The Village Green Preservation Society

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.

Audible AIDS. It's like they decided to create a whole album based on the naff shite the Beatles did and forgot about the rest

pretty pretty good

I enjoy the Kinks sound be didn't find anything too interesting on this one.

It's fine. I'm pretty bored with the London sound of the 60's at this point, but this was a good listen

Wow, the kinks have finally clicked for me. I'm finally kinky! This was a fun romp with interesting songs that feel like they could be picked apart and examined for ages.

Some forgettable songs, but I think an overall enjoyable folk pop piece.

Meh

Unfairly overlooked at the time, and perhaps overrated subsequently. Ray Davies ripping off the fantastic keyboard player Nicky Hopkins guarantees this album less than 5⭐

Very fun album with some Beatles vibes. Album wasn't anything mind-blowing but it was an enjoyable listen. 7/10

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.

legalzinho rock n roll

I am waiting for the great Kinks albums. Are there any. 3 done and no sign yet.

Umęczon się tym albumem szczerze. Choć kilka utworów jest naprawdę fajnych i nowocześnie brzmiących jak np. Picture Book to część piosenek jest tak umyck umcyk irytująca i zestarzała, że ogólnie ciężko.

ok

Pretty classic British pop.

I liked it. Best song picturebook

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.

3.5

7/10

Ok

This wasn't bad overall though some songs are quite bad; I recognized one song in "Picture Book". The overall thing is just pretty dated and didn't find many of the songs to be appealing. 5/10.

Some interesting ideas that probably laid the groundwork for later styles of rock (punk etc). But it’s interspersed with too much of what John Lennon would call “Granny Music”.

Since it’s a Sunday during a three day holiday weekend and I’ve got zero pressing responsibilities today, I’m listening to Village Green on vinyl, rather than streaming from my platform of choice. I’ve got a nice, clean 1975 Reprise US pressing that I found at Double Decker Records in Allentown, PA back in 2016 or so. Shout out to Double Decker, the best record store on the East Coast. The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society is a concept album of sorts, reflecting Ray Davies’ desire to preserve the culture and traditions of England’s past…or, at least, his recollection of traditions and culture past. I think most of us can relate to that sentiment: we might look back fondly on the decade(s) and culture in which we came of age and hope for a return, but for others, those times might have been miserable and worth leaving behind. In that regard, “Picture Book”, the third track on Village Green, might act as a mission statement for the record: “Picture book of people with each other…To prove they love each other, a long time ago”. Almost as though Ray Davies is saying, “Those were the days, weren’t they? Luckily we were able to preserve them, as reminder that things used to be better”. It may be a pessimistic take on my part, I know, but after the last few years on this planet, it’s hard not to look back fondly on the days where everything was simpler and more worry-free. Despite the nostalgic concept of the record, musically, Village Green is quite forward-thinking. The songs here feel like a blueprint, written and waiting to be uncovered and referenced by a thousand punk and indie rock bands 10, 20 or 30 years in the future. Not to harp on “Picture Book”, but I recall its use in a commercial in the early aughts and thinking it could be a Shins (or similar) song. Not that it’s surprising, even the Kinks earliest songs had an edge to their sound that the Beatles and Stones lacked, it’s unsurprising that their influence would be just as long lasting. I’m not going sit here and try and convince you that the Kinks were a better band than the Beatles or the Stones. I think they are, at least for their late 60’s/early 70’s output, but that’s a realization and personal preference that you’ll have to come to on your own…or not. I’m just saying that for some fans of punk and indie rock, the Kinks’ records might resonate stronger than the Beatles or the Stones do…and I am one of those people.

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.

A pretty good album. I enjoy this era of The Kinks quite a bit.

Pretty good, wasn't really my thing, wasn't much difference between songs and so got bored

Listen again :)

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

I've got a big soft spot for The Kinks, and this is a fantastic album. So great that I listened to it twice. It may not have any big hits on it, but there's a great energy from start to finish.

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

pretty soulless generic noise. didn't do anything interesting, didn't sound distinct from the times. 2.

