Ray Davies (the A-Side)

Ray Davies talks about the inspiration behind two classic Kinks albums, 'Lola' and 'Muswell Hillbillies'. Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them. Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side. Both editions feature exclusive live performances of songs from the two albums. In this one (The A side), John Wilson takes Ray back to the early 1970s and the making of two classic Kinks albums. Marking a period of transition for the group (as they left one British record label for an American one), both were concept albums, tackling such broad themes as corruption within the music industry and the destruction of old communities via urban regeneration. In a revealing interview, Ray considers the power of the lyric and the importance of place in his song-writing. In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions. Producer: Paul Kobrak. First broadcast on Radio 4 in November 2012.