An album by The Kinks. (First listen)
Released
November 22nd 1968 (Pye)
Recorded
Pye (London)
Produced by
Ray Davies
Listening context
Work
Device
Tablet
This is not what I expected from The Kinks. I knew the famous tracks before going in but never listened to a full album from them. Rather than following those famous songs, I opted for something different.
Release in 1968, Village Green showed how the band and their song writing was evolving. The songs sound very much of the era with the lyrics focusing on ordinary British people, places and memories reminding me of what The Beatles were doing around the same time: using pop songs to tell small stories about everyday life (Do you remember Walter?).
There were elements in this album I’ve heard other bands follow. The bassline in Picture Book reminded me of Warning? by Green Day. Its jaunty, and walks behind the guitar and vocal. It reminded me of the reason I started this site. Take your favourite bands, listen to what influenced them.
This idea also works for The Kinks. Last of the Steam Powered Trains adds a harmonica to the mix adding texture to punctuate the guitar, bass and drum but it also points back to blues and R&B.
That movement, forwards and backwards became my favourite part of the listen. The Kinks suggested later bands I already know while showing THEIR influences.
This is a great example of where The Kinks were and the evolution of the band they became. The songs are unmistakably rooted in the 1960s but the song writing, character studies and musical ideas still work.
This does not feel like an album I enjoyed because of it being considered historically important. Its an album to be enjoyed in regular rotation along side Sgt Peppers or Abbey Road.
Click here to listen on Spotify
The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society
Click here to buy the album from Amazon.co.uk