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.

nice to listen to

I was really expecting something more exciting. It felt like all filler tracks to me.

Hard to hate this classic, very representative of it’s time

Really interesting album, I enjoyed the flavour of Beatles but much edgier.

This is like a classic 60s album: some rock elements but mainly folksy, right and left ear instruments, poor mixing, and singing that's slightly out of tune but only noticeable when it's one guy singing it. The lyrics are basically nonsense, and also the voice changer in one of the songs sounds like crazy frog. Mainly this sounds like worse talking heads. Favorite track: Sitting by the Riverside

You can call me nuts, but I much prefer Muswell Hillbillies to this album. Another just kind of mid album on this list. Highlight: 9.

This wasn't that bad all things considered. Bored to death of late 60s nonsense though. 2/5.

Improved upon subsequent listens. A favorite of my favorites. 6/10

Noice

Some unique production throughout with a clear Beatles undertone. Sounds good but at times felt a but repetitive and lengthy.

The Beatles from a parallel universe as I like to call them. Enjoyable album with their signature folk-pop with an edge sound

Why?!

Wouldn’t listen again: a poor man’s version of The Beatles!

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.

Classic Brit 60s rock

I quite enjoyed this album. At some points I caught a hint of ELO mixed with the Beatles- no complaints there. Occasionally there was a song where I got a little irritated by the sound but overall this album was a success in my book.

Another early Kinks album to continue revising my opinion of this band, at least the early period of their work. It's so damn British and fun, and I write once again that in almost the exact same way the very early Who were - and I'm writing this as a long time Who fan, but the overall songwriting is better here. "Phenomenal Cat" would have fit comfortably on The Who Sell Out. "Do You Remember Walter?" is the immediate favourite, but there's so much variety of styles on the album that it's easy to find a new hilite upon each listen. Tempo changes and various instrumentation both keep the songs fresh - dammit we always need more flute in popular music. I'm not sure what's keeping me from giving this a 5, perhaps a touch of previous unfamiliarity but there's nothing I don't love about virtually all the songs both in sound/composition and the almost nostalgic subject matter. It might come down to a slight disconnect with the actual playing... too often when I listen to The Kinks I wish they could have played a bit more recklessly or without abandon. ...kind of like The Who, to continue to beat the hell out of that comparison. Which to be fair the reserved playing might make this even more authentically British. Overall an excellent musical trip and an absolute keeper of an album. 9/10 4.5 stars

Great.

9/10, great album

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.

Well, I now better understand where Traffic's "John Barleycorn Must Die" (1970) came from. You lost me with the Harpsichord.

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.

Lemppari-Kinks, ja bändistä tykkään muutenkin paljon, oi!

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.

I loved this album! So kooky and psychedelic and fun.

*chef's kiss*

not as good as the other kinks album I know a very hippy, laid back album

tek guzel sarki village greendi

This is extremely 60s in the worst way possible to me

3.5

Ehh

Un poco aburrido.

Classic British music.

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

I wanted to like this more than I did - it has some cracking tunes on it (VGPS, Johnny Thunder, Starstruck among others) I just wanted it to be slightly better - that's hype for you, I guess, always going to be slightly disappointed! Definitely adding it to my playlist though.

Brit rock with some "jangliness"

Entertaining but nothing extraordinary

I swear every time I listen to The Kinks they remind me of a trippier versions of The Beatles

cheek and snark why so serious? morning song

Pretty much perfect. Big Sky gets me through those days when the world seems against you.

This is certainly an interesting album. It's not the sound that I've come to associate with the Kinks, but it helps me understand better why The Kinks are so highly regarded as a band as well. The definitely took a chance with this album. It cuts this weird little slice through British domestic life and dedicates itself to preserving it. It's not clear how sarcastic this is meant to be, but it is clear that it's not entirely sarcastic. What results is a pretty pleasant album about the little things in life. It doesn't blow you away either ideologically or sonically, but it's a cool idea and they executed it well. Sometimes life isn't about moving forward, sometimes it's about stopping and smelling the roses 4/5

The Kinks don't miss.

