Reviews (page 7 of 13)
Kinky.
Not as good as Arthur but Big Sky is easily my favourite Kinks song
4.5 Stars. A concept pop rock album that highlights Ray Davies' songwriting and vocals. The concept of the album is a nostalgic and idealized view of rural English life, each track dealing with a particular part of that life haven't gone by, either by societies progress or Davies personally outgrowing such a life. As the title of the album implies, Davies wants to preserve this way of life, contrasting the cultural movements and issues of the time the album was released: 1968. Every track has a catchy melody and the overall sound of the album is very calm. Detailed instrumentations add to the fundamental theme of the album as well as its charm. Favorite tracks: The Village Green Preservation Society, Do You Remember Walter?, Picture Book, Johnny Thunder, Village Green
a ton of songs i've heard before, old school rhythm and blues very English
Had some nice tunes, good background music at the worst.
Good album that's a little too restrained to be great and at times feels inherently constrained by it's concept. Uncritical and unexamined nostalgia that lacks any kind of edge. An occasional album that's well balanced but lacks any standout songs you'll remember half an hour later.
Overall a good album, its very easy listening and fits in nicely with the pop/folk rock of the late 60s. Its a real shame that it was released on the same day as the Beetles "White" album. With themes such as the nostalgia of childhood and small village life contrasting to the quickly changing youth of the late 60s it cements itself as one to listen to on a lazy afternoon and watch the world go by. Best: Village Green Preservation Society; People Take Pictures of Each other Worst: Monica
Excellent record
fun album
very solid album
Pure Sound of the Sixties
Nada que envidiar a un álbum de los Beatles. Mis respetos a los Kinks por sacar este álbum en medio de tanta competencia.
Typical pop rock sound. It sounds great though. Very palatable and honestly a good record to put on in the background. An easy listen and a very smooth album throughout.
Canciones muy molonas, un sonido guapo también
Kinks kick ass!
3.6 heel leuk, vrolijke. Moest ik een serie hebben zou er zeker een liedje van inkomen.
3.5
I really like this album, great songs. Good variety but the theme is great. The steam train song is my favourite on the album
It was different. Older than I’m used to
Yeah really liked it
Quand j’ai vu le nom « the kinks » j’ai eu plutôt confiance en l’écoute. La note générale et les avis m’ont donné espoir. Et c’est tout à fait non déceptif. C’est exactement le type d’albums que je suis heureux de découvrir. L’écoute passe toute seule et certains titres resteront dans ma besace. Picture Book est top. Sitting by the Riverside est très efficace et étonnante ! Village Green : incroyable ! Phénoménal cat : original, drôle, influent. Autant c’est pas mon type de musique, la pop des 60s, autant que l’écoute est agréable. Ça ne va jamais me transcender mais c’est un excellent album
This is such a great album!! Concept albums were just becoming a thin after Sgt Pepper and not sure if this album suffered in sales because of it, it definitely seemed a departure for the Kinks. The Kinks have always been a bit up against it in the U.S. and had more of a cult following than mainstream. Also I saw that the Beatles White Album was released on the same day (my 13th birthday!!) Which may have impacted sales. Back in 68 everything was pretty much pushed by radio play and unfortunately there wasn't really any charting singles. It was a great critical success though. The Englishness of the lyrics may have impacted sales outside of the US. Regardless this is a fantastic album. It is a stellar Pop album! Favorite songs: Starstruck, Picture Book, Animal Farm, VIllage Green. 4 1/2 *
swinging london merita sempre
Aangename nummers met een leuke melodie.
I like this. I was only familiar w/ one or two songs going into it, but I see why it is rightfully considered a classic
Added to the library, enjoyed this one.
Het dorp is weer veilig en blijft verder gaan voor kinky behoud
Classic.
A wholesome moment in time.
Not bad actually
niet slecht typisch 60
Lovely stuff
Bin halbwegs überrascht, auch wenn das alles sehr nach Beatles klingt, fühle ich kein Plagiat. Es hat gute Laune, schwingt, bisschen lustig auch, insgesamt: frei. Starke 3.8.
Really nice! It took me three days to finish the album, but I really enjoyed it.
