The Kinks

The Kinks - Apeman Performance from 1970 Concert

• In January 1970, during a transitional phase in their career, The Kinks were riding high on the success of their album *Arthur (Or the Decline and Fal... Read Full Description >

  In January 1970, during a transitional phase in their career, The Kinks were riding high on the success of their album *Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)*, released in October 1969. This album was a concept piece that reflected 1960s British culture and the complexities of modern life, showcasing the band's signature blend of social commentary and melodic rock. The live performance of "Apeman," which appears to be an early tribute to the forthcoming album *Muswell Hillbillies* (released in 1971), exemplifies The Kinks' ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their distinctive storytelling approach. Notably, this time period saw the band embracing a more Americana-inspired sound, coupled with humorous lyrics that often critiqued societal norms, reflecting their ongoing innovation and relevance in the rock scene.

The Kinks Perform 'Lola' at Top Of The Pops

Top Of The Pops

• In January 1970, during the time of their performance of "Lola" on *Top of the Pops*, The Kinks were experiencing a significant resurgence in their ca... Read Full Description >

  In January 1970, during the time of their performance of "Lola" on *Top of the Pops*, The Kinks were experiencing a significant resurgence in their career. This performance marked the promotion of their album *Lola vs. Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One*, which was released later that year in November. "Lola," one of their defining hits, showcased the band's clever storytelling and musical versatility. Intriguingly, the song reflects themes of gender identity and attraction, which were quite bold for its time. The Kinks had faced a turbulent period in the years leading up to this, including a temporary ban from performing in the United States, but were reclaiming their status as influential rock musicians with this new material. The televised performance helped to solidify "Lola" in the cultural zeitgeist and marked a creative peak that would propel them through the early 1970s.