One of the most enjoyable records of 1968 and maybe The Kinks' best project ever. In other words, this is a really good album.

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this bouncy classic. Smart, pop-y bangers.

Loved this!

Kinky

Clever, gritty and folksy. Sign me up.

Why have I not listened to this album before??

cool

Idk it felt like standard 60s Brit rock to me

A proper transition between Something Else and Arthur. They drop the crazy instrumentation into a more consistent and simple music hall baroque pop sound, adapting a concept album approach about the influence of American and European cultures on Britain, an idea that would be taken further with Arthur. I think moreso here than any other album, you can hear the influence on Britpop, in regards to its eclectic music hall style, humorous lyrics, and mix of vocal styles, especially adopted by Blue. They still do incorporate other genres to support their concept, such as the very American swampy blues of "Last of the Steam-powered Train", but never straying far from its formula. The obvious example is the calypso "Monica", sounding like a trip to Trinidad. Likewise, Kinks always tend to have at least a couple psychedelic songs in each album, and this time we have "Sitting by the Riverside" sounding very much like "A Day in the Life." The other psychedelic track being "All of my friends", really goofy with a grand chorus. The most unique song is "Wicked Annabella", a perfect favorite with a chaotic horror theme behind it. Some of these ideas could be improved, and there were several weak songs I didn't find noteworthy, but they were all at least decent. I think with all Kinks albums, it's two primary problems is a hazy lofi production and a feeling the songs are a bit incomplete, but those might just be me. Favorites: Village Green Preservation Society, Do you Remember Walter, Picture Book, Big Sky, Sitting by the riverside, Village Green, Wicked Annabella

Sounded like The Kinks

Banco. 8/10

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

shit album fr. this some redneck ohio alabama long island shit

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.

Completely Naff

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.

I was trying to articulate in my own head why it bothers me that they're so obviously aping the Beatles, and I think I've decided it's because they play without joy. It doesn't sound like they're having fun; they're just...copying another band. But, I suppose if they're going to do that, they picked a good band to copy. Is that fair? I feel like I'm being a bit unfair, but also I don't think I've told any lies. Best track: Last of the Steam-Powered Trains

not my groove

I had never heard this album before, but it is really, really good. Strong instrumentals and harmonies, catchy toons, excellent lyrics. I was really impressed.

ThIs is Oompa Loompa music

Certainly silly but I found the concept funny and interesting. Nice harmonies 7/10

9/10. I do love a good concept album, though I do think the concept of this one started to wear a little thin, since you can only sing for so long about how you miss the good old days, especially if you're only going to present an idealized picture of said good old days. Still, I quite liked most of the songs, and pastoral poetry is perennially pleasant, so a high score all in all.

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!

I really enjoyed and appreciated this delightful album. It’s warmly nostalgic and so much fun to listen to.

Totally groovy! I think that I need to expand my familiarity of The Kinks. This 60s rock sounds sweet to me.

Clever and funny and good-hearted. The Kinks can play for me any day. And talk about rhymes: Consortium - awarded them, vernacular - Dracula, affiliates - and billiards. God save Donald Duck, vaudeville, and variety!

I really loved The Kink’s fourth studio album from a few years before this (Face to Face), so I had high hopes for this. To my great surprise, this far exceeded my high hopes! Every song on this appeals to me. This album is quirky, musically varied, and overflows fun! I wasn’t exposed to a lot of The Kinks growing up, but I’m glad to be making up some of that lost time now. I’m becoming quite a fan of The Kinks.

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.

this is terrible. Just boring white boys singing boring white music. 2 stars if I'm honest because its decent elevator music, but man doesn't male privilege make me want to rate this "1".

It's surely another Kinks album

Cute, and possibly reactionary? Jk it was fun

Didn’t get to listen too much, but I like what I heard!

