Purr-fect songs: #10 "Phenomenal Cat" The Kinks (1968)

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“A long, long time ago In the land of idiot boys There lived a cat, a phenomenal cat Who loved to wallow” “Phenomenal Cat” has been labeled arty and whimsical. The song is about a traveler who basically does not do much but eat and be lazy. Writer Ray Davies said “The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society” was the band’s most psychedelic sounding album and this track has that feel. The flute intro is simulated by a mellatron and Dave Davies’ voice is speeded up to the cat. The legendary Kinks are among the most important British bands and formed in London in 1964 by the battling Davies brothers, Ray and Dave, who somehow stayed together until 1996. How important are the Kinks? They are cited as influential upon the likes of the Ramones, Clash, Van Halen, Oasis and Blur. Ray Davies is considered one of the rock’s finest songwriters. Pete Townsend (The Who) and Brian May (Queen) have expressed admiration. Needless to say, the Kinks are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.