Reviews (page 10 of 13)
Great gentle british pop rock concept album.
Concept album without major hits, but a fun listen.
Not as good as Arthur for me, but it's still thematically strong
Very quaint and whimsical. Honestly, it verges on too quaint and whimsical. Still, Ray Davies is clearly a talented songwriter and there are plenty of lovable moments here. Best song: Picture Book
What a delightful album. Variability in every song. I love the subtle hints of blues and what I now understand to be Merseybeat.
3,5 *
The Kinks are always a good listen. This isn’t a favorite but there are some good tracks on this. It’s hard to be great when it’s a concept album.
Bien.
But my first email address was a pun on a song off Village Green
Cool album, liked it.
Great hits from other albums, but in the context of 1968, they pale in comparison to the Beatles and other contemporary legends of the time
sounds of the late 60s...energetic, melodies with piano backing, short songs clocking in at less than 3 mins... Reminiscent of the Beatles or the Monkees. Pleasant, morning music.
3/5 Not my favorite early pop-rock experience, it feels like a muted beatles experience, and the beatles pre-drugs are not particularly inspiring nowadays, let alone the costco brand version
It is now that I am deciding that I will only listen to these albums once, and only once before I write anything. And I will not be editing these blurbs. This album is like the Beatles if I liked them at all. They have that old studio sound of a group of artists just hanging out in their prime. Peak chilling on a lot of these songs. 7/10 also Hot Fuzz reference
the dumbest nonsensical English storytelling twee wanky tanky willy wonky shit I’ve ever heard
Sound a la Beatles
This album strikes me as distinctly average. Critics apparently praised the songwriting, but it comes across to me as rather contrived. I didn't find this a very exciting album, though it must have been good at the time to have an album focussed on 'English-ness'.
Picture early Beatles. It's okay, if not a bit too sweet and simple.
The Kinks just dont do it for me. I don't get the hype. Decent music though. This one was kinda long.
if red dead had a goofy soundtrack
I don't know which came first, but I hear CCR in this Kink's album.
I didn't enjoy this Kinks album as much as Arthur. This one sounded a lot like the Beatles but without the charm.
3/5
Comenzaron cuando yo nací. Veo cosas que después encontraría en otros grupos
Okay.
Maybe this album has some historical importance that I am too young to grasp, but looking back from 2024 it seems generic. It isn't bad, precisely, just ordinary.
It’s weird only ever hearing the popular tracks, there are some real oddball tracks in here but overall I dig it. 3/5
Although unique in some of its arrangements and definitely containing some eclectic pop sounds, the album as a whole doesn’t stand out for me. The album as a whole is pretty safe and stays well within the late 60’s musical pop sounds, ensuring that it will be accepted by reviewers. There are only one or two songs that I will likely visit again, including All of My Friends and Picture Book, but really little more can be found that cannot be found elsewhere in the late 60’s pop music. When put beside albums by otrher artists within a couple of years before or after, there are albums that stand out far more.
Have I heard of The Kinks? I think I have, but I'm not sure. This album cover is giving me Beatles vibes so that's the kind of sound I'm expecting. Okay yeah. This is what I was expecting. Track 2 is odd. Not a huge fan of that. Track 3 is really catchy. I don't understand the appeal of these kinds of vocals though. They are also all singing unison. This is the same issue I have with the Beatles lol. I don't know if I'm just dumb or what, but most of these songs don't make sense to me. Mmmkay track 6 is not my favorite. I have been enjoying the melodies so far though. The piano on track 7 is giving ragtime vibes. Not mad at that. Oh wait, now it's started to go off the rails. Hang on...did "Bittersweet Symphony" sample track 8?? I love the flutes in the beginning of track 11. Reminds me of an old Disney movie. Turns out, that's all I like about that track. 3/5 I don't listen to this genre much, basically because I'm not a huge fan of the vocal style. While I found many of these songs to be a bit weird, I did have fun listening.
A decent album, but very of its time. The primitive production and tinny sounding instruments date this album a lot, and sonically has not aged as well as some other 60s albums. That being said, there is very little to actively dislike on this album, it still has some fun grooves that were rather enjoyable to hear.
naja
Fairly diverse range, light listen for a nice day out in the summer.
Not sure if I liked this better than Arthur! Still quite nice.
