Apeman (song)
Encyclopedia
"Apeman" is a song by the British rock band The Kinks
. It was written by Ray Davies and appears on the album Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One
. It is 3:54 in length.
composition "Rats
". While it did not do as well on the U.S. Pop Singles chart as its predecessor, "Lola
", did, it was a major hit in the UK, peaking at number five on the singles chart
. It was also the band's final chart success in Australia, reaching #9 on its chart.
performance filmed later in November, the changed lyric can be heard on the backing tape.
on his 1971 album Everything's Coming Up Roses, released by Buddah Records. It was covered by Fish
for his 1993 album Songs from the Mirror
. The Format
did another cover version and included it on their 2007 B-Sides & Rarities
album. That version of "Apeman" is featured in the film Mondovino
, and also appeared in the 1986 movies Club Paradise
starring Robin Williams
and Link starring Terence Stamp
.
The Kinks
The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion band, The Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock acts of the era. Their music was influenced by a...
. It was written by Ray Davies and appears on the album Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One
Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One
Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part OneAlternatively titled Kinks Part One: Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround; commonly abbreviated to Lola Versus Powerman is the eighth studio album by British rock band The Kinks, recorded and released in 1970...
. It is 3:54 in length.
Themes
In the song, Davies is fed up with the modern world and declares that he wants to "sail away to a distant shore and make like an apeman". He also expresses how man created our problems and, given half a chance, he would leave the cities and traffic to live in the jungle. In some ways, this is the epitome of the nostalgia expressed on the albums Lola vs. Powerman and The Village Green Preservation Society.Single release
"Apeman" was released as a single in the fall of 1970, with a B-side of the Dave DaviesDave Davies
David Russell Gordon "Dave" Davies is an English rock musician best known for his role as lead guitarist and vocalist for the English rock band The Kinks....
composition "Rats
Rats (Dave Davies song)
"Rats" is a song written by Dave Davies and performed by The Kinks on their album Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One. It is the tenth song on the album, and has a duration of 2:40.- Overview :...
". While it did not do as well on the U.S. Pop Singles chart as its predecessor, "Lola
Lola (song)
"Lola" is a song written by Ray Davies and performed by The Kinks which details a romantic encounter between a young man and a transvestite he meets in a club in Soho, London....
", did, it was a major hit in the UK, peaking at number five on the singles chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. It was also the band's final chart success in Australia, reaching #9 on its chart.
Controversy and re-dubbing
The Kinks caused some controversy, because in the line "...the air pollution is a-foggin' up my eyes...", the word "a-foggin'" sounds too much like "a-fuckin'". Like the band's previous single "Lola" where Ray Davies had to change "Coca-cola" to "cherry cola", he again had to fly back to London to re-record this line, dubbing over with a more clear "a-foggin'" prior to its single release. The original lyric remains intact on the album, and is heard at 2:20. On their Top of the PopsTop of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
performance filmed later in November, the changed lyric can be heard on the backing tape.
Cover versions and usage in movies
The song was first covered by British singer and teenage heartthrob Jack WildJack Wild
Jack Wild was a British actor who is best remembered for his performances in both stage and screen productions of the Lionel Bart musical Oliver! with Ron Moody, Shani Wallis, and Oliver Reed. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the age of 16 for the role of the...
on his 1971 album Everything's Coming Up Roses, released by Buddah Records. It was covered by Fish
Fish (singer)
Derek William Dick, better known as Fish, is a Scottish progressive rock singer, lyricist and occasional actor, best known as the former lead singer of Marillion.-Biography:...
for his 1993 album Songs from the Mirror
Songs from the Mirror
Songs from the Mirror is the third solo album by singer Fish. It does not contain any original Fish material; instead it is a cover album featuring Fish's versions of songs by artists who inspired him before his career started...
. The Format
The Format
The Format was an American indie rock band formed by Arizona natives Nate Ruess and Sam Means. The band announced a hiatus on February 4, 2008. Their style can be considered a mixture of indie, alternative, punk and folk music, with elements of 1960s and 1970s pop music...
did another cover version and included it on their 2007 B-Sides & Rarities
B-Sides & Rarities (The Format album)
B-Sides & Rarities is the first compilation album by the Arizona based indie rock band The Format. A CD version was available for a limited time with every purchase of thirty dollars or more on The Format's webstore.-Track listing:...
album. That version of "Apeman" is featured in the film Mondovino
Mondovino
Mondovino is a 2004 documentary film on the impact of globalization on the world's different wine regions written and directed by American film maker Jonathan Nossiter...
, and also appeared in the 1986 movies Club Paradise
Club Paradise
Club Paradise is a 1986 American comedy film directed by Harold Ramis starring Robin Williams, Peter O'Toole, and Jimmy Cliff. The film reunites director/co-writer Ramis with most of his SCTV co-stars -- SCTV cast members Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis, Joe Flaherty, and Robin Duke play...
starring Robin Williams
Robin Williams
Robin McLaurin Williams is an American actor and comedian. Rising to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series Mork and Mindy, and later stand-up comedy work, Williams has performed in many feature films since 1980. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance...
and Link starring Terence Stamp
Terence Stamp
Terence Henry Stamp is an English actor. Since starting his career in 1962 he has appeared in over 60 films. His title role as Billy Budd in his film debut earned Stamp an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and a BAFTA nomination for Best Newcomer.His other major roles include...
.
Personnel
- Ray Davies: Acoustic Guitars, Lead Vocal
- Dave Davies: Double-Tracked Lead Guitar, Backing Vocal
- John Dalton: Bass, Backing Vocal
- John Gosling: Piano
- Mick Avory: Drums, Maracas