The Kinks‘ legendary track ‘You Really Got Me’ remains an unforgettable classic. This groundbreaking hit played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of rock ‘n’ roll as we know it today. But what if we told you that the secret behind the song’s distinctive sound is a bit more… unconventional than you might expect? In a recent appearance on Absolute Radio, Dave Davies, the band’s guitarist, opened up about the serendipitous events that led to the creation of that legendary riff.
‘You Really Got Me‘ took the world by storm when it was released back in 1964. The song’s unique, gritty guitar riff and catchy chorus made it an instant hit, propelling the Kinks to the forefront of the British Invasion. It’s no surprise that the track has stood the test of time, with music fans around the globe still turning it up to eleven and rocking out to this day.
So, what’s the story behind the captivating sound that defined this iconic track? In a new chat, Davies shared some intriguing insights. As it turns out, the secret ingredient was born out of frustration and a broken guitar amp. According to Davies, it all started when he was searching for a unique sound to set the Kinks apart from other bands.
After a heated argument with his girlfriend, he ended up venting his anger on a small amplifier he had just bought from a radio shop. The result? A battered amp that, to his surprise, produced the raw, distorted sound that would become the hallmark of ‘You Really Got Me.’
When asked if a broken guitar amp had contributed to the unique sound of their hit song, Davies replied:
“Well, I think a lot of it happened at the beginning. We were looking for something different. And one day, when I got this little amp from the radio shop next door. Two doors up. I’d had an argument with my girlfriend. Came back and thought, ‘Oh, f*ck.’ So I decided to smash it up a bit.”
What’s amazing about this revelation is that it highlights how sometimes the most extraordinary creative breakthroughs can emerge from the unlikeliest of circumstances. In this case, a broken guitar amp and a moment of anger led to the creation of one of the most memorable guitar riffs in rock history.
In the end, it just goes to show that you never know where inspiration might strike. The Kinks’ timeless hit ‘You Really Got Me’ is an outcome of the power of embracing the unexpected and turning even the most frustrating moments into musical gold. So, the next time you find yourself facing a creative roadblock, just remember Dave Davies and his ‘smashed up’ amp – you never know what brilliance might come from the chaos.
Did @davedavieskinks using a broken amp contribute to the unique sound of "You Really Got Me?"
Mick and Dave of @TheKinks chat about their iconic 1964 breakthrough hit with @Tim_Burgess on the @LlSTENlNG_PARTY!#TimsTwitterListeningParty pic.twitter.com/uC07SMip2f
— Absolute Radio (@absoluteradio) April 2, 2023
