Album Info
| Artist: | The Kinks |
| Album: | The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society |
| Released: | US, 26 Oct 2018 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | The Village Green Preservation Society | 2:49 |
| A2 | Do You Remember Walter? | 2:25 |
| A3 | Picture Book | 2:33 |
| A4 | Johnny Thunder | 2:28 |
| A5 | Last Of The Steam-Powered Trains | 4:07 |
| A6 | Big Sky | 2:48 |
| A7 | Sitting By The Riverside | 2:20 |
| B1 | Animal Farm | 2:58 |
| B2 | Village Green | 2:08 |
| B3 | Starstruck | 2:23 |
| B4 | Phenomenal Cat | 2:36 |
| B5 | All Of My Friends Were There | 2:23 |
| B6 | Wicked Annabella | 2:40 |
| B7 | Monica | 2:16 |
| B8 | People Take Pictures Of Each Other | 2:15 |
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Description
"The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society" is the sixth studio album by the English rock band The Kinks, released on November 22, 1968. Widely regarded as one of the band's finest works, the album is a concept piece that reflects on themes of nostalgia, English culture, and the encroaching changes brought by modernity.
The album was primarily written by Ray Davies, the band's lead vocalist and principal songwriter. Davies' songwriting on this album is often praised for its wit, charm, and keen observation of British life. The album's title track, "The Village Green Preservation Society," sets the tone with its whimsical yet earnest plea to preserve the simple, idyllic aspects of village life against the tide of modernization.
Musically, the album diverges from the hard rock sound that characterized some of The Kinks' earlier hits like "You Really Got Me" and "All Day and All of the Night." Instead, it embraces a more pastoral and baroque pop sound, incorporating elements of folk, music hall, and traditional British music. This shift in style is evident in tracks like "Do You Remember Walter?" and "Picture Book," which feature jangly guitars, melodic bass lines, and intricate vocal harmonies.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Village Green," a song that encapsulates the album's central theme of longing for a simpler, more innocent time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a quaint village green, a place untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern life. The song's gentle melody and reflective lyrics make it a poignant highlight of the album.
Another notable track is "Big Sky," which offers a more cynical take on the theme of change. The song's lyrics describe an indifferent "big sky" that watches over the world without intervening, reflecting Davies' ambivalence towards the societal changes of the 1960s. The song's driving rhythm and layered instrumentation create a sense of urgency that contrasts with the more laid-back feel of other tracks on the album.
"Animal Farm" is another gem, with its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus. The song uses the metaphor of a farm to explore themes of freedom and escape, with Davies' lyrics expressing a desire to return to a simpler, more natural way of life. The song's lively arrangement and infectious melody make it one of the more accessible tracks on the album.
Despite its critical acclaim, "The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society" was not a commercial success upon its initial release. It failed to chart in the UK and only reached number 153 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. However, over the years, the album has gained a cult following and is now considered a classic. It has been reissued multiple times, with various deluxe editions featuring bonus tracks, alternate versions, and extensive liner notes.
The album's influence can be seen in the work of many later artists, particularly those in the Britpop movement of the 1990s. Bands like Blur and Oasis have cited The Kinks as a major influence, and the themes and sounds of "The Village Green Preservation Society" can be heard in their music.
In conclusion, "The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society" is a timeless album that captures the essence of a bygone era while addressing universal themes of change, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Its rich musical tapestry and insightful lyrics make it a standout in The Kinks' discography and a must-listen for fans of classic rock and British pop music.