It's good

Pretty good but wouldn’t listen again

The way that this album has been composed and recorded is fascinating!! I knew the title track but didn't know much beyond that. I am so interested about how this album was inspired and written. I gather that Ray wanted to write an album that portrays his feelings of wanting to keep tangible evidence of traditional British characters, objects and rituals rather than just having photographs and nostalgia. I think he really managed that but I would question how great Britain ever was and the pride in it haha. I still love it though because the idea of these things being "great" and not just hilarious is really funny. Like a village green preservation society and worshiping cricket (the most dull sport to watch ever) and just those up-tight British nosy judgemental neighbours, all harmless and hilarious. Anyway, I really like a concept album and I like short songs so hooray! I'm also so into this folk-pop-rock sounds from the 60s I love the creative musicality and the vintage recording sound. Fun album!

It was nice yeah, always liked the kinks. I think I prefer them in small doses though

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.

Very cleverly conceived and exceedingly well executed. A delight to hear. Somehow, it's hard to imagine how it can be so, but, after all these years, Kinks still feel underrated.

Kiva och mysigt

Chill

Haven’t quite caught up to the hype with this album but it’s got great songs yeah. I like ”Do You Remember Walter” a lot

Lät bra!

Our fourth album by The Kinks and their best one for me so far. I rated the other ones 4 stars - but this one is a cut above them in terms of songwriting and musicianship. Still super close to The Beatles, but to The Beatles at their best.

Yay another piece of slightly dull 60s folk rock

Catchy and memorable, this is an inspired piece of pop music combined with insightful social observation.

Pretty meh album, it wasn't bad and it was nice at some parts but it was mostly boring to me. Album cover: 3/5 group photo but at least there's something going on

If you happen to be in desperate need for some music for your retro style kids’ show, you might get some ideas from this album. Everyone else need not apply.

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

Absolutely glorious, The Kinks are such a blast! Fave track - the title track is great, but "People Take Pictures of Each Other" is even better - long been one of my fave Kinks tunes. If we're including tracks recorded in the same session but inexplicably omitted from the album, then "Days" should get a mention too, as it's utterly halcyon, even if it has been co-opted by advertising with a vengeance....

This is bloody brilliant. For me it doesn’t have any standout hits, it’s just back to back gems. Masterpiece. Listening to this only makes me wish I could’ve also rated Something Else 5* too. Great album

The Village Green Preservation Society - had me in the first half ngl Do You Remember Walter - koliko god mrzim usporedjivati stvari ovo daje toliko sgt peppers/magical mystery tour vibes za sad Picture Book-a scooby doobie do Johnny Thunder- eh Last of the Steam Powered Trains- TA USNA HARMONIKA, i like this one trenutno ne mogu dovrsiti s pisanjem ovoga ali za sad mi je okej album WILL LISTEN TO EVERYTHING

Sounds a lot like the Beatles. It's pretty good

Picture book 👌

Viel me wat tegen dit album

Redelijk plaatje, maar kon mijn aandacht toch niet helemaal tot het einde vasthouden.

Ik vond de docu die ik eerder op tv zag interessanter

Wat een saaie, kabbelende bende is dit zeg. Ik vond er werkelijk geen reet aan.

Aardig.

Sounds like the beatles kinda. Wanna listen to it more

Easy listening, great riffs. Recognized a few samples. Rusted from the rain

Cool. Good. Would choose again for this era and vibe.

Always love the kinks. Maar ze hebben wel betere albums. Ik hou wel van hun catchy nummerkes.

Short & sweet nummertjes

3 The inspiration for trex i swear

Village Green simplesmente uma das minhas músicas preferidas da VIDA

really nice 60s rock album, wanted to get into the kinks for a while now so that's a great introduction to their music i think. also starstruck is great because of last night in soho

fun and jangly, though it starts feeling a little same-y halfway through.

Love the harmonies straight off. Feels like it was inspired by Sgt. Pepper.

