Lola

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the iconic track "Lola" by The Kinks from their 1970 album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One. This song’s got a wild story behind it. Written by Ray Davies, "Lola" caused a stir with its original lyrics mentioning "Coca-Cola," which the BBC refused to play due to their strict no-product-placement rules. Ray had to hop a transatlantic flight to re-record the line as "cherry cola" for the single release, a move that let the song hit number two in the UK, just behind Elvis Presley’s "Wonder of You." The track’s bold narrative about a chance encounter with a transvestite in a London club was groundbreaking, and its acceptance of Lola’s identity—pitting her against the album’s critiqued "Powerman" and "Moneygoround" characters—shows The Kinks’ progressive stance.

Another cool tidbit comes from Ray Davies himself, who shared in a 2014 Uncut interview that the album was nearly a double LP, with a sequel planned for 1971. That follow-up, tentatively called Part Two, never materialized, and the band pivoted to Muswell Hillbillies instead. On the social media front, The Kinks’ official X account celebrated "Lola"’s 50th anniversary in 2020 with #LolaDay, inviting fans to join the party for this legendary track. The song’s enduring vibe even caught the ear of filmmaker Wes Anderson, who featured it in his 2007 movie The Darjeeling Limited, giving it a fresh wave of love.

Now, let’s groove into how The Kinks got their start. Formed in 1963 in Muswell Hill, North London, the band was spearheaded by brothers Ray Davies (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Dave Davies (lead guitar). They started as teens, jamming in their parents’ front room, inspired by American blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and British music hall sounds. Originally called The Ravens, they signed with Pye Records in 1964 and became The Kinks, a nod to their edgy, rebellious style. Their breakthrough came with the raw, distorted riff of "You Really Got Me," often credited as a proto-punk anthem, which hit number one in the UK and cracked the US top 10. Despite early success, the band faced setbacks, including a 1965–1969 US touring ban after a scuffle with the American Federation of Musicians, which limited their Stateside reach during the British Invasion peak.

The Kinks’ resilience shone through, with Ray’s sharp songwriting and the band’s genre-blending—rock, pop, folk, and even reggae vibes in "Apeman"—keeping them relevant. By 1970, Lola Versus Powerman marked a comeback, with keyboardist John Gosling joining to flesh out their sound. The band continued evolving until their 1996 split, leaving a legacy that still resonates. You can keep up with their official updates at thekinks.info, follow them on Facebook (1.3 million likes), Instagram (57.4k followers), and X. Fans also gather at sites like KindaKinks.net and the Kinks Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can connect and share their love for the band’s timeless tunes.