally has the same sound in the verse in this tune. I hear it...you're not crazy.
Am I the only one that hears Neil Sedaka's "Laughter In The Rain?" You know....
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
The line...'strolling along....' from the Neil Sedaka tune...totally has the same sound in the verse in this tune. I hear it...you're not crazy.
_Very very nice!
Proclivities wrote:
I don't hear that - thankfully. However, this song was composed and released well before Mr. Sedaka's heartfelt ode to precipitation-defying frivolity.
I don't hear that - thankfully. However, this song was composed and released well before Mr. Sedaka's heartfelt ode to precipitation-defying frivolity.
The Kinks can do no wrong imo.
SinisterDexter wrote:
Yes, you are!
Am I the only one that hears Neil Sedaka's "Laughter In The Rain?" You know....
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
Yes, you are!
The Kinks suck! I really like this song.
8
8WOOOOONDERFUL!!!!!
SinisterDexter wrote:
I don't hear that - thankfully. However, this song was composed and released well before Mr. Sedaka's heartfelt ode to precipitation-defying frivolity.
Am I the only one that hears Neil Sedaka's "Laughter In The Rain?" You know....
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
I don't hear that - thankfully. However, this song was composed and released well before Mr. Sedaka's heartfelt ode to precipitation-defying frivolity.
I remember crossing over the river from Waterloo to Charing Cross at sunset to save a few p. on the tube.
Their lyrics have always been great, but Ray's voice even sounds kinky. Glad he is still around.
SinisterDexter wrote:
No, you aren't.
Am I the only one that hears Neil Sedaka's "Laughter In The Rain?" You know....
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
No, you aren't.
Am I the only one that hears Neil Sedaka's "Laughter In The Rain?" You know....
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
"Oo, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love..."
I am? OK, nevermind.
Agreed
Propayne wrote:
Propayne wrote:
One of the most beautiful songs every written IMHO.
The engineering and effects on this '60s song are excellent. Ahead of it's time? Knew it was good when all I could hear were my bad speakers, now I know how good it is.
Always dug this song. This and Sunny Afternoon were two of the best songs being played on the radio at the time. I think this was associated with Julie Christie and one of her movies at the time.
One of the most beautiful songs every written IMHO.
Stefen wrote:
ditto.
I gather I'm way out of sync with most RP listeners. I didn't like this song when it came out, and I still don't. Somehow the sound just grates me.
ditto.
The Kinks,what can I say,ingenious,melodic,rocking,fabulos lyrics? Nah,,
that sounds to much,,They Rock !,,will do it !
that sounds to much,,They Rock !,,will do it !
California Raining 
London Rain Waterloo Sunset
Nice one, Bill!
London Rain Waterloo SunsetNice one, Bill!
Listen closely; this is a love song. Terry and Julie are just fine.
I gather I'm way out of sync with most RP listeners. I didn't like this song when it came out, and I still don't. Somehow the sound just grates me.
Ahhh, this has that old school stereo separation. Ray Davies sounds so far away. Wait, now he's sitting right beside me! Drat, he's far away again.
LOVE the KINKS 
Absolute classic.
The tones and pitch elicit a new rising golden era of british rock.
Also captures the feel of a place in time...as all great songs do.
The tones and pitch elicit a new rising golden era of british rock.
Also captures the feel of a place in time...as all great songs do.
lumper5 wrote:
Me too, what you said. God save The Kinks!
If not the best song of the RNR era, it's in the Top 5.
Me too, what you said. God save The Kinks!
Who here remembers Waterloo Sunset Records and Tapes in Pembrooke Pines, FL? Not a soul I bet. It was a record store I opened with 2 friends ages ago and we named it after this song. We weren't business people, the store failed spectacularily, but the song is still as moving now as it was then.
Just another reminder to myself that I really, really need to replace that "Best of Kinks" recording I had over 20 years ago with tons and tons of this vintage stuff from their early era. Good stuff.
LOVE IT
If not the best song of the RNR era, it's in the Top 5.
wooooohoooo!!!
It took me a long time to figure out these guys were WAYYYY ahead of their time. Now I've figured it out I can listen to them for hours. Nice play.
The Kinks actually did a few other songs besides this one...
yes, I saw Darjeeling Limited a few weeks ago, and the use of "Strangers" in that movie was outstanding. That was the first time I'd heard that song, but it's simultaneously predictable and unpredictable. Anyway, you can find it on YouTube if you look. Great song. Great band.
Emmmmm. Sha, la, la.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
I have to bite on this, because your comment raises a number of issues.
1 Is the judgement of middle America compatible with being 'respected' -especially artistically? As an example Elvis Presley won the affection of a million matrons by abandoning rock and roll and crooning schmaltzy ballads and appearing in B movies. He might have been 'huge' and made Col Parker lots of money, but at what price in terms of artistic integrity?
Maybe it was a sellout, or maybe Elvis' fans grew older as he did. Musical tastes change. Those affectionate matrons were his teenage fans back in his rock and roll days in the '50s. The B movies were all made when he was young and still R&Ring.
Pharlap wrote:
too bad they got into some problem with US immigration back in the sixties. They would have been huge instead of "respected"
They were huge in my book, and to most everyone I knew.
This is simply one of the best songs ever written. period.
To be clear, it's an excellent tune. But I'll stop there.
Pharlap wrote:
too bad they got into some problem with US immigration back in the sixties. They would have been huge instead of "respected"
I have to bite on this, because your comment raises a number of issues.
1 Is the judgement of middle America compatible with being 'respected' -especially artistically? As an example Elvis Presley won the affection of a million matrons by abandoning rock and roll and crooning schmaltzy ballads and appearing in B movies. He might have been 'huge' and made Col Parker lots of money, but at what price in terms of artistic integrity?
2 Wouldn't the Americans have insisted upon 'Grand Central Station Sunset' or some other paean to ethnocentricity?
3 Given your screen-name, can I mention Joe Dolce to you?
4 Where is the musical centre of the world right now, do you think? Ok, where was it in 1967?
5 Mariah Carey ? Puff Daddy? Britney Spears? Beyonce? Eminem?
6 Like Gianni Versace and John Lennon, Ray Davies was shot while in America. Unlike those two, he survived. Perhaps we were all blessed by US immigration?
too bad they got into some problem with US immigration back in the sixties. They would have been huge instead of "respected"