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

The Kinks are probably going to be forever associated with their hard rocking singles- “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night”- but that’s not really reflective of their sound. A good chunk of their material is more folksy, like this album, which I like a lot. Terrific harmonies and hooks throughout. It’s a real highlight from the British Invasion. B+

Davies’ smarm and British charm - three quarters of this album is brilliant - musically, pop wise and lyrically - and thematically is wonderfully consistent - yet the last few songs start slowing down the freshness and pace of the album and it falls short of being a perfect classic. Great band very good album.

Not a bad album, a little to hippie for me but I'd probably listen to it again

Not bad. Not really my style but enjoyable

You don't have to be British to like this album but it certainly helps. Best Tracks: The Village Green Preservation Society; Picture Book; Starstruck

Takes me back to a time I wasn’t even born yet. Has that nostalgic feeling. All in all a solid album with some real bangers. Some of the songs are a little forgettable but still totally danceable. I think if I would really immerse myself into the album (and go over the lyrics some more) I would uncover more songs that could become some favorite sing-alongs. Something for the future to consider. Favorite song(s): “Do You Remember Walter?” & “Village Green” Recommended?: 👍

Это была крепкая 3, а потом оно скатилось до 2. Тяжело идёт, слишком затянутая работа

More recognizable songs. Beetles-esque sound

Great!

Really enjoyed this, similar to the Beatles. Standouts are "Picture book" and "People Take Pictures of Each Other"

Ok

A beautiful album from The Kinks, full of nostalgia and longing for a rural England that perhaps never quite existed. Ray could always write a gorgeous melody and Dave and the band could bring it to vibrant life.

What a great album!

Not really my style of music

Not bad

A strong 3 stars, pretty fun

Like the Beatles, but harder and more knowing.

3/10 this band sucks

good record

I typed a bunch here but it didnt save.. Enjoyed for the most part, but unfortunately the production value is a turn off for me with the poor recording quality and the audio panning. Will listen again though

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

Absolutely classic, if you haven’t heard this you’ve been missing out

It's really good, enjoyed it.

Very good album

slayed

first listen a lovely escapade

The most proudly English of all the British Invasion groups delivers a treatise on not only the UK’s vanishing rural way of life, but nostalgia and how it can both enhance and spoil one’s perspective. Ray Davies really comes into his own as a songwriter here.

I feel pure joy when I listen to the kinks. They are really great at making catchy songs that are also deceptively intricate. Almost none of their songs are simple 4 chord songs like every pop song today. Their songs often change keys or have interesting chord progressions; it’s pop perfection but it’s substantial enough to keep me interested. I love their vocal harmony sound (Their following album is better than this one)

Is there an album more English? Quirky, very 60s. Much underappeciated and possibly the greatest Kinks album despite not having any hits. God bless Ray.

2.8⭐️

I'm excited for this one. Already a fan of the kinks. Their sound is so warm and nostalgic and happy. I love their sound, I love the guitar and the melodies.

Pretty listenable and enjoyable, but nothing stand out.

Such a pleasurable album. Everything feels just right. The songs are all catchy (in a way that's not corny), the arrangement is engaging, fun and organic throughout--I particularly love the spare but well-chosen use of guitars––and the lyrics are witty and biting but never too cynical either. I love it.

Title track tells you what this album is: a memory project, a sonic collage of a time and place. I think that time is both relative (it's the childhood of The Kinks' band members) and also definite (England after the Second World War). The past often feels like an innocent time of untouched pleasures but we know it's an illusion. Things are hidden from children that they can only see with adult eyes. After the War, the Empire was crumbling and a century of unrest was nowhere near over. Of course when you're experiencing childhood and innocence, you're not conscious of it. You turn it into story and song later, in memory, with the benefit of adult hindsight. The tone of a project like that is what The Kinks get right. The songs are not exactly cheerful but have jingly mostly-major-key melodies that often introduce a note of uncertainty or irresolution. The ascending scale in Picture Book over the chorus is a good example of this. Ditto the very end of Sitting by the Riverside where the keys suddenly become uncanny for just a bit and upset the romantic fantasy before the last refrain comes in. The songs are fairly simple pop ballads, almost reminiscent of nursery songs, if you read them straight. But I think most, given the combination of lyrics and melody, are knowingly ironic. This can be a jaded and bitter irony: "You're taken in by the lights, think you'll never look back..." Or more reflective: "People take pictures of each other, and the moment can last them forever, of the time when they mattered to someone..." Sometimes it becomes comically self-consoling out of necessity: "I went to that old cafe where I had been in much happier days, and all of my friends were there..." You need to really listen to hear those hidden notes. I think the comparison to The Beatles is fair and some of the songs can be a little tedious. But it's just a bit more claustrophobic and sad because it isn't committed to being a transcendent experience like Sgt. Pepper. These songs are committed to making you uncomfortable rather than giving you a good time. It makes me want to listen to them again and again to detect their deceptive nuances.

