The Kinks – The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society (1968)

“The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society” is the sixth studio album by the British rock band The Kinks, released in 1968. It is a concept album that explores themes of nostalgia, English culture, and the preservation of traditional village life.

Here is the track listing for the album:

“The Village Green Preservation Society” – 2:45
“Do You Remember Walter?” – 2:24
“Picture Book” – 2:35
“Johnny Thunder” – 2:28
“Last of the Steam-Powered Trains” – 4:02
“Big Sky” – 2:50
“Sitting by the Riverside” – 2:20
“Animal Farm” – 2:58
“Village Green” – 2:08
“Starstruck” – 2:22
“Phenomenal Cat” – 2:34
“All of My Friends Were There” – 2:24
“Wicked Annabella” – 2:43
“Monica” – 2:16
“People Take Pictures of Each Other” – 2:12

The album opens with the title track, “The Village Green Preservation Society,” which sets the tone for the album’s theme of preserving traditional English culture and values.

“Do You Remember Walter?” is a nostalgic ballad that looks back on the childhood friendship of two boys.

“Picture Book” is a catchy and upbeat song that celebrates the joys of looking back on old photographs and memories.

“Johnny Thunder” is a rock and roll song that tells the story of a rebellious young man who is misunderstood by society.

“Last of the Steam-Powered Trains” is a bluesy rock song that pays tribute to the old steam trains that once ran through the English countryside.

“Big Sky” is an introspective and dreamy song that explores the idea of infinite possibility.

“Sitting by the Riverside” is a gentle and reflective song that captures the peacefulness of spending time by a river.

“Animal Farm” is a satirical song that critiques the conformity and herd mentality of modern society.

“Village Green” is a short instrumental piece that serves as a musical interlude and reinforces the album’s theme of preserving traditional English culture.

“Starstruck” is a rock and roll song that tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a movie star.

“Phenomenal Cat” is a whimsical and surreal song that tells the story of a cat who dreams of being a human.

“All of My Friends Were There” is a melancholy ballad that explores the loneliness of fame and the price of success.

“Wicked Annabella” is a dark and spooky song that tells the story of a witch who terrorizes a small English village.

“Monica” is a playful and upbeat song that celebrates the simple pleasures of life.

“People Take Pictures of Each Other” is a catchy and optimistic song that encourages listeners to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the world around them.

Overall, “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society” is a masterpiece of British rock that celebrates traditional English culture and values while also pushing the boundaries of musical experimentation and innovation. The album’s unique blend of nostalgia, humor, and social commentary continues to inspire and captivate listeners to this day.

 

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