The Kinks You Really Got Me

The first disc of a 1986 two-part CD anthology, utilizing masters provided by PRT. The two discs comprised the Japanese-market edition of the "Kinks Greatest Hits" anthology that was issued in the UK and Europe. Although they weren't as boldly innovative as the Beatles or as popular as the Rolling Stones or the Who, the Kinks were one of the most influential bands of the British Invasion. Like most bands of their era, the Kinks began as an R&B/blues outfit. Within four years, the band had become the most staunchly English of all their contemporaries, drawing heavily from British music hall and traditional pop, as well as incorporating elements of country, folk, and blues.

This is a strangely persuasive compilation. It's rare that "best of" packages have songs from a variety of labels, yet maybe the fact that this is a German release had something to do with this draw. You Really Got Me: The Very Best of the Kinks essentially consists of three-fourths Pye/Reprise material (i.e. the '60s) and another one-fourth of Arista and MCA work (i.e. the "dark" years). What's even more rare is that this import collection is quite good…

Mobile Fidelity reissued the Kinks' first two albums, You Really Got Me and Kinda Kinks, on one gold CD. Although they have their moments, these records are uneven, and most casual fans will prefer to hear the highlights on hits collections. Which means these albums are primarily of interest to devoted fans in the first place, and the steep price tag only further pushes it into collector territory…