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.

Sounds like some beatles era rock and roll and nothing else besides that

Decent album, a little dated

Beautifully complex classic piece of literature detailing the wants of preservationalists in the 70s great highlights all around can't think of anything wrong with it... for the first listen I'm confident in giving it a 9.9/10

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

The Village Green Preservation Society are songs of the common people, soft, humble and gentle, combining admirably with elegance. (7/10) FT: Picture Book

It probably does sound a little dated nowadays but this is one of my favourite albums. It's chock full of well crafted songs with plenty of variety yet it holds together really well. I love the punchy production which makes it a little less whimsical than the preceding 'Something Else' album. The lyrics tell imaginary tales from a Ray Davies fantasy land. Diverse fables and characters about childhood, old school friends, old photographs, wicked witches, the pleasures of idleness, god, prostitutes, 1984, cartoon characters, village fetes. To top it off there's some fabulous vocals and instrumental arrangements. Personal favorites include 'Do You Remember Walter', 'Picture Book', 'Phenomenal Cat' and 'Monica' but pretty much every track is a winner. The only (minor) quibble is the lack of a well know "classic" - it's a shame 'Days' was not on the UK edition.

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

I like that one tune.

Good album, enjoyable.

This was so/so for me.

fun pesni

Mellow easy to listen to but not very exiting

Not immediately interested. Will revisit.

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.

twee

Not bad - a bit too whimsical and consistently similar for my taste

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.

Hazy 60s rock, I enjoyed this album - it's stood the test of time.

love it, listen to it frequently, not a bad song on it and many top tunes including two or three of their best. wonderful 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.

All time classic.

Such a lovely sweet little album, brings a slight sweet smile to my face. Not unlike a Bill Forsyth movie with sweet characters that are creatively and vividly captured within the grooves of this album. Some might say it's too light-weight where are those Kink rockers? Personally I don't miss them one but. Ray Davies has always written gorgeous melodies and lyrics and to my ear the arrangements for these songs are absolutely perfect. 5 stars.

Want to say 3.5, but that's not an option and in this case I have to round up as it quite enjoyable album.

4.5

Easy listening on the train ride home

60s whiny hippy garbage

mid

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

Their sound is so freaking delicious. Love the concept thread format.

One of my favorite concept albums. Whereas Sgt. Pepper's contrasted a drab reality with an escape into psychedelia, Village Green escapes into a nostalgia for the past - and stays more grounded in doing so. It has a more consistent and even keeled tone. Okay, it does become a bit unraveled at the end, with the oddness of "Phenomenal Cat" and the jerky but dreamlike "All Of My Friends Were There." Other than that though, this album flows like The River Thames. These songs seem to come from a very real and direct place. The product of honest self reflection. It amazes me that Ray Davies was only 24 years old at the time of recording this album. He was able to articulate the wisdom and perspective of someone well beyond his years. An underrated classic that stands the rest of time.

Good classic Psych-ish rock by the Kinks. Not my favorite of their material but objectively it's good.

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

I LOVE THE KINKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Lil dated but not bad

Having played this in both 12 and 15-track configurations (handy being able to do that with CD, eh), I'm not 100% sure now which of the two I preferred, but I suspect Ray Davies was probably right in the long run... And part of me feels it should've been a lot more successful than it was, but at the same I'm not surprised somehow that it wasn't. It doesn't sound like "1968" somehow. I've often felt that if all 1960s music was lost except for the Kinks' records you'd never guess psychedelia happened. This is exhibit A.

hmmm

Great Band, liked its music.