Not bad but will probably not listen again
Ihan kiva, aika lailla parasta Kinksiä kokonaisuutena, ainakin mitä olen kuullut ja jos multa kysytään. On nimittäin kokonaisuus, vaikka ajan hengen mukaisesti käydään vähän ”orientaalisissa” ja keskiaikaisissa tunnelmissa (ilahduttavasti molemmissa niin, ettei tule sekava olo) mutta sopivan pienesti (ei silkkaa sitaria ja psykedeliaa).
Classic
Several of the songs are very Beatle-esque, which I didn’t expect. I love the Beatles so that endears me to their sound. But, it begs the question- how much of this album is simply mimicking popular sounds of the times? Hmm. Enjoyed it regardless. 3.2
I don't know much about The Kinks -- if I did, I might appreciate this more. Some songs were decent, but the majority is standard psychedelic pop. Doesn't do a whole lot for me. 3.3
Good old Ray Davies
It was ok, not a big fan of the Kinks
☆民俗、鄉村音樂 love:Last of the Steamed-Powered Trains
Solid retro rock album with a distinct sound.
Not bad, but feels a little like Kirkland Signature Sgt. Pepper's.
The Kinks are a band I never really listened to for some reason. I think maybe it's because when I've wanted to hear this sort of sound I would have more easily just put on The Beatles. I can tell that there's depth here and more to just a single listen so I can't rate it too hard off of that, but at the same time I'm not grabbed by too much from this first full listen. I know there's more! There has to be. Unfortunately the record just sort of flew by. I'm giving it a 3 but predicting a 4 in the future.
On the verge of annoying, and I can’t say I really enjoyed this album. I was considering giving it a 2, but there’s enough charm and earnestness to bump it up at least half a star.
Better than the last one but still some real questionable stuff in here
I liked the variety of music, but some of the songs were a little too jaunty for my taste. I didn’t love the singer’s voice either.
I like the kinks! 3.5 because I'm taking -.5 for too much 70s-ish british music
2.5 stars, rounded up for Phenomenal Cat
Solidan
Fine
I really feel like I should like this more but having tried it a few years ago and again a few times since, it just doesn't move me hugely. I like The Kinks in general, right through 70s and 80s. I feel like the conceptual nature of this album elevates it's standing.
I thought they went a bit harder than this album lets on. Like a cooler Beatles.
This isn't the Kinks best work. It is perfectly serviceable, but not a single sing stuck out. It all sounded so generically Kinks. 3/5.
That was cute
The music and words to me are just okay. The idea and vision is there but I'm not feeling a deep connection to the idea or the artist so far. I also don't really favor the fade out endings and nearly all the songs on the album had them as their "ending."
Twee with a side of cheese.
Can hear the influence on bands like Spacehog for sure! 2.73
Not my favorite Kinks record but solid
I didnt think i would like this but i did. Kinda early beatles vibe. Will definitely listen more in the future
Not my favorite Kinks album. Not even sure why it’s considered great without reading about it.
Solid 60s type rock. Enjoyed.
Like most people, I've heard all the 'hits' from The Kinks. But most of this album was new to me. It was fairly standard brit pop from the 60s. I don't think I would revisit this one at all but it wasn't like I was waiting for it to be over. Would be a solid 2.5/5.
Very reminiscent of its time period. Fun music but a little disjointed and forgetful
Love: Like: Like the sound of Last of the Steam-Powered Trains Sitting by the Riverside Starstruck Village Green Preservation Society Do you remember Walter All of my Friends were there Meh: Big Sky Animal Farm Village Green Wicked Annabella People take pictures of each other Monica Nope: Phenomenal Cat
Lots of kinks on this list. Preferred this to the previous one (which I think was the album released after this), this one was them starting to become experimental and without going too far. less harpsichord in this album too. Generally I prefer the kinks to the Beatles but they don't have the big marquee songs. Can't tell if the whole village green thing is just a theme to hang the album on or genuinely how they feel, if it's the latter and they thought things had changed too much in the sixties they must have been massive Tories, which I should mark them down for really. The album in general was a middle of the road 3.
I thought it was decent 60s pop, didn't feel particularly inspired though.
Iets te oud voor mijn smaak
This album was pretty similar to the last one (Odessey and Oracle) but a little bit more enjoyable. I would say genre is exactly the same and works as a remembrance to The Beatles' era. To me this kind of music, though enjoyable, sometimes falls silly. I am more used to more stimulating melodies.