The Kinks are one of the most under appreciated bands from the UK invasion. It’s easy to be overlooked with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones as your peers. As a whole I much preferred this to the previously revised “Aftermath” by The Stones. It’s clear that this album has been influential far beyond its release. Out of 10 I would give it a 9.1 out of 10.
They made a whole album based on that record store in Muncie
Great. I will listen to more Kinks after this.
very good album. some forgettable songs but also some really great ones
I've always really liked The Kinks. They remind me of a more-socially-conscious Beatles. A lot of their songs are timeless, and their lyrics are so great. That being said, I've always thought Lola was the better album.
An album I didn't know existed despite knowing a lot about the Kinks.
Had never heard of it. Really liked it.
Oh mama 60s folk rock
Country, rarito, parece musica de iglesia.
Super fun British pop. Really enjoyed it!
Long one of my favorites, both of the Kinks and of this era/style generally. For me it doesn't quite make it as a concept album, and a fair bit of what occurs between the masterpieces is a bit lightweight - but the great stuff is so great
Not my favourite Kinks in regards to there is no outstanding tracks but as an album it flows nicely.
Great album, great concept. An easy 4.5 but alas
Great 60 alt record. None of the songs stuck out the the overall feel of the album was great.
More fun, folksy 60s rock. I like some of their other songs, so hearing more from them was nice.
Nice for easy beach or hike day. Didn't know they sang "Lola"
Some of this sounds like modern “bro-psychedelic”, which makes me see this as well the blueprint. It’s a sound I very much enjoy.
Definitely a lot of influence from the Beatles on this one
Very good
Kinks are underrated
What an absolute delight of a pop record. I want to somehow play the songs on the violin. I want to listen again and see if I think it's a little better or a lot worse. I want a better master. I want slightly longer songs. I love the song about a cat; Reminded me of The Weakerthans.
6.5-7/10
9/10 this is another one of em albums where i dont have much to say about it. just a really good nostalgic time. writing this mid day instead of night like usual so im not nearly as rambly. maybe thats the secret ingredient???????/ good to finally get another older album btw
Great concept album.
A very 60s pop album. Similar vibes to others of the era, 3* Highlights: picture book (catchy as hell)
Not a huge fan of The Kinks, but it’s decent enough! Favourite track: Village Green
I was dreading psychedelic rock, but luckily this generally avoids psych for a more bluesy approach, and even when it delves into psych, it's pretty solid, all things considered. Definitely the first half of the record is better than the second (The second half is where the more psych stuff starts showing up, but it's not as overt and again, pretty solid). Overall, a solid record. Probably not something I'd go back to, although there are some good cuts, and I have heard Picture Book before.
Would be 3.5 if you could do half
Okay
Didn’t blow me away, but I enjoyed it a lot more than most of the British bullshit on this list. The songs are fun and varied making the album a pretty dynamic listen, but at the end of the day you’ll only get as much enjoyment out of it in relation to how much psychedelic silliness you can stomach. My tolerance for this one was higher than usual.
Life is like a Kinks album--you never know what you're going to get. 8 keepers in 15 (53%). 3 stars.
Just a good and decent album. So: 3/5
Ray’s masterpiece? There’s a question I don’t see asked about the Kinks very much during this period, but we have the benefit of hindsight: what is this English culture that Davies wanted to preserve in light of the decline of the British Empire? I’m twice as old as Ray was in the 1960s but am experiencing what feels like a comparable decline of US dominance. It’s not like there was a great deal to be proud of v-a-v the British Empire at the time: the beat-up, persevering role played during the Blitz, abandoning Palestine, the fall of the Suez Canal, Partition and losing India, and then all of the sudden in the 1960s you get the haute bourgeois Swinging Sixties/London and the Beatles becoming the world’s most popular band, English culture becoming “cool” or at least something widely loved? Into this space around 1968 we get a mid-20something Ray Davies contemplating memory, of which he had very little, and nostalgia, of which he either had a lot or was happy to critique. Does he see the British in decline already and does he even have a point of reference being so young? Is this all just dressed up disappointment with an adult world he had idealized earlier? That he soon got to an album length meditation on the decline of the British Empire (albeit via tracing a working class experience of 20th century English decline) somewhat answers these questions, but the VGPS is a real big deal still!
I read the Wikipedia article and I thought it was really up my street and I really wanted to love it, but it was twee overly English twaddle. It was okay I suppose
Good
Becomes a bit samey but a good listen
I didn’t hear anything magical about this album, but it was a reasonable 60’s output.
