My thanks to Rendezvous and RoxySiren for your balanced remarks. Of course, these comparisons are pretty pointless, but it's interesting to ponder how the great web of British music is woven together. One thing that BF and RD each have is a catalogue which includes both pretty simple, rocky songs (you really got me, all day and all of the night, all I want is you, both ends burning) and incredibly atmospheric, touching songs (days, Waterloo Sunset). I wonder who has written more five star pop classics which will still be regarded as such for many years to come? I'm a Roxy obsessive, but I can't help thinking Mr Davies wins that one.

No problem Purl, and that's an interesting point you've made and reminded me how pleasing and perfect it was to see Ray Davies perform Waterloo Sunset at the Olympics. It was lovely to parallel his personal 60s memories and imagery with the lovely memories of the London Games which everyone will keep forever.

And I have an RD story......when I was at Art College, the college arranged a trip down to London to see a major exhibition (Gustave Courbet). My mate Mike was our resident hilarious celebrity impersonator and celebrity obsessive, and after visiting the exhibition he pestered me to go to Leicester Square 'cos the Royal film premiere of "Close Encounters" was on. We got there really early and were right at the front about 10 yards from the main entrance. The enthusiasm and pleasure he got increased as he first identified the minor celebs - anyone remember Sam Leitch? Judith Chalmers? - then the bigger ones like Shirley Bassey. Anyway, a load of limos arrived at once and this saloon had to park further down from the entrance and near us, out got RD with, I presumed, his wife. Nobody shouted his name, bless him, so as he walked by I said "Alright Ray?," (not breathtakingly inventive I know) and he stopped and turned around and came back and said "I'm fine mate, thanks, how are you?" Mike freaked out and shouted to all and sundry - "Ray Davies!! Did you see that, Ray Davies talked to my mate!!" And for some reason an elderly Dutch couple applauded me.

Roxy every time for me too Smudge....

Rapidly Ageing Hipsters,
For me, Ferry & Davies are both wordsmiths virtually without compare.
They have done so much for British music, I can't, for the life of me understand why neither has been made "Poet Laureate".
Regarding Hendrix, I'm pretty sure his first gig was in the North-East was in '67 when he played "The Kirk". The owner and promoter of said club, John McCoy, told me he payed him about £80!
I was lucky enough to be there. The highlight wasn't particularly the music (they opened with "Wild Thing" and got booed) it was more the fight that ensued between Chas Chandler and a bouncer who evidently called Jimmy something rather bad. Seriously unwise as Chandler (ex Animals & Hendrix's manager) was a fabulous chap but had a reputation in the action department. Anyway, Chas decked this guy and knocked him straight over the banister. It was the only time I ever saw fists fly at "The Kirk". Normally it was a very cool venue. Thank God!
Great days!
Regards,
Windswept.

Sorry.......i forgot to include the touching bf songs........but of course there are plenty.........