Fun album. Nice mix between psychedelic and folly rock. Enjoyed it. Probably won't come back to it though
good not great, only one memorable song to me
3,5/5
The Village Green Preservation Society - 8/10 Do You Remember Walter? - 8/10 Picture Book - 8/10 Johnny Thunder - 8/10 Last of the Steam-Powered Trains - 8/10 Big Sky - 7.5/10 Sitting By the Riverside - 7.5/10 Animal Farm - 8/10 Village Green - 7.5/10 Starstruck - 7.5/10 Phenomenal Cat - 8/10 All of My Friends Were There - 7/10 Wicked Anabella - 7.5/10 Monica - 7.5/10 People Take Pictures of Each Other - 7/10 TOTAL - 115/150
One thing this project is teaching me that I was pretty unaware of is England’s obsession with not losing them selfs to America. This is a reoccurring theme that spans decades. As a Canadian I get it. The opening 3rd of this album is fantastic. Overall it’s definitely a little folkier Beatles. As usually the 2nd half blends together. I don’t know the kinks, so I don’t know the context but this feels like the “true fans” fav album. It’s good 7.4/10
This was ok, I always think the kinks are heavier
I keep running into this issue with albums of this era - everything kinda sounds like the Beatles, but not *quite* as good. Still, I really like the humor on this album, and the songs are written well. There's a decent amount of stylistic experimentation as well, which I love.
Quirky and fun!
I like it. Easy listening. Wish I paid a little more attention to listening to this while at the gym. Not the best workout music lol 3.3
Some of the best pop rock I've heard in a while
The songs were ok, but it mostly sounded like they wished they were the Beatles. The Kinks have much better material to include in this list.
Fuck these guys, they're British, they keep talking about cricket and jam and I have never heard more unrelatable lyrics. They should have deleted everything Phenomenal Cat and after. I didn't outright hate any songs but they kind of all sounded the same, and i would never consciously listen to this album again. Added only Starstruck to my playlist, but I also enjoyed Picture Book, Johnny Thunder, Village Green, and Monica. The style grew on me, was worth the listen. Maybe a 4 or 5/10. All of this bands' good songs were re-recorded by actually good bands on modern equipment, but this handpicked album has none of those originals strangely so I wonder why it's even in this collection
Paul Rudd as Kunu voice: “you sound like you’re from London!”
Very plinky plonky and twee, if you like that vibe then happy days, but it's not for me.
Sounds like they inspired the likes of ELO kind a an oldie but not that goodie in my opinion. My parents would probably love them. a few songs reminded me of green tambourine
I don’t think I like it very much 🙁
Interesting album. At least it's original.
Without getting any context on what exactly I was listening to I just jumped into what the Kinks had to offer and it was…….. interesting? Not a bad listen per se, I was reminded of my first time listening to the monkees or the beach boys or even the EARLY beatles. I didn’t really know how to describe what I was listening to I just knew it was going to be a listen I needed to try and give it an objective look. Well I tried and this definitely isn’t for me. I realize I’m not the biggest fan of the early experimentation with early psychedelic rock/pop. I can’t say I didn’t come out curious though. 3 out of 5 stars.
# 97 : Easy listening and solid musically and lyrically, hard to fault, although no hits on this record. Pretty standard '60s rock, I like it, but nothing special really. Favourite Track : Picture Book Listened : 27/10/2023
I expected way worse, but most songs were actually listenable to. Some obviously aged quite a lot, but not too bad overall
Village green
The Kinks always feel less polished and put together than the Beatles. I think this is a good thing. Lots of tracks on this album sound like they're having a good time recording. Overall, a fun record but I probably won't be on the lookout to own it for my collection or anything. Favorite tracks: Do You Remember Walter?, Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, The Village Green
It was ok!
Did not enjoy this
You can really hear the Beatles influence on this album, and several tracks that sound like they could have been on an early Beatles album. That simple poppy melodies, especially on the song "just can't sleep". Then you get to that striking track "You really got me now" that has such a great sound. Overall not a super memorable album for me but I think it just hasn't aged well and can be hard to judge when so much has come after it.
Sounds like a quirky Beatles
I was surprised, quite pleasantly, as my previous exposure to The Kinks was limited to their most well-known tracks. Musically none of the tracks stood out as headliners, but equally, none of them were weaker either. I probably wouldn't be rushing to listen to it again, but neither would I turn it off.
I feel like I'm part of the original audience for this album that wondered what the lads were thinking when they produced this. I like the Kinks so I'll listen to it again in 20 years, and will surely praise it then for its vision and brilliance.
Meh. Hippy music. There’s a time and place. Not bad. Not great.
jipis
Es un 3.5. Lo disfruté.