Maar wat zouden deze mannen nou voor Kinks hebben?
Status quo of its time.
nem volt rossz, de többynire nem tetszett. voltak egészen fura dalok is, amikben ilyen magasított hangon énekeltek talán gyerekek?? és ettől kirázott a hideg.
Beatles ripoff
Helt normal britisk pop fra 60-tallet.
Honestly this style of music very rarely does much for me, and it's everywhere. A lot of reviews compare this to The Beatles, and I tend to agree. Problem is that I don't love The Beatles either.
First time listening and enjoyed it. "Picture Book" was my favorite song but they have such a classic sound on everything. Other than Wes Anderson movies, I don't get much Kinks these days. Elloalay would be a cool name too even though LOLA isn't on this album.
There were a handful of highlights like the songs about the steam train and the song that felt as if you were by the seaside. I can see why this album influenced so many indie bands going forward. And I am glad they went on to make far better albums than this.
Not my favorite Kinks album
This sounded like a Kinks record
As much as I can’t really get into British Invasion era rock, this has its moments. Parts of it are pretty fun. 7/10
Feels very... Traaa Laaa Laaa.
Great Kinks album. The sound was so different track to track. A bit folksy but so many different types of rock. Favorite tracks were the title track, Picture Book, Big Sky and Animal Farm.
LSD is a hell of a drug Great musicians but nothing really standing out, 2.8/5
The Beatles ahhh band. Felt like I heard the whole album one I heard the first song.
This is actually one of The Kinks' albums that I liked a little better. It won't be among my top favorites, but I enjoyed listening to it. Maybe I'll listen to it again. 3/5
Very much of it time. Good songs but I didn't love it.
Really liked some of this, particularly 'Last of The Steam-Powered Trains', but other parts were simply too unrelentingly British and twee.
Liking some of their other stuff, I'm a bit disappointed
Surprised I didn’t love this, since I’m a big Blur fan. But idk…it was maybe a bit *too* pastoral and gentle for me. Good songwriting though!
I am torn, a lot of creativity and some great songs, but as the record goes on, it also becomes quite annoying at times... In the end, middle of the road. There have been a lot of those lately...
J’ai hâte d’avoir un album plus récent un peu. C’est correct mais sans plus.
Yeah this was fine I guess
🚨WARNING🚨 This album is VERY BRITISH It’s also not that bad
Late 60s folk rock. One of the first concept albums. Very influential for indie rock. Pleasant enough, but not my style.
I don’t mind The Kinks, but this album is kind of very dull and boring. Nothing stands out and the 15 songs kind of just vanished and it was over before I knew it had really started. I’m really torn between a 2 and a 3 with this one. Probably going to go for a 3 as nothing was inherently wrong with this, it was just… meh.
I really like this. This is an album that I had not heard before. I had listened to the kinks, but I think some of their later stuff. I will certainly listen again, not sure about buying it
Solid album, just not my style and the songs blended into each other and bit.
I love the title track but for the most part, think it really overshadows everything that follows. There are hints of Sgt Pepper in this album which means I'm predisposed to enjoy it at least a little bit- Do You Remember Walter? is a good example of that. Picture Book is a great song, and Green Day must also agree as they blatantly ripped off the main riff for Warning (they covered So Tired Of Waiting for You as a B Side to Basketcase in 1994 so are clearly fans). I like the off kilter piano in Sitting By The Riverside, and the harpsichord in Village Green. I found my attention wandering a bit, although that might have been the fault of me listening to the version of the album on Amazon Music. That has different versions of some tracks but also includes Days (which is one of the best Kinks songs, but it's also a non-album track so shouldn't really count towards the score). This feels like a 3.5 for me. It would be a 4 with Days, but alas... 3/5
Average kinks album, enjoyable, inoffensive but nothing more than that
I've liked the Kinks based on classic hits like Lola, You Really Got Me, Sunny Afternoon. Often silly, upbeat and reflective of a more innocent time. This album is no different but somehow I got bored with it after a few songs.
