Released in 1979, Low Budget found the Kinks shifting gears yet again. With Jim Rodford stepping in on bass, Ray Davies steering into topical lyrics, and the band embracing a tougher rock edge, it became their best-selling US studio album. Beneath the crunch and satire, there are some fascinating stories.
1. Recorded on both sides of the Atlantic
The first songs, including “(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman,” were tracked in London at Konk Studios. But most of the album was finished in New York at the Power Station and Blue Rock Studios, giving it an extra punch of American arena-rock energy.
2. Ray Davies handled all the keyboards
After cycling through multiple keyboard players who didn’t stick, Davies decided to take on the parts himself. His playing drives much of the record, shaping everything from disco grooves to barroom-style piano flourishes.
3. Topical lyrics with superheroes in tow
While “Catch Me Now I’m Falling” invoked Captain America to critique global politics, “(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman” drew on Ray’s admiration for the comic books and a trip to see Superman: The Movie. The mix of satire and pop culture kept the themes fresh and immediate.
4. Dave Davies nearly rejected “Superman”
Dave Davies was skeptical about the disco-driven single. He eventually added his guitar parts, but he later admitted he thought the song was a risky move—saved, in his view, by its humor. Despite his doubts, it became a minor hit in North America.
5. Songs for the future snuck in
During the Low Budget sessions, the Kinks also tested out early versions of “Destroyer” and “Give the People What They Want,” songs that wouldn’t appear until their 1981 album. The sessions proved a workshop for both the present and the band’s next phase.
Low Budget turned the Kinks into a late-’70s arena rock powerhouse, brimming with disco jokes, social commentary, and riffs built for big stages. It remains a testament to the band’s adaptability—forever balancing grit, humor, and sharp songwriting.