The Kinks - Lola - 1970
The Kinks: "Lola" (1970)
The Kinks were a significant part of the British Invasion of the US music scene in the 1960s. In 1970, they released one of their most iconic songs, "Lola." This song stands out for its narrative and musical style, as well as its controversial subject matter at the time of its release.
Background and Release
"Lola" is a song by the British band The Kinks. It was written by the band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Ray Davies. Released in June 1970, the song is known for its distinctive riff and satirical lyrics. The song tells the story of a romantic encounter between a young man and a transgender woman, which was a daring topic for its time.
Musical Composition
Musically, "Lola" combines a hard rock edge with a pop sensibility. The song features a simple, catchy guitar riff and a strong narrative style in the lyrics, making it memorable and easily recognizable.
Cultural Impact
The song was both controversial and groundbreaking. It challenged social norms and opened discussions on topics of gender identity and sexuality, which were not commonly addressed in popular music at the time.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Lola" by The Kinks released? (1970) (!1969) (!1971) (!1972)
In "Lola," what is the song's protagonist surprised to discover about Lola? (She is a transgender woman) (!That she is a famous actress) (!That she is actually from America) (!That she has a twin sister)
Which band member of The Kinks wrote "Lola"? (Ray Davies) (!Dave Davies) (!Mick Avory) (!Pete Quaife)
What musical style is "Lola" primarily associated with? (Rock) (!Jazz) (!Blues) (!Disco)
What was one of the reasons "Lola" was controversial upon its release? (It dealt with themes of gender identity and sexuality) (!It had explicit language) (!It was politically charged) (!It criticized the British monarchy)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Which country is The Kinks from? (United Kingdom) (!United States) (!Australia) (!Canada)
Before "Lola," The Kinks were already famous for which song that became a hit in the 1960s? ("You Really Got Me") (!"Stairway to Heaven") (!"Hotel California") (!"Bohemian Rhapsody")
Which instrument was primarily used in the opening riff of "Lola"? (Guitar) (!Piano) (!Drums) (!Saxophone)
In what decade did The Kinks first gain popularity? (1960s) (!1950s) (!1970s) (!1980s)
What is a unique characteristic of The Kinks' music style? (A combination of hard rock and pop elements) (!Use of orchestral instruments) (!Electronic soundscapes) (!Rap verses)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
The lyrics "Well, I'm not the world's most physical guy, But when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine" are from which song? ("Lola") (!"Waterloo Sunset") (!"All Day and All of the Night") (!"Sunny Afternoon")
How does the protagonist in "Lola" describe their drink? (As tasting just like cherry cola) (!As strong and bitter) (!As sweet as summer wine) (!As refreshing as a lemonade)
What is the setting of the song "Lola"? (A club in Soho) (!A beach in Brighton) (!A cafe in Paris) (!A street in New York)
In "Lola," what does the protagonist say about Lola's voice? (That it is deep and dark) (!That it is soft and sweet) (!That it is loud and clear) (!That it is high and squeaky)
Which line in "Lola" suggests the ambiguity of Lola's gender? ("Girls will be boys and boys will be girls") (!"Love is love, no matter where you find it") (!"Underneath the moonlit sky") (!"Dancing till the morning light")
Memory
| Ray Davies | Wrote "Lola" |
| 1970 | Year "Lola" was released |
| Guitar Riff | Distinctive feature in "Lola" |
| Gender Identity | Central theme of "Lola" |
| British Invasion | Era when The Kinks gained fame |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research The Kinks: Find out more about other songs by The Kinks and how they contributed to the rock genre.
- Analyze Lyrics: Analyze the lyrics of "Lola" and discuss its narrative style and subject matter.
- Musical Genres: Explore different musical genres of the 1970s and see how "Lola" fits within them.
Standard
- Social Impact of Music: Research and write about how songs like "Lola" influenced social attitudes towards gender and sexuality.
- Songwriting Analysis: Compare "Lola" with another song from the same era, focusing on lyrical content and musical style.
- Cultural Research: Investigate the cultural and social context of 1970 in the UK and how it might have influenced the music of The Kinks.
Difficult
- Create a Music Video: Create your own music video for "Lola," keeping in mind the song's themes and historical context.
- Interview Project: Conduct interviews with people who were teenagers when "Lola" was released, and gather their thoughts on the song's impact.
- Music and Identity: Write an essay on how music can influence one's identity, using "Lola" as a case study.
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Oral Exam
- Comparative Analysis: Compare "Lola" to a modern song that addresses similar themes. Discuss the evolution of social attitudes towards gender identity in music.
- Historical Context: Explain how the cultural and social environment of the late 1960s and early 1970s influenced the music of The Kinks.
- Creative Interpretation: If "Lola" were released today, how might the public reception differ? Discuss with examples from contemporary music.
- Music as Social Commentary: Discuss how music can serve as a form of social commentary, using "Lola" and another song of your choice as examples.
- Influence on Future Artists: Discuss how The Kinks and "Lola" may have influenced later musicians and songwriters.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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