Growing up surrounded by 60's pop and rock, I can appreciate the album, but musically I don't find much that particularly stands out. Interesting wiki read. Best Song(s): Sitting by the Riverside, All My Friends Were There Listen Again: Probably not
Pretty good. Even more British than The Beatles. Can't see me regularly listening but good for a kind ol' time.
Pretty good album
Album starts strong with the opening track, but doesn't keep the momentum up and falls flat for the majority of the record unfortunately.
Average
Pretty standard and inoffensive '60s rock. Admittedly my exposure to this decade of English rock is limited, but this sounds like other stuff I've heard from the era. Like I really don't know what the difference between this and The Beatles is--they sound identical to me. Pleasant songwriting and melodies but not adventurous or surprising enough to be interesting. Maybe it was ahead of its time and I'm just dumb? That's probably it.
downloaded 2,3,6,7
So this is DC's versions of The Beatles?
A little mellow for my taste. Good use of a wide variety of instruments throughout. Sounds a bit like cookie cutter version of Paul McCartney's Beatles songs, so if you enjoy those then you may enjoy this. Sounds a bit like the Beatles "Revolver" from two years earlier without being as musically adventurous.
Not a bad album, with some interesting experimental songs, but not to my taste. Carried mostly by the strong title song. Favorite song: The Village Green Preservation Society. 6/10
There's some moments in this album that I feel transcend time and touch on feelings still relevant today, but there's not many. Most of the album is fine, if typical 60s rock. There's also a few moments where all I can think is "br*tish 💀" Favorite track: Wicked Annabella
Didn’t love this one. Felt a bit like off-label Beatles. 3/5
Fits well into any categories with The Beatles and the Zombies
I’m sure this album was prodigious for the time, but 1968 was a long time ago and music has come a long way since.
All the songs have a very similar sound to them.
3.5
Overall really liked this. Sounds a lot like Rubber Soul or Revolver, just missing the standout tracks that those albums have. 3.5/5 Would listen again
Not my favorite Kinks album, it does have a few decent songs. Picture Book, Village Green, The Village Green Preservation Society, Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, Do You Remember Walter? Sitting by the Riverside, Animal Farm, People Take Pictures of Each Other 3.5
The more I listened, the less I liked this.
I like the kinks greatest hits and I LOVE the song Strangers. However, when I listened to this album back in 2019 I didn't like it at all. Today though, I enjoyed it quite a bit. I think its a grower for sure. I don't love the opening track, I actually prefer the football chant of it to the original song. Village Green is a highlight It's either a 3 or a 4. It might be a high three for now, but certainly has the chance of becoming a 4
Solid, entertaining.
Typical 60s ish.
hobbit rock!
Better than the other early generated albums
Nice album but not that special
This gets close to being actually good, but the impression it leaves after listening is "just okay"
Decent but forgetable
starts off slow and I really was getting annoyed that I had to listen to this, but it hits its stride midway through and is great! Songwriting is good and sounds sillier than ever. best tracks: Big Sky, Village Green, Phenomenal Cat
Het ademt in alles de Beatlesque 60s sfeer en met hun grappige teksten en vrolijke deuntjes zullen ze weinig vijanden hebben. Maar het wreekt een album als dit, dat er niet een hitje op staat, die ze wel degelijk gehad hebben. Dit is typisch zo'n bandje waarvan het beter is om de greatest hits op te zetten
Love the Kinks, but this was mid
I liked the last song on side one (Sitting by the Riverside). Tracks 2, 9 also good.
3/5
fun beatles contemporary music
Pretty Good. I love the kinks, but this is not their best album (i prefer Face to Face, or Something Else). It is saved by the title track, and its double, 'village green' for the image of snotty, verdant middle english angst it creates, but it feels rudderless from the third song onwards, becoming an almost stale recreation of the experimental music of the period. Worth listening to, but i'd rather just listen to three of these songs in a sixties playlist than this album all the way through again.
Pretty good, great to hear songs that are great lyrically, even if its not particularly exciting! The first half was a lot better than the second
Good
i enjoyed it !! solid album 😁
Lovely but dated.
nice música de conducir por nacional
Not their best
\"We have Beatles at home...\", but that does not make them worse, I just still like Beatles more.
Quaint but nostalgic, love the song Village Green, has a melancholy feel
Reminded me of the Beatles, good but not a genre I am into.
Luistert lekker weg en geeft een positieve draai aan een dag. Daar blijft het wel bij.
Thought I would like this more, but other than the title song, a bit bland
The Kinks always feel like to me like they make kid’s songs for adults. A fun journey.