This is a band referent. I like.

solid. Didn't like it as well as the other one, but good!

Genre: Pop Rock 4/5 An album I had never listened to before, and it's truly an absolute pop rock gem. This one stands up to any other rock output at the time. A real treat from the late 60s. The Kinks, a band more widely known for their huge hit song You Really Got me, had grown out of the British Invasion sound just as much as any of their contemporaries, and The Village Green Preservation Society is a real triumph. They blend together baroque pop and psych pop influences seamlessly, and they ended up making one of the best British rock albums from that time period. The song that I kept going back to from this was All of My Friends Were There, a part psych-folk/part waltz cut towards the end of the album, which details a performer who drunkenly stumbles through his act. While he's telling the crowd that this is unlike him, he notices all of his friends are there to witness it. And their best friends too. He hides in disguise for a few years, before utilizing liquid courage once again to go up on stage and prove he can still perform, remaking his old friends in the process. And it's all told by lead singer/songwriter Ray Davies perfectly, and he does it all in under 2-1/2 minutes. It's truly a perfect pop song, with its adult themes presented in a kitschy, relatable way that anybody can digest and enjoy. Beyond that one tremendous song, the title track is a great little rock song, Picture Book is a delightful musical retelling of looking through old family photo albums, Sitting by the Riverside has some great psychedelic vibes hidden beneath its cutesy, old-timey, Music Hall sound, amongst some other really wonderful, well-played, and well-written songs (Animal Farm, Wicked Annabella). This is one of my favorites so far throughout this exercise, and even if a few duds sit within this 15-track album, this will be one I'll go back to many times over.

Shows the genius of Ray Davies even if you don’t remember the songs after.

The weirdest damn cheery album I have heard in awhile.

Just such evocative music, really speaks to Britain in a specific way no other album really does. 4.7

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.

Well, 'Starstruck' and the weird, slightly unsettling 'Monica' are two of my favourite Kinks tracks; whilst 'Picture Book' is one of my favourite pop songs, full stop. Just those three songs alone warrant five stars. But you know what? The rest is a joy too - charming, ambitious and seemingly unfettered by received notions of what rock music should treat as its subject matter. Very British, wry, observant and rather lovely.

I listened to this record this morning and - no joke - completely and utterly forgot that I had until about 5 mins ago. (It’s 8pm. I’m not drinking.) So, uhh, yeah. Hey are there Kinks songs I need to know that weren’t covered by Van Halen and aren’t in a Wes Anderson movie? I wanna hear those. Pretty sure they weren’t on this album.

Sunday afternoon is a solid tune, but come on Kinks, you’re better than this.

A totally unremarkable album. I was bored throughout and I was glad it was over. I did not skip any songs, so that is a plus.

Brilliant and odd, and really fun. Reminiscent of Sgt Pepper's and Pet Sounds, but more tongue in cheek.

Listened to this one twice---mono first then stereo and really liked it both times. I think I like the mono mix better but the stereo version is better quality sound. I previously avoided The Kinks b/c of only having access to deluxe/super deluxe/expanded versions; makes for annoying last.fm scrobbles and I don't like having to look up what the original album included and then have save a playlist to avoid the extra, unneeded tracks later. Anyway, I really liked People Take Pictures of Each Other and Big Sky, which has been in my head all weekend. I think I like this as much as my previous favorite Kinks, Muswell Hillbillies.

Instant 5 for "The Last of the Stream-Powered Trains" - T/E should not be surprised

If you need some stereotypical 60’s rock - it is here. 2.1

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

I find a lot of music from the 60s and 70s just doesn't quite hit with me for whatever reason. Maybe it's the same reason I'm not loving a lot of newer music. But not this album. This was great!

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.

