Yes, I know, Ray Davies usually gets all the credit, but Kinks fans have always known Dave was a very strong element. This very cool two-CD set compiles Kinks classics, songs from the guitarist’s first two solo albums from 1980 and ’81, and some live stuff and unreleased demos. And it shows Dave to be a fine writer and (to no one’s surprise) a killer rock and roll guitarist.

There’s lots of stuff here. From “You Really Got Me” to the Dylanesque “Wait Till the Summer Comes Along,” to a nasty “Milk Cow Blues,” to the power chord heaven of “Nothing More to Lose,” Dave shines in every aspect. His vocals are wonderful, whether copping a Dylan pose, or sounding very English in cuts like “Unfinished Business.” The arrangements, especially on acoustic stuff like “Love Gets You,” really shine. And I don’t need to tell you about the guitar solos. They literally ooze rock and roll. Kinks fans will love this, and others should check it out.