frontlins
Ray Davies
These days, rock legends never die; they write books and do one—man shows. Former frontman of The Kinks, Ray Davies has metamorphosed from elder statesman of music — widely credited as a major influence for Blur and other Britpoppers — to an author and cabaret performer. Back in 1963, in an archetypal teenager bedroom scenario, Davies and his younger brother Dave formed The Kinks. Numerous hits followed, including ’Waterloo Sunset', ‘Sunny Afternoon’ and 'Lola’, and the band became one of the big sounds of the 605. Now Davies is recounting the anecdotes of rockstardom in his I, one-man show StOryte/ler at the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s closely linked to his ’ new book, Waterloo Sunset, which explores the music business of LA. and London. This ’concept album set on paper’ is a succession of tracks — short stories — loosely based on the songs they’re named after. Having portrayed I himself convincingly in the autobiography X-Ray, Davies is still drawing on first-hand experience, albeit in the guise of Leslie Mulligan, rock star. They are, after all, days he’ll remember all his life. Ray Davies: Storyteller is at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, until Sat 30 Aug at 77.45pm. Waterloo Sunset is published by Viking, priced f 74. 99.
M.A.C.
The environmentally-friendly ethos of The Body Shop has been well documented, but now Scotland’s make-up-purchasing population has another brand name it can rely upon for ethical trading standards. Canadian cosmetics company M.A.C. has recently launched its Scottish offensive with a counter in Frasers, Glasgow. Since its foundation (no pun intended) in 1985 M.A.C. has nurtured its social conscience as it has expanded its reach to over 140 outlets internationally. As well as a recycling programme for its simple but stylish containers and a ban on animal testing, the company has set up its own Aids fund. Rupaul, one of the faces of M.A.C. along with kd lang, launched the Viva Glam lipstick range, conceived so that all selling profits go to local Aids services, while the MAC. Kids Helping Kids greeting cards range helps children living with HIV. Of course, it’s not all moral rectitude — the incredible variety of colours has earned the M.A.C. range a reputation for vibrancy, and the company’s founder Frank Toskan reckons that make-up is just make-up. It won’t save your life, but its proceeds might make someone's else’s more bearable. (Fiona Shepherd) M.A.C. make-up is now available from Frasers department store, Glasgow.
2 THE lIST 29 Aug-11 Sept 1997