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The Twilight Saga: New Moon
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A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
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Restaurants
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London,
André Paine's rating
Reader rating
Description: The veteran singer-songwriter and Kinks frontman plays a solo set.
Phone: 0844482 8008
Website: www.roundhouse.org.uk
Email: info@roundhouse.org.uk
Trains: Tube: Chalk Farm 
, Tube / Bus: 24, 27, 29, 31, 134, 135, 168, 214, 253, 274, C2 
Extra info: Pub, Food
Days we'll remember: Ray Davies with Razorlight's Johnny Borrell, left, who guested on Sunny Afternoon. The Kinks frontman put on a stunning display at the Roundhouse
The second year of the Electric Proms got the finale it deserved: a north London boy putting on a stunning display of classic English song-writing.
None of the other living legends on the bill could better this warm and witty performance from former Kinks frontman Ray Davies, 63, who raced through his old band's tunes as if he were three or four decades younger.
"Last time we played here we said we'd never play this dump again," he joked, although the Roundhouse has since had a major facelift.
The BBC's five-day festival has certainly proved its pulling power, although big names such as Sir Paul McCartney and Siouxsie Sioux didn't really embrace the remit of providing unique performances.
In contrast, Davies played a freewheeling set of new songs, old hits, a choral collaboration, a never previously performed rock opera (Shangri-La, recorded in 1969) and had a star guest.
Despite his easy humour, he came across as a bit chippy about his old band's success. The Kinks may have inspired everything from heavy metal to Britpop, but he was still railing about the record company who dismissed their guitar sound as like a "barking dog".
As Davies said, though, what a bark! And he teased us with the opening to Till The End Of The Day, before rocking out with his two other guitarists. Razorlight's Johnny Borrell guested on Sunny Afternoon and had a few nerves, although he displayed an obvious affection for the song.
Davies always had a tempestuous relationship with his brother Dave but dedicated the title track of his new album, Working Man's Café, to him. It was a rousing tune about how it's impossible to get a decent cup of tea these days, part anti-globalisation anthem and part grumpy old men. Even better was Morphine Song, an account of his New Orleans shooting.
Davies joked about fining himself £10 every time he mentioned his old band, but admitted he was "really proud" of the songs. That was welcomed by the fans who sang along to Tired of Waiting For You and All Day And All Of The Night.
The Crouch End Festival Chorus - described as "singing angels" - added their heavenly voices to brilliant reworkings of Dedicated Follower of Fashion and Days. And when Davies sang "they are in paradise" on Waterloo Sunset, he added for our benefit: "So am I."
A punkish Lola and the timeless You Really Got Me rounded things off. For those present, this was a Last Night of the Proms they will never forget.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