This was okay. Still feels like a knock off Beatles. Maybe a little more punk. But not a lot. This is still really safe.
Вы скажете: но ведь это же просто ещё одни Битлз? Ну в целом - да. Однако не всё так просто... Эти парни были возможно даже популярнее чем Битлз в своё время. А ещё они ебашили адовые концептуальные альбомы. Наверное, где-то этот концепт уходил уже за грань и слушать это было очень тяжело. Однако мне понравилось, как они настаивали на вот этой своей "британской" тематике альбомов: клавесин там в паре мест прям отлично залетел. Итогово: сложно. Концептуально - 4: я не бритиш, мне понять сложно, но задумка заебись, контекст конечно решает. Эстетически - 2: бля, да это нереально слушать, ещё и в стерео ебаном... P.S. Прикольно, что у альбома есть и моно версия в том числе: хотя мне в итоге часть треков понравились в стерео, а часть - в моно.
Generic pop. Fair. Not outstanding. 3/5
Of its time.
3.5/5
I've heard 3(4? 5? 100?) Kinks albums now on this list. My opinion remains the same as before instattes this project: The Kinks were fine and quite influential, but I just don't get the hype.
I usually appreciate the heavy amount of Kinks on the list, but this one is a bit too unfocused and silly for my tastes ('All of My Friends Were There'). Still very impressive songwriting and adventurousness!
correct
just good old fashioned pop rock, 60’s style. as with many other bands of the era, very reminiscent of the beatles. quality. highlights: “the village green preservation society”, “village green”, “wicked annabella”.
This was pretty good. I can see the draw. It's not as good as I really expected though, thb. Lola is epic and this is... simpler.
Decent. I think Lola vs Powerman is better.
3.5
Pretty solid album about how small town life might not be as bad as we remember.
5/10. Decent, nothing special.
De vieux sons, j'aime bien le style, on voit que ça a été précurseur de plusieurs autres groupes après. Je connaissais pas tant, belle petite découverte.
Some fine songs on this early concept album but lacking the immediacy of other Kinks output.
Enjoyable
Blur's third best album
Started out as a solid 3 and dropped off toward the end. Could easily dip into 2 star
This album was okay. Took me a minute to realize why "Picture Book" seemed so familiar: Green Day snagged that guitar riff for their song "Warning." "Sitting by the Riverside" almost sounds like a McCartney track, especially the old-timey-sounding piano bits. Not for the first time, I get the feeling the Kinks are sorta riding the Beatles coattails. Going to round up from 2.5.
Everything that's great about the 60's 2 Missing the killer single
Title track is quaint, otherwise just average.
Musically, very low-fi 60’s. Does not sound passable in 20xx…Lyrically, I suppose the album is stronger than most. 2.9/5
Cool
Very poppy 60s stuff
A strong album of its time and the band plays well. Not a huge fan of the individual tracks, however.
I love The Kinks, and can see why this was so beloved of the 90s BritPop cohort. They do have a way with a lyric and a tune, although I prefer some of the catchier singles to many of the songs here, truth be told, even the ones from this particular era. In 2023 this sounds very dated. The idea of 'quaint old England' feels regressive, rather than progressive or celebratory. And the 60s stylings do sound just that now. This was a great idea at the time, and even made sense in the nineties, and it's hardly Davies & co's fault that the world they tried to convey ended up quite so bent out of shape. But it's hard to hear this in the spirit it was intended from this far away.
Enjoyed this, but definitely liked it more when The Beatles did it. 3/5
I can see how people with this music taste can like it. I personally don’t listen to this kind of genre. I can appreciate the art🕺
Umulig å hate, men ikke elskbar heller. Var sikkert revolusjonerende på 60-tallet, men høres litt gammelt ut i 2023
Ups and downs, but interesting parts. Want to listen again.
To be honest I was hoping for a bit more. Still a good listen
Bien
They day if you remember the 60s you weren't there. This album is a cross between a series of advertising jingles, a kids' album and psychedelic bizzaro pop. It's hard to be unkind but really... what were these guys on?!?!
Got some good vibes on here
Some nice melodies, quite pleasant.
First half was great, second half was just okay. High 3 star.
pretty pretty good
A decent album that I listened to twice. I would listen to it again. It was easy and enjoyable but didn't stand out extraordinarily to me, otherwise I would have given it a 4/5.
ok
Pretty classic British pop.
3.5/5 Above average for a group of song I never heard before.
Sure, the Kinks are good but man I'm such of white British dudes in the sixties.
