The Kinks - The Kinks Are the Village Green Self Preservation Society (BMG)

This essential album by one of the world’s best ever bands is defined by the extraordinary catalogue of Ray Davies’ songs, driven by brother Dave Davies’ power pop guitar and became the foundation of generations of British guitar pop. ‘The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society’ cemented Ray Davies reputation as one of Britain's greatest ever songwriters of his and any generation.

These releases are part of the BMG Art Of The Album series, comprising specially packaged re-issues of seminal albums with the highest quality audio masters, artwork and packaging. Extensive sleeve notes, interviews and photography help to focus on ‘telling the story’ of the album’s production, release and cultural impact.

“I think The Village Green Preservation Society is about the ending of a time personally for me in my life,” says Ray. “In my imaginary village. It's the end of our innocence, our youth. Some people are quite old but in the Village Green, you're never allowed to grow up. I feel the project itself as part of a life cycle.”

Somewhat overlooked upon its release in November 1968, The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society is now seen as one of the best British albums ever recorded. Created in difficult circumstances by a band who refused to follow fashion, it is an album of timeless, perfectly crafted songs about growing up and growing old, and the decline of national culture and traditional ways. Enduring and unsurpassed with its wit, sadness, quiet anger, regret and charm, it is generally considered the high point of The Kinks’ outstanding career and Ray Davies’ masterpiece. A calm, nostalgic album which feels like a sweet, hazy dream but with endless layers of musical and lyrical innovation, The Village Green Preservation Society’s defiantly British sensibilities became the foundation for generations of British guitar pop.

Tracklist

The Village Green Preservation Society (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Do You Remember Walter? (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Picture Book (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Johnny Thunder (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Last of the Steam-Powered Trains (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Big Sky (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Sitting By the Riverside (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Animal Farm (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Village Green (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Starstruck (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Phenomenal Cat (2018 Stereo Remaster)

All of My Friends Were There (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Wicked Annabella (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Monica (2018 Stereo Remaster)

People Take Pictures of Each Other (2018 Stereo Remaster)

Version: Black Vinyl LP

Released: 26^th October 2018

Catalogue Number: BMGAA9LP

Condition: New Sealed