Ray Davies Grapples With the Mythical United States—and the Real One

The second installment of “Americana” is a bittersweet journey.

Ray Davies
Our Country: Americana Act II
Legacy Recordings

More than a half-century after helping to launch the British Invasion with hits like “You Really Got Me,” former Kinks leader Ray Davies continues to make interesting, vital music. Our Country: Americana Act II offers another stirring chapter of the musical memoir he began last year, reflecting his longtime fascination with the mythical United States and the sometimes-jarring realities he’s encountered in the real-world version of the country. Mixing new songs and new takes on old ones, this bittersweet journey features backing by roots faves The Jayhawks, guest voices and enough tantalizing narrative twists and turns to inspire repeated listenings. Bring on Act III.

BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

payment methods

BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

payment methods

We Recommend

Latest

Sign up for our free newsletter

Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Subscribe

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate