Neal Augenstein, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Some bands get rich and famous. Others never get the credit they deserve.
A recent blog post in the Huffington Post names The Kinks as “rock’s most underrated band.”
Tough to argue with the band whose “You Really Got Me” power chords and riffs have influenced musicians ranging from Pete Townshend to Oasis, and have been covered by everyone from Van Halen to Tony Award-winning singer and actress Patti LuPone.
Ray Davies, his brother Dave Davies, and The Kinks formed in 1964.
They’ve amassed five Top 10 singles on Billboard charts in the U.S. — nine of their albums charted in the Top 40.
You Really Got Me video:
Take the song, “Waterloo Sunset,” which rock critic Robert Christgau called the “the most beautiful song in the English language.”
Yet, other bands have generated songs to buoy a generation without receiving the attention — and money — they deserve.
The Ramones defined punk rock in 1976, yet had limited commercial success before they disbanded in 1996.
KISS has filled concert halls since the 1970s, but still isn’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Weigh in on Facebook or use the hashtag WTOP on Twitter and tell us which band you think is the most underrated band.
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