Plastic Man - The Kinks - 1969
Plastic Man - The Kinks
Plastic Man is a song by the British rock band The Kinks, released in 1969. Written by Ray Davies, it satirizes the superficiality and materialism of contemporary society, a common theme in Davies' work. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with its critical lyrics.
Background
Plastic Man was released as a single after The Kinks' return from a brief ban by the BBC due to disputes over work permits. The song reflects Ray Davies' sharp commentary on social issues, particularly the plastic, artificial nature of modern life.
Song Analysis
The lyrics of "Plastic Man" describe a character who epitomizes the false and superficial aspects of society. He is depicted as a conformist who changes his persona to fit in with the expectations of those around him. This satirical portrayal is enhanced by the song's energetic and somewhat ironic musical style.
Impact and Legacy
Although not one of The Kinks' biggest hits, "Plastic Man" has been praised for its insightful lyrics and remains a fan favorite. It showcases Ray Davies' knack for blending pop sensibilities with thought-provoking commentary. The song fits into the broader context of The Kinks' exploration of British life and culture during the 1960s and 70s.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Plastic Man" by The Kinks released? (1969) (!1967) (!1970) (!1965)
Who wrote the song "Plastic Man"? (Ray Davies) (!Dave Davies) (!Mick Avory) (!Pete Quaife)
Which theme is prominently featured in the song "Plastic Man"? (Superficiality and materialism) (!Love and romance) (!Political corruption) (!War and peace)
What musical style best describes "Plastic Man"? (Rock) (!Jazz) (!Blues) (!Classical)
What kind of character is "Plastic Man" depicted as in the song? (A conformist) (!A rebel) (!An artist) (!A scientist)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Which band performed "Plastic Man"? (The Kinks) (!The Beatles) (!The Rolling Stones) (!The Who)
Who was the lead vocalist of The Kinks? (Ray Davies) (!John Lennon) (!Mick Jagger) (!Roger Daltrey)
Which Kinks member is known for his songwriting? (Ray Davies) (!Dave Davies) (!Mick Avory) (!Pete Quaife)
What was the BBC's relationship with The Kinks around the time "Plastic Man" was released? (The Kinks had just returned from a ban by the BBC) (!The Kinks were receiving an award from the BBC) (!The Kinks were collaborating with the BBC) (!The Kinks had never interacted with the BBC)
Which decade did The Kinks form in? (1960s) (!1970s) (!1980s) (!1950s)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is Plastic Man's behavior in society according to the song? (He conforms to expectations) (!He rebels against norms) (!He isolates himself) (!He leads social change)
How does the song's musical style contrast with its lyrics? (The upbeat tempo contrasts with critical lyrics) (!The slow melody matches the solemn lyrics) (!The jazzy style enhances the lighthearted lyrics) (!The classical arrangement underscores the historical lyrics)
Which societal issue does "Plastic Man" critique? (Superficiality) (!Environmentalism) (!Healthcare) (!Education)
What adjective best describes Plastic Man's persona? (Artificial) (!Authentic) (!Empathetic) (!Innovative)
What is a prominent feature of Ray Davies' songwriting as seen in "Plastic Man"? (Social commentary) (!Fantasy storytelling) (!Romantic themes) (!Historical narratives)
Memory
| The Kinks | 1960s |
| Plastic Man | Superficiality |
| Ray Davies | Songwriter |
| BBC Ban | 1969 |
| Conformist | Artificial |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a poster: Design a poster that captures the themes of "Plastic Man."
- Write a summary: Summarize the message of "Plastic Man" in your own words.
- Research the band: Find out more about The Kinks and their impact on music.
Standard
- Analyze the lyrics: Write an analysis of the lyrics of "Plastic Man."
- Compare songs: Compare "Plastic Man" with another Kinks song that critiques society.
- Discuss themes: Discuss how the themes in "Plastic Man" are relevant today.
Difficult
- Create a video: Make a short video discussing the impact of "Plastic Man" and The Kinks on modern music.
- Conduct an interview: Interview someone from an older generation about their thoughts on The Kinks and "Plastic Man."
- Write an essay: Write an essay on the role of satire in music, using "Plastic Man" as a case study.
- Develop a project: Create a multimedia project that explores the history and cultural impact of The Kinks.
- Host a debate: Organize a debate on whether the issues highlighted in "Plastic Man" are still prevalent today.
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Oral Exam
- Analyze lyrics: Explain how the lyrics of "Plastic Man" reflect societal issues of the 1960s.
- Discuss influence: Discuss the influence of The Kinks on later rock bands.
- Compare and contrast: Compare "Plastic Man" to another song with a similar theme from a different artist.
- Evaluate impact: Evaluate the impact of The Kinks' music on British culture.
- Interpret song: Interpret the significance of the title "Plastic Man" in relation to the song's message.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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