During the early 1960s, the future of rock and roll seemed uncertain, with doubts about its longevity. In the 1950s, there were a few remarkable success stories. The deaths of Buddy Holly and Little Richard’s religious transformation made people question whether the entire genre was merely child’s play. This was just before the British invasion took off. The Beatles may have brought joy to many. However, for Iggy Pop, something changed within him when he first listened to ‘You Really Got Me‘.
As Iggy Pop started to take music more seriously, he found himself outgrowing the conventional methods of writing tracks. The Beatles were undeniably one of the most iconic bands in history, captivating audiences with their performances. However, when it came to love songs, Pop was not one to openly express his romantic side through his music.
He was completely focused on causing chaos, and out of nowhere, the sound of The Kinks sparked a passionate flame within him. The band continued to don their suits and perform the familiar style of rock and roll that was popular at the time. However, there was an undeniable edge to Dave Davies’ guitar playing, emitting a raw and gritty sound.
Arguably, the first heavy metal guitar heard on a record can be attributed to Davies. He skillfully played on a cut-up amplifier despite only being able to play power chords. While some found it too aggressive and many parents dismissed it as mere noise, Pop immediately recognized its potential. He saw it as a glimpse into the future.
During the interview with VH1, Pop expressed his gratitude towards ‘You Really Got Me’ for reigniting his passion for rock music. Reflecting on his younger years, he fondly recalled the intense excitement he felt as a sophomore. It drove him to embrace the genre wholeheartedly. The intensity and forcefulness of it captivated me, evoking thoughts of rebellion. It filled me with optimism that if that can sound pleasing, then perhaps I don’t need to revise Bach’s work here.
From the opening chords of the debut Stooges album, it was clear that Pop emerged from that infectious riff. The band was never going to be the type to get sentimental during their performances. The sound of songs like ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ and ‘1969‘ blasting from the speakers was a continuation of The Kinks’ legacy.
There was also a slight increase in frustration when it came to The Stooges. With all the incredible music that The Kinks pioneered, Pop had a clear vision: to create a sound that embodied the future. It was as if he aimed to ignite a musical revelation in your mind as you witnessed his performances. He certainly didn’t hold back, being a key figure in the emergence of punk rock in the late 1970s.
Despite Van Halen’s later cover giving it a boost, the original version of ‘You Really Got Me‘ remains. It’s one of the most raw and untamed recordings from the British Invasion. When The Kinks emerged, the floodgates of heavier rock had already been opened, thanks to the pioneering efforts of The Rolling Stones. During this era, heavy rock music reigned supreme, and musicians strived to achieve that signature distortion on every single song.
