Davies, who will always be identified with his former band, the Kinks, said he is content with life and glad that people have taken notice of his band and his solo works. He's also pleased that some fans refer to the Kinks as the first independent band. "I prefer that to being called the originators of heavy metal," he said with a laugh. "(The Kinks) have a very independent spirit. We took chances and we failed a lot.

"Other acts, their careers would have been ended by some of the bold and stupid things we did on (our) records. I have a 9-year-old daughter now. And she wants to hear the band when she visits me. I find it really hard to explain some of the weird diversions I've taken in my music over the years."

As Davies has aged, he realizes that most people write their best when they are young, even though they know more when they're older. "I think the first thing now in the last 10 years is there's so much time taken out with administration of one's life. I find it hard to find time to actually dedicate a whole day to writing.

"I think it's true. Finding time to write, because there's so much other stuff to do around the record. I get really irritated when I can't write. I love writing songs. But the process has changed. I understand the idea of not knowing anything until you're over 50. I don't think that's true. I think the difference is, when you're younger you have incredible editorial powers. I remember I was very editorial, and I made a decision and that's it.

"Maybe I'm stupid, but maybe stupidity has a lot to do with coming up with ideas. You know, because of stupidity, people walked on the moon."

If you go

What: An Evening with Ray Davies

Where: The Depot, 13 N. 400 West

When: tonight, 9 p.m.

Cost: $25

Phone: 467-8499 or 800-888-8499

Web: www.smithstix.com

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com