7/10
Ok
I give it a 3-star ranking, since it does not convince me at all. It should be noted that it is more for my musical taste than for the quality of the album.
Pretty good, wasn't really my thing, wasn't much difference between songs and so got bored
It’s difficult to understand why something like this record makes this list. I really don’t think it’s bad but it just sounds like 100 different records that came before it or that came out around the same time, so what makes it so noteworthy? 5/10
Baroque is the right way to describe most of the sounds of this album. An interesting blend of the classic late 60's Brit sound with classical influences moving more and more away from the norm. An interestingly peaceful listen with some quirks
mmmh. another fine album from the kinks
Quirky innit. Very British. Little psychedelic flourishes that sound a bit silly now. Think paisley, hippies, private school, cricket, that sort of thing. Occasionally goofy in a charming way, like Hugh Grant's hair bobbing round the corner of an Oxford book shop. It's wet and self aware but only to a limit. It also feels a little one note on first listen but not compelling enough for a second any time soon
Love the Kinks, one of the more progressive 60s bands. That said, it's not one of their best albums, with the best track being Picture Book, with the intro rift sampled in the noughties by Green Day on their track Warning.
Hard to hate this classic, very representative of it’s time
Improved upon subsequent listens. A favorite of my favorites. 6/10
Some unique production throughout with a clear Beatles undertone. Sounds good but at times felt a but repetitive and lengthy.
I like the 60s, Beatles-esque sound but all the songs seemed muted and nothing stuck with me. I did enjoy the listen though
It was good. The 60s rock/pop sound does get boring/repetitive to me after a few songs but as far as that goes, this album was better than others. 3 stars.
This album is perfectly fine to listen to while I figure out how to embroidery stitch.
Hade en Greatest Hits på CD med Kinks en gång i tiden. Tror inte en enda låt från den här plattan var med.
I read some of the Wikipedia entry for this album and band and I feel pressured to give a high score because of the influence they've had. However, I got some of the same thoughts listening to this album as I did to Sticky Fingers, including: 1) Should I quit this project now bc I really don't have an interest in hearing EVERY influential 1960s/70s British rock band album, 2) what proportion of albums on this list are by white men? 3) If someone told me this was the Beatles I'd probably be like "hmm, okay," and then move on with my day. Intellectually, I understand the appeal, but emotionally, I do not connect. The music is fine. The lyrics are fine. I guess that it feels so familiar even though I've never heard any of it is a testament to the influence but...I wasn't blown away. Maybe that makes me a philistine. Idk.
They’ve done better
All over the place. It’s alright, not their best album
This was another alright album by the kinks. The title track is always great and makes me think of hot fuzz and the rest is another 60s kinks album where it seems very focused on middle class British life with the Walter song and such. Also, I’m not to the point I’m at with the who but I’m ready to be done listening to kinks albums on this list now.
The album depicts a slice of life perspective on England, at times in a reminiscent rear-view (i.e. 'Picture Book', 'Village Green') and other times in the first-person (i.e. 'Big Sky', 'Sitting By the Riverside'). It felt like a follow-up album to David Bowie's debut self-titled album, in a way. Be that as it may, the album is singularly true to its vision which I found intriguing when listened to from start to finish. It was like each song transported me into different consciousnesses, each sharing a moment in time and vibin on a similar sentiment of thought, and yet each being entirely its own. I had a personal connection to the song 'Village Green' in particular, based on my own visit to one such green, in township outside of Lytham St Annes once. So, yeah. Once I took my mind out of musical consumer mode, and kicked it into art reflection mode, my perception of the album changed. Perhaps the timeline of the album's popularity tells a similar story. In any case, credit where credit is due.
not as good as the other kinks album I know a very hippy, laid back album
Nice listening to old Kinks. Prefer their later albums.
The Kinks are one of the best British Invasion bands, but this album is too precious and twee for me to rate it more highly.
3.5
Brit rock with some "jangliness"
Entertaining but nothing extraordinary
cheek and snark why so serious? morning song
I liked it. Liked “Wicked Annabella”, which I had already heard, as well as “Village Green”. I feel like I might regret this rating later like I always do, but I’m going to give it a 3 because nothing really surprised me. Maybe once I come back to it I’ll like it more.
Why have I not listened to this album before??