Pre Listen: The Kinks :D ! ! ! I gave their last album on here a 5/5, and I still listen to songs from it on the regular. Expectations will certainly be higher than usual here, looking forward to seeing what these lads have in store on this one. Notable Tracks: The Village Green Preservation Society - Yea this is the good stuff. Thank you Kinks. Last Of The Steam Powered Trains - Instrumental work here sounds like something from Creedence Clearwater Revival. That is all. All of My Friends Were There - Least favorite track. I have no idea what they were going for here, tempo and melody changes at random, nonsense lyrics. Village Green - Favorite track, and maybe the only thing I'll add to my playlist from this album? I appreciate the unique sound to it, and the story it tells. Phenomenal Cat - Well that's certainly a song to end an album on. That's definitely one of the songs of all time. Lyrics sounds like something from Pink Floyd's early works. Post Listen: Perhaps it was my expectations being too high, but I really didn't enjoy that album all too much. :< Most every other song wasn't really bad, but overwhelmingly mid. They have minimal flare outside of weird lyrics, melody or tempo changes mid-song, and other meh tricks. It didn't feel nearly as creative or focused as their other works I've encountered by now. Thoroughly disappointed, I was really hoping for another 5/5. Oh well, there's more Kink's albums ahead. 3/5
Really expected to dislike this much more than I did. I really don’t like the Kinks or psych rock but this just seemed much more bearable than their other work. Almost popped a blood vessel hearing “A scooby-dooby-doo” though and the B-side was pretty crummy. I do have to highlight Last of the Steam-Powered Trains as it was pretty great.
Pretty good, a little kinky
Overall pretty decent, despite the fact I can't really get to grips with The Kinks. I find them a bit try-hard and the similarities to The Beatles are there for all to see. Nonetheless this album is pretty fun on the whole, extremely 'English' and poppy.
I expected more - a bit disappointing. A bit too much like the Beatles for my liking.
I enjoyed this, but I don’t think it necessarily belongs on this list.
chill
would listen again
Lively and simple lyrics with humane malody, almost top-teir
Kewl
Ihan hyvä konseptialbumi. Ei hirveästi hittibiisejä, mutta oli mukavaa kuunneltavaa.
I can understand the Kinks are good and important and I do enjoy the vibe but got to be honest ain't gonna be rocking them by choice.
Veldig bra når det er baroque pop/folk! Litt kjedelig ellers.
Ah yes, nostalgia for an idyllic past that never actually existed. I'm sure that will never be used for evil (stares at MAGA) or to profit off of weary souls looking for some comfort in a horror filled world that is draining them dry day in and day out (stares at Disney). Sounds good though. I don't hate it.
not a huge fan on the Kinks, even though some of their music is iconic from the 60's. a few good road trip hits though!
Leuke muziek! Leuk om te horen hoe creatief en vrij de muziek was in de jaren 70. Hoewel het rond deze tijd wat psychedelischer en harder werd hebben de Kinks het juist wat rustiger gehouden, een album voor leuke en vrolijk klinkende liedjes. Teksten klinken een beetje nostalgisch en lijken korte verhaaltjes uit t verleden. 4 vind ik te hoog daarom 3,4.
Beatles ahh
I guess the Kinks were more influential that I would've initially assumed, wasn't expecting this much presence on this list. That, or the fact that the book author is British (that's the answer). Anyway, this was one of the more eclectic Kinks albums I've heard from this list. You can tell that the group matured significantly here, both in terms of artistry and lyrical content. Just makes you wish that the production was a tad better though, as I felt that something was still missing despite what I said above.
So child-ish i cant believe people listened to this shit back in the days.
I wanted a kinky album :(
66/100
cheesy
*1968. *I generally like the Kinks, but this was wild. Sometimes they sound just like the Beatles when they're extra high (which I like), and then other times it's just too trippy and psychedelic for me. *After looking at the reviews, I might revisit this, but for now, it's a one and done. RATING - 6/10
I do enjoy quite a bit of The Kinks. Haven’t fully made my mind up on this one. Probably one I’ll go back to.
Bem Beatles. Acho que já tinha ouvido algo dos kinks. Valeu saber que existe e só! não me pegou muito
Solid album. Good listen. Back to back days of kinks albums probably didn’t help.
This album is alright; psychedelic rock is not really my thing, but this is fairly listenable without getting too boring or experimental. The vocalist is fairly good, and I could see how people would enjoy this album at the time.
