Possibly the most perfect song ever written — but I also love the fact that Waterloo Bridge isn't a particularly notable London bridge, nor is the view from it particularly postcard-perfect. The hipper sections of London may have still been swinging in 1967, but Ray (as always) clearly felt more of an emotional connection to the everyday aspects of it that weren't showing up in newsreel documentaries or on magazine covers.
I'm not a musician, but I think this song is a bath of minor-chord gorgeousness. It presses all of the body's nostalgia buttons. And it's one of those songs that has a ton of worthy, gorgeous covers. Two of my favorites are by Lowland Hum and Peter Gabriel.
Thank you for the word Anemoia!! I just knew it existed! Why this nostalgia for something you’ve never lived through? I don’t know, but it’s definitely something that gets me out of bed each day!
(Something Else” is a splendid album! A go to for me! I love “Lazy old sun!” But I first heard “Death of a Clown” on a weird anomaly CD I bought in Germany with all Dave songs called “The album that never was!” I had been looking for the song “Creeping Jean” which I had heard on a NY radio station. That song was a game changer for me!)
I felt the same way when I discovered the word "anemoia." It explained so much. And totally agree that "Something Else" is a stunner—right up there with "Village Green" for me.
Great piece! I have had a similar reaction to a great deal of 60s music.
Thanks for checking it out! this one always hit me hard.
Possibly the most perfect song ever written — but I also love the fact that Waterloo Bridge isn't a particularly notable London bridge, nor is the view from it particularly postcard-perfect. The hipper sections of London may have still been swinging in 1967, but Ray (as always) clearly felt more of an emotional connection to the everyday aspects of it that weren't showing up in newsreel documentaries or on magazine covers.
Very true. His gift for finding the magic in everyday storytelling is unparalleled.
I'm not a musician, but I think this song is a bath of minor-chord gorgeousness. It presses all of the body's nostalgia buttons. And it's one of those songs that has a ton of worthy, gorgeous covers. Two of my favorites are by Lowland Hum and Peter Gabriel.
https://youtu.be/YKbY1QJ3tl4?si=Cq4aqsgNq2Mg1bhK
https://youtu.be/kqq721klYOY?si=1KDHIkYH1mfDqlnz
The nostalgic feelings it evokes cannot be denied. Thanks for cover recs!
Love this reflection on a gorgeous song. I was just in London so the nostalgia is super fresh!
The rock and roll nostalgia in London is overwhelming (Ziggy Stardust wall, Clash steps, etc.).
I’m writing a spec TV series on this whole thing from 1958-1981, titled “Guy.”
Oh cool!
Basically Mad Men in the early 1960s British record biz. With “stars” in the background and supporting artists to the front. Right?
I'd definitely watch it!
That’s my current creative love child!
Btw say hi to Paul Myers. We were pals on Instagram!
Will do! He's a good dude. Loved working with him on the two power pop essay collections.
I’m buying “Go All the Way” soon! 🥰
“Picture Book” is another great Kinks nostalgia song!
That song is nostalgia wrapped in nostalgia while taking a nostalgic picture of nostalgia. And one of my all time fav Kinks songs!
Russian Matryoshka doll of song, yes.
Thank you for the word Anemoia!! I just knew it existed! Why this nostalgia for something you’ve never lived through? I don’t know, but it’s definitely something that gets me out of bed each day!
(Something Else” is a splendid album! A go to for me! I love “Lazy old sun!” But I first heard “Death of a Clown” on a weird anomaly CD I bought in Germany with all Dave songs called “The album that never was!” I had been looking for the song “Creeping Jean” which I had heard on a NY radio station. That song was a game changer for me!)
I felt the same way when I discovered the word "anemoia." It explained so much. And totally agree that "Something Else" is a stunner—right up there with "Village Green" for me.