Album Info
| Artist: | The Kinks |
| Album: | Preservation Act 2 |
| Gatefold: | Yes |
| Released: | Worldwide, 14 Jul 2023 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Announcement | 0:41 |
| A2 | Introduction To Solution | 2:43 |
| A3 | When A Solution Comes | 3:39 |
| A4 | Money Talks | 3:44 |
| A5 | Announcement | 0:56 |
| A6 | Shepherds Of The Nation | 4:12 |
| B1 | Scum Of The Earth | 2:45 |
| B2 | Second-Hand Car Spiv | 4:01 |
| B3 | He's Evil | 4:25 |
| B4 | Mirror Of Love | 3:28 |
| B5 | Announcement | 0:32 |
| C1 | Nobody Gives | 6:33 |
| C2 | Oh Where Oh Where Is Love? | 3:40 |
| C3 | Flash's Dream (The Final Elbow) | 3:56 |
| C4 | Flash's Confession | 4:27 |
| D1 | Nothing Lasts Forever | 3:43 |
| D2 | Announcement | 0:20 |
| D3 | Artificial Man | 5:27 |
| D4 | Scrapheap City | 3:14 |
| D5 | Announcement | 1:06 |
| D6 | Salvation Road | 3:20 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times.
- If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately.
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Preservation Act 2" is the twelfth studio album by the English rock band The Kinks, released in May 1974. It serves as the second part of the rock opera "Preservation," following "Preservation Act 1" released in 1973. The album was written by the band's frontman, Ray Davies, and continues the narrative of the Preservation saga, which is a satirical commentary on the state of society and politics.
The album is ambitious in scope, featuring a wide array of musical styles and theatrical elements. It is structured as a concept album, with a storyline that follows the characters of Mr. Flash and Mr. Black, who represent opposing forces in a dystopian society. The narrative explores themes of power, corruption, and the struggle between good and evil, with Mr. Flash as a corrupt businessman and Mr. Black as a revolutionary leader.
Musically, "Preservation Act 2" is eclectic, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, vaudeville, and even operatic influences. The album features a large cast of characters, with various band members and guest musicians contributing to the vocal and instrumental arrangements. This diversity in sound and style is both a strength and a challenge for the listener, as it requires engagement with the complex storyline and varied musical textures.
Standout tracks on the album include "Mirror of Love," which was released as a single and showcases a catchy, upbeat melody with a theatrical flair. "Money Talks" is another notable track, featuring a driving rhythm and sharp lyrics that critique the influence of money and greed. "He's Evil" is a highlight, with its dramatic arrangement and powerful vocal delivery by Ray Davies.
Despite its ambitious nature, "Preservation Act 2" received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Some praised the album for its bold concept and the band's willingness to experiment with different musical styles. However, others found the narrative convoluted and the album's length and complexity overwhelming. The album did not achieve significant commercial success, and it marked a period of transition for The Kinks as they moved away from their earlier rock sound towards more theatrical and conceptual works.
In terms of cultural significance, "Preservation Act 2" reflects Ray Davies' interest in storytelling and social commentary, which would continue to be a hallmark of The Kinks' music. The album's exploration of political themes and its critique of societal issues resonate with the turbulent social climate of the 1970s, making it a relevant piece of art for its time.
While "Preservation Act 2" did not win any major awards, it remains an interesting chapter in The Kinks' discography. It showcases Ray Davies' talents as a songwriter and storyteller, and it highlights the band's willingness to push the boundaries of rock music by incorporating theatrical elements and complex narratives.
Overall, "Preservation Act 2" is a challenging but rewarding listen for fans of The Kinks and those interested in concept albums. Its ambitious scope and diverse musical styles make it a unique entry in the band's catalog, and it offers insight into the creative vision of Ray Davies during this period of The Kinks' career. While it may not have achieved the same level of acclaim as some of the band's earlier works, it remains a testament to their artistic ambition and willingness to explore new directions in their music.