Idk it felt like standard 60s Brit rock to me
Sounded like The Kinks
Village green preser : always a banger mumsy poo put me on Walter: put your dick away thought it was mr blue sky at the start Johnny: it’s okay just okay Steam trains: honky Tommy hillbilly western Yeehawwwww Animal farm: 2nd fave
I don't consider myself to be a huge fan of 1960s pop rock, but there's really nothing to dislike about this album. It's easy, cozy listening with a strong track list and no real "skip" songs, although equally none stuck out as a new favourite for me. My top 5 tracks (in no particular order): Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, All of my Friends Were There, Animal Farm, Big Sky, and Village Green.
Excellent crafting. I like it
Some of the tracks are catchy and fun. The album sounds like its era, which is fine, just not my favorite sound. The Kinks do have a distinctive style and voice, so they sound like themselves, which I like.
This was so stereo it hurt. The songs themselves were ok I guess. 5/10
Wow, so many late 60's albums! The mixing on this record was refreshing. As a whole, no big highlights. I did enjoy some of the melodies but it's not an album I would necessary revisit in the future, although I am curious to hear more from The Kinks. I had read Blur is influenced by them, and damn I can definitely hear it!
Day 2. October 24th 2022. Listening while writing partial exam in Computer Security. First thoughts, very 60s, pretty goofy. Also actually a bit psychadelic? There was a childlike naivité without a layer of (what I detected at least) irony in both music and lyrics that felt pretty jarring - I liked it, but it's not something I'm used to. I added a one or two songs to my playlist, but I'm not sure I will come back to this album.
It's surely another Kinks album
Didn’t get to listen too much, but I like what I heard!
I enjoyed this but it wasn't my favourite. Hard to know what to write really as you want to love the Kinks.. and I do for certain songs but I felt a bit unmoved. maybe need to listen again
Hmmmm, not bad but not really sure I really got it... feel like it should be good and I generally like the Kinks but this was a bit weird.
Chill
Nice. Mucus from a time when lyrics didn’t need to be deep and meaningful and yet still managed to be.
I'm not into that type of music, bit I can't hate either, I think it was quite upbeating.
Didn't quite get into this one as much as some of the others on this list but still a good fun listen. Fave track: Last of the Steam-Powered Trains
Picture book 👌
Ik vond de docu die ik eerder op tv zag interessanter
Aardig.
Sounds like the beatles kinda. Wanna listen to it more
Easy listening, great riffs. Recognized a few samples. Rusted from the rain
Short & sweet nummertjes
3 The inspiration for trex i swear
fun and jangly, though it starts feeling a little same-y halfway through.
Pretty good! I did think it was a little samey. 3/5
Pretty good old-school British rock with some clear parallels to The Beatles. The overly poppy tracks here like Picture Book don't really work for me, but the more spacy, psych-influenced songs like Sitting By The Riverside are great. Highlights: Do You Remember Walter?, Sitting By The Riverside, Wicked Annabella
Not a bad album, a little to hippie for me but I'd probably listen to it again
A strong 3 stars, pretty fun
Like the Beatles, but harder and more knowing.
good record
Voici ce que j'en ai déjà dit: "J'ai découvert tard les Kinks. Je trouve qu'ils ont fait un rock tellement efficace et accrocheur. J'aime beaucoup leurs harmonies vocales. Cet album n'est pas leur meilleur, mais c'est un album concept qui marque l'accentuation des sujets Britanniques, encore présent sur l'album subséquent qu'est Arthur (Or The Decline and Fall Of The British Empire), album que je préfère à Village. Pour remettre cet album en perspective, il est sorti le même jour que le White Album des Beatles. Pièces préférées: Picture Book, The Village Green Preservation Society, Last of the Steam-Powered Train, Village Green, Wicked Annabella"
Easy listening classic 60's vibing tunes Liked the big bass sound with driving grooves Lyrics hard to swallow sometimes Poor Walter
2.8⭐️
Pretty listenable and enjoyable, but nothing stand out.
At least as good as some of the more well known albums of the time; and it doesn’t seem as self-important.
3.5
Alright, Kinks.
Decent album, a little dated
Nicely crafted. Great musicianship and lyrics, but also a bit anonymous, without any stand out hit songs
This album was just solid! British airways rock from this period never really wows me but it is a solid listen from The Kinks
This was more 'Kitsh' than cool, I'm sure if I spent more time with it I would grow to love it. And although I enjoyed some of the lyrics found the music a little slow and floaty for My taste.
All a bit samey and dated sounding to these uneducated ears, though it wasn't unpleasant by any means
Good album, enjoyable.
