CD Review

Wipe the slate clean. Ray Davies has dawned over rock's new millennium. Davies, formerly of The Kinks, is a complicated, socially conscious musician, who delivers his message by drawing from a mount of musical styles. His first solo CD, Other People's Lives, opens with a big wall of sound in "Things Are Gonna Change (The Morning After)," which proclaims bountiful opportunities for making a new beginning. Throughout the album, Davies sings a message of hope to neighbors, jealous lovers, those growing old, and even someone suffering from depression. And in the final track, "Thanksgiving Day", he utilizes backing singers for the chorus, resulting in a sentimental ode to the American family holiday.

But, do not despair. Davies doesn't disappoint those who have come to expect his legendary, acerbic attacks on those who fall from grace. In the title track he makes his obligatory slam at the unhealthy relationship some people have with the press. His fascinating creation titled "Stand Up Comic" - made to sound like a television variety show from the '60s - is about our tendency to follow the fashion set by the majority (deja vu), and despite the rude language, it is difficult not to get caught up in the catchy tune and bouncy lyrics. And in "The Tourist" he points out the dichotomy of wealthy vacationers occupying the same space as natives who are living in poverty.

Davies is versatile and has the benefit of having actually been there and done that. In "The Getaway" he does an amazing Neil Young impression, recreates the psychedelic sound of the '60s in "The Tourist," and in "After The Fall" channels Karl Wallinger, which is just the kind of turnabout you would expect from Davies. Along with his sensitivity to social issues, Davies exudes a relaxed aire that carries through on every song here, something only one who's mark is deeply etched on rock's foundation can acquire.