Tue, Mar 21, 1995
The Animals, thanks in large part to Eric Burdon's powerful, gritty vocals, were one of the most authentic-sounding rhythm and blues revival groups of the British Invasion. The band was also one of the few First Wave acts to make a successful transition from mainstream pop to progressive rock in the late 1960s. After becoming the top pop band in their home town Newcastle in 1962-1963, The Animals relocated to London in late 1963, where club dates and television appearances led to a record contract with British Columbia. And then came "The House of the Rising Sun".
Tue, Mar 28, 1995
Hailing from Muswell Hill in North London, The Kinks were formed by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. Calling themselves The Ravens, an early line-up saw them playing a combination of R&B and rock and roll with friend Peter Quaife on bass. A self-produced demo tape reached record producer Shel Talmy, who helped the band land a contract with Pye Records in 1964. Before signing, the group replaced their drummer with Mick Avory and renamed themselves The Kinks.