This was so/so for me.
fun pesni
Favorite songs: Picture book Last of the steam powered trains Animal Farm Star struck Worst Track: Phenomenal Cat 3/5 did not enjoy second half as much as the first
Made me realise that the Kinks' Englishness and Ray Davies' nostalgia for all things English was entirely unironic.
4th July 2022 Listened throughout the day while working from home. Got pizza and went to the butchers arms with Seb. I’ve written a lot about the whimsy that made up a lot of 60s British pop/rock and it is not more prevalent than on this album.
What a strange work this is. Blues inspired pop-rock meets occasional bursts of flamenco, folk, country, surf, and more, spliced with a healthy dose of Monty Pythonesque sense of absurdity and quirkiness that the British love so. Best songs are title track and Wicked Annabella. 2.5/5 rounded up cause it's a Sunday.
It's a pretty good album. Quirky, revelling in Englishness. If it wasn't for Ray's voice then The Kinks might have been up there with the Stones, Beatles and Who in Worldwide fame... A high 3.
Nice
I thought I really should like this but it just didn't do it for me- it's quaint and quirky and very British but doesn't have any bite although it does get better with repeat listens. Full of strange lines and odd instruments without any descernable theme or hits.
I don't think 60s rock is for me in general. Ok Picture Book is good. You really got me! I didn't realize that was them. Nice. All Day and All of the Night is also a banger. And Lola! Granted their main hits aren't on this album so I can't rate this current album too high
Lil dated but not bad
Great Band, liked its music.
This is a band referent. I like.
Shows the genius of Ray Davies even if you don’t remember the songs after.
Extremely Kinks. For a record that has very few Kinks songs on it that I know, this is very Kinks. Very listenable, very few generic songs here. No huge standouts, just Kinks-level Kinksdom, which is good enough for me.
british rock mixed with old timey english folk in a way that did not spark joy
Yeah, okay, should probably re-listen too one day
Most of the tracks here are interesting enough, just wish this LP could maintain a single plot thread – veers all over the place genre-wise, from straight 60s' rock to Beach Boys-esque ballads.
Quirky and fun
The Kinks are another band I someday need to do a deep dive into. So many people are obsessed with them and although I like several of their songs I never saw the great allure.
3 stars. Definitely didn’t get this one
Rockin
I have been wanting to listen to more kinks. This album had some highs but end to end wasn’t that amazing. 2.5/5
seems over rated
Random, men upplyftande.
I can see the influence this band has had in a lot of indie bands. However, I do not enjoy the upbeat 60s vibe personally.
J'ai découvert tard les Kinks. Je trouve qu'ils ont fait un rock tellement efficace et accrocheur. J'aime beaucoup leurs harmonies vocales. Cet album n'est pas leur meilleur, mais c'est un album concept qui marque l'accentuation des sujets Britanniques, encore présent sur l'album subséquent qu'est Arthur (Or The Decline and Fall Of The British Empire), album que je préfère à Village. Pour remettre cet album en perspective, il est sorti le même jour que le White Album des Beatles. Pièces préférées: Picture Book, The Village Green Preservation Society, Last of the Steam-Powered Train, Village Green, Wicked Annabella
Ihan vitun mahtavia sanoituksia! Oon oikeestaan aikaisemmin kuunnellut vaan the Kinksin ekaa levyy mutta tää kyllä kutsuu tutustumaan bändiin enemmänkin. Täs on aika paljon tälläst Cläpä- ja Velvet Underground -soundia, mistä kyllä sinäänsä ihan diggailen. Toki se ekan levyn eläimenä paahdettu garagehelvetti on aika ihanaa silti. 3/5
One to revisit I think
I’ve got this. I like it, but I don’t LIKE it.
Totally not what I was expecting. Much more poppy and less punk than I thought it would be.
My 2nd Kinks album on this list, the first one caught me off guard as it was much more folksy than I was expecting. This album continues that trend, it has a bit of a whimsical and psychedelic slant to the tunes. Didn't add anything to the playlist but it was a fine listen.
A fun, chill, upbeat album. Zero recognized songs
Short, snacky songs. Has some mild psychedelic tones to it, reminding me of a lighter Sgt. Pepper's. The songs are pleasant enough but I didn't walk away from this one changed, or anything. Strong songwriting throughout. Favorite tracks: "Picture Book", "Wicked Annabella"
Beatles wanna-bes
Not bad , sounds like the Kinks attempted to mimic Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
This is much better by The Kinks. Picture Book goes hard but it’s the rest of the album that’s only okay. Springy ‘60s Brit-pop that’s well made.