-Pretty nice rock album -Couple parts sounded Beatles-like -Quick, Pleasent tracks -Notjing stood out like crazy, but it was all nice rock

3 stars. Definitely didn’t get this one

As English as the queen of englands proverbials! This is classic songwriting!

Love the Kinks and I believe this is their best album. Their true masterpiece.

Fouth "The Kinks" that I get on this list and it's the worst one. I don't even know why, but it does not have any remarkable song. It's not all bad, but the other albums from the band on this list are much better.

Rockin

I love this album... Ray Davies at his whimsical best. happy it was the last one I got to listen to in Australia.

Lovely bit of music there. Still the clear unencumbered sound of 60s

Disco sesentero muy chulo

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

big sky!

Didn’t care too much for this album. Never felt like it really made strides to differentiate itself. The album wasn’t necessarily bad just seemed like generic British pop rock. 4.6/10

Random, men upplyftande.

Very fun Brit pop album. I didn't like it quite as much as some of the other Kinks albums, but still a good time.

Favorite Kinks album, just a great album.

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.

What a delightfully strange album. It’s part ode and part send up of English life with a psychedelic twist. The album spans genres though it is mostly whimsical folky psychedelic music punctuated by bluesy heavier tracks. I can hear shades of David Bowie in this album and believe that it must have been an influence on him.

i like the kinks but this isn't a very good one. its basically the title track and picture book and then a load of crap. can't go messing around with my carefully coordinated system because i like a band.

Started strong. I kind of wasn't really listening towards the end though. Just get yourself a 'best of The Kinks' album instead.

God save Donald Duck, kinky.

Hi- The Village Green Preservation Society, Do You Remember Walter?, Picture Book, Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, Village Green Lo- Sitting by the Riverside, All of My Friends Were There "God save Donald Duck" is a great way to get me on board with your message, but the opening track is cleverly written, promising and upbeat. Picture Book features a chord progression reminiscent of Walkie-Talkie Man by Steriogram. Last of the Steam-Powered Trains is fun and lovable. Animal Farm is carefree and bright and Village Green is incredibly charming with its plinking harpsichord guiding the listener through a journey of memories, melodies, and sharp progressions. This album seems both way ahead of its time but also solidly belonging there, feeling like mid-2000s britpop (and it is VERY British) meets 60's psychadelic. Every track is tight, but not abbreviated...They do suffer from lower audio quality, which is really just an unfortunate product of their time, because this is a very enjoyable listen, otherwise, one that I'll keep in rotation!

Não reconheci as músicas.

Autre band que je connaissais de nom sans avoir écouté. C'est beaucoup plus gentil que ce que je m'attendais. C'est très pop anglaise 60s, écouté en faisant le souper, ça passe mais sans plus. Je peux pas dire que je me rapelle d'une toune en particulier...

J’aurais préférer écouter l’album « the Kinks ». Celui-là sonne plus comme une pâle copie des Beatles. Ils y reprennent les mêmes codes que sur « Sgt. Pepper » et « Revolver ». J’ai toujours vu the Kinks comme la version mal rasé du R'n'R britanique. Je n’entends pas ça sur cet album. C’est pas mauvais, mais c’est pas fabuleux non-plus.

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

Tykkään. Aina miettinyt kuunteleeko näitä kukaan vai onko jäänyt täysin Beatlesien varjoon. Mutta syytä olisi. Kokonaisuutena päihittää monet Beatles-levyt, vaikka hitit puuttuukin.

Ajalta, jolloin brittirockissa paistoi aurinko. Kenties vähän itseään toistavaa, mutta sitten tulee Wicked Annabella tuulettamaan menoa. sanotaan 3.5/5, pyöristyy ylöspäin.

The best Kinks record with lots of really good songs. The production is a bit thin, which is a shame because there is a lot going on instrumentally but you can’t hear it very well.

One to revisit I think

Fantastic, it’s The Kinks, nuff said!

I’ve got this. I like it, but I don’t LIKE it.

It's like what Rubber Soul was for The Beatles, the start of a great new chapter in the bands history

Totally not what I was expecting. Much more poppy and less punk than I thought it would be.