The Kinks: "Celluloid Heroes" (1972)

The Kinks, one of the most celebrated and concurrently one of the most underrated bands in history started in England in 1964 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. In their 32 years of playing and recording, they put out 24 albums of which no less than nine made the U.S. Top 40. They also had ten top selling singles in the U.S.

Experts agree that the Kinks may well have been the first "punk" (protopunk) band, and the missing link between two generations of rock and roll.

Despite their success in the U.S., they remained a very English band with a devout following. "God Save the Kinks" was a frequently heard mantra used by their fans. Many of those fans might point to their less commercial work as being their best, and the staff here at Monahan's Song wish to offer one of these for your consideration.

Released as a single, "Celluloid Heroes" never charted, but was a staple on FM radio and became a rock anthem that was always on the Kinks set list. Very similar to "Room to Move" by John Mayall as we highlighted in our last post.

"Celluloid Heroes" is one of many songs that go contrary to their commercial hits like "You Really Got Me", "Destroyer" and "All Day and All of the Night" which are fast, three chord songs that influenced The Ramones, The Clash and Oasis, among others.

But really, the Kinks were hard to nail down. "Waterloo Sunset," "Better Things" and "Come Dancing" are departures as well.

Ray Davies wrote "Celluloid Heroes" and created a masterpiece of matching lyrics and arrangement. Wikipedia's entry on the song says it best: "Davies uses the technique of personification (of the Walk's concrete stars) to create an intimate connection with the subject matter. The lyric has a warm, melancholy and nostalgic feel, and is driven by three underlying themes. First, "Celluloid Heroes" specifically cites the inhumane and exploitative manner in which the film industry can use its stars. Second, Davies suggests the escapist fantasy world of movies as an attractive respite. "I wish my life were a non-stop Hollywood movie show," he writes, "because celluloid heroes never feel any pain," and "never really die." Finally, Davies treats as metaphor the sometimes ethereal and elusive nature of Hollywood fame and success. "Everybody's a dreamer, everybody's a star" is followed by a cautionary note to the listener - those who find success must maintain their guard, because "success walks hand-in-hand with failure along the Hollywood Boulevard."

"If you covered him with garbage
George Sanders would still have style
And if you stamped on Mickey Rooney
He would still turn round and smile
But please don't tread on dearest Marilyn
'Cause she's not very tough
She should have been made of iron or steel
But she was only made of flesh and blood"

We get a feeling that Davies is saying that successful or not, famous or not, we are all the same. All that from a pretty famous artist so he show great perspective.

There are other Kink's songs that need to be included as part of the mission of Monahan's Song, but none as thoughtful or resonant as "Celluloid Heroes".

Artists who have covered this song include Joan Jett, Steve Vai, Bon Jovi, Tim Curry and Richie Blackmore...