Music Review: 'To the Bone' (1996)

The Kinks appear to be working at cross-purposes on To the Bone, a two-CD live retrospective: Ray Davies wants to live up to his reputation as a songwriter, while brother Dave tries to live down his as a terrible guitarist. They both succeed. Ray lovingly sings the well-chosen selection; Dave acquits himself as a competent heavy-metal guitarist. The two new songs are fine, but unless more are forthcoming, the Kinks could, like the Beach Boys, start existing on nostalgia. B