Whilst I enjoy the wry witticism on the titular track and the general early concept album feel of this, I wasn’t massively compelled by the bulk of it. Not great, not bad.
Nice, but sometimes a bit too silly.
Johnny Thunder
Second band repeat. I think they're doing like a sgt pepper? I liked it! Fun. Picture book was the only one I knew before. Phenomenal cat was another stand out
Wish this album had Lola on it
The album was fine, interesting enough to catch my ear every now and again, but nothing I'd want to listen to again.
Way more fun and experimental than I gave it credit for, rings around in my ears which is great
Liked a bunch of the songs
Idk if they’re being sincere here or not, but I take it as a goof & it beats another Llewelyn Davis
I should have hated this but I’ll accept this as the only 60’s music I enjoyed a little
Pretty good classic album.
The songs are catchy, performances are fun, the production is great for the time, the politics behind the album? Weird to me lol. 3.5
It sucks that every British Invasion band had to compete with the Beatles. I hear an album like this and think: "Wow this is pretty good, but it sounds like the Beatles. Wait. Why don't I just go listen to the Beatles?" I tend to enjoy the Kinks' later stuff more.
Cool sound
Not the strongest album I’ve heard, but it holds up.
It has a very Beatles-esque sound to it. I do enjoy this for the most part, however there wasn't something that really jumped out for me. I did initially recoil when I thought it was almost 3 hrs long, before realizing the rest of the album was demos or live performances. I couldn't hack this for that long. It's a decent sounding record with some fun and interesting elements, not afraid to experiment every so often. Fav Track: Sitting by the Riverside
ofc a pleasant listen but imo kind of forgettable! title track is immortal though. “picture book” also charming. i’m giving it a 3 mainly for those two + nostalgia reasons for being a kid in high school and discovering the kinks, but it’s a weak 3.
Honestly wasn’t thrilled with this. It sounds like they were heavily influenced by the Beatles Sergeant Pepper‘s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, but they made a worse version of it. 3 stars
Day 318 Unmistakably English, slightly twee in places but enjoyable. Highlights TVGPS Last of the Steam Powered Trains The Village
It's very very hard not to mention the Beatles whenever I listen to the Kinks... and yeah, this is basically a decent middle ground between the pop and psychedelia of that other group.
A chill, jingly album. I especially like Big Sky and the song which gives the album its namesake. I do often feel a bit underwhelmed by the Kinks, however. I am not drawn to the cheeky, light hearted nature of it all. This exercise seems to be illustrating to me how much lyricism and emotional honesty in music draws me in much more.
Good album. Right down the middle for the British Invasion. Fun and light. Would never be upset if someone puts it on, but would never really choose it. Lyrics were good and instrumentation were easy going. I can appreciate the fact that they were the forefronts of the concept album/band which is cool
You can feel the beatles influence. They cannot quite pull it off even tho this being a fun listen.
Quirky, quaint, and full of detail. Just what you want from an English songwriter.
Meh
No mega hits on here but most songs are solid.
5/10
Just alright to me, nothing really catches my attention, just sounds like average British rock. I like a few songs from the Kinks but off other albums.
I liked this album but not as much as their other album
I liked the previous Kinks album more but still enjoyed
Boppy and catchy 60s/70s rock. Not something I'll come back to though
Típica música de The Kinks, no me fascinó, pero me gustó.
Very different sound from most of the Kinks songs I know. Interesting concept, some great songs. Favorite tracks: Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, Picture Book
didn't pick up on why this is a cult classic, it's just aight Would I listen again: no Deserves to be on this list: doesn't seem like it 3.2
I enjoyed it as an easy album to listen to, but didn’t make a remarkable impression upon me. Will not likely revisit.
Yeah this is fine
Gran disco
Not at all what I expected! Probably won't listen to again by choice, but glad I did.
Would not buy
It's a back-to-back real British twofer — and I get the feeling that The Kinks' the Village Green Preservation Society is set against Morrissey's You Are the Quarry as the proper way to do dedication to one's cultural practices (or is it just the an earlier example? read on...). Listening to the lyrics of this record and holding Moz to the side as a point of comparison, The Kinks lyrics seem to be written from a place of love and not resentment or bitterness. Their affection for English culture is made plain from the jump and they're obviously rooted in working-class, small-state social values. I think there's a gentle rebellion against corporate modernism, and I can hear in many lyrics a nostalgia that can certainly be read as conservative by anyone inclined towards that end of the spectrum, and yet on the other hand I hear something both more generous and even suspicious of stagnation. In the end, this text is harder to pin down than something like You Are The Quarry and maybe that's why I can give it a pass in a few places but I'd take the opinion of a young British person over mine (dumb American) when it comes down to it. How to be proud but not a proud boy? How to take an interest in home but not the homeland? How to love a country but not nationalism? These are easy questions to answer when you look at the extreme end of things, but that's the trick isn't it? How to not slide from small declarations and little acts, partial indignities, and unintended micro aggressions into increasingly more hateful acts? But if these records aren't put back-to-back purposefully then this may be some Rorschach test that I am failing. What if, even, that someone were to prefer the music of You Are the Quarry to this too close to a hippie-era folksy, near circus music? I would understand — that Moz record lyrics aside is pretty good and sounds relatively modern even today. Whereas, this Kinks record sounds like a throwback (oh my god it also has harmonica on it...). It is shackled in its era by being so much of its time. I have not rated this band kindly over the course of my 1001 listening: - Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire): 1 star - Face to Face: 2 stars - Something Else By The Kinks: 2 stars One thing that is apparent to me on this record, more than the previous ones, is the Kinks have been lumped in with that "hippie sound" more as a slip in the timeline than anything else — a simple historical association because of shared musical roots, overlap in recording technology/production, and a pre-occupation with pastoralism or a "back to the land" movement. For anyone born after 1980 (maybe before?) it can all kind of blur together some times. And, I guess, this is the success (?) of the bludgeon you with The Kinks approach that this list has taken. I have finally heard them in a way that's broken through some calcified taste prejudices that I had. Ultimately, The Kinks' the Village Green Preservation Society has initiated a broader reappraisal of the band and that's powerful on its own. I still don't love it. But it's not bad. Though I'm never going to enjoy a song along the lines of "All My Friends Were There" with its circusy, vaudeville vibe. I find that mode so grating. And, is this the longest I've taken to say I like an album just fine? Probably not, but it's close. Overall, this record is a very solid 3 stars. Congratulations to the Davies brothers!
songs kinda sound the same, and the album sounds like eccentric beatles. nostalgia album about rural nostalgia. didn't mind it, probably won't listen again. was interesting enough.
3.3/5
Vähän vaihdellen perus 60-luvun rokkia ja psykedeeliä ja fever dreamia. Ihan hauska brittirokki/poppi hölmöilylevy. En ny ihan päässy sisään, valonpilkahduksia ja mitä ihmettä -hetkiä löyty, mut keskimäärin aika pliisua perus sikstarirokkia.
Jag känner att kinks är ok.
Quite good.
This album feels like pulling back the curtain of this band before they figured out their own sound and were still happy pantomiming the Beatles a la the White Album.
Welp, so.. this was an experience, for sure. It's a fun and easy on the ears kind of a folk-pop/rock album. It wasn't until the Side Two that I started to get into it truly as the songs got more interesting and dynamic imo. Over all, nothing really struck me as particularly extraordinary. Highlights: Johnny Thunder, Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, Village Green, Starstruck, Phenomenal Cat, Wicked Annabella, Monica
Interesting themes, but less cool than Bob Dylan and less creatively polished than The Beatles
A really nice simple album to play in the background. In comparison to the other kink albums I’ve listened too this one does not have any songs of real substance to make me want to return. But for what it is it was a fun listen.
Har lite svårt att bestämma vad jag egentligen tycker om det här albumet. Ibland kan jag tycka det kan vara lite jobbigt men delar av det gillar jag. Bäst är The village green preservation society, Picture book, Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, Animal farm
Aight.
About halfway through my brain just like shut off
Обычное, но неплохое
I expected more.
In general I find this a little too twee. Big Sky sounds a bit ahead of its time, though. A fairly middling three.
Have I listened to this album before? No How familiar am I with this album? I don’t know any of these songs, even though I know a lot of Kinks songs How do I feel about this artist? I really like The Kinks Pre-Listen Thoughts: A concept album about a small Welsh town? Sounds interesting Favorite track(s): Phenomenal Cat, Big Sky Post-Listen Thoughts: This was OK, not what I’m used to hearing from the kinks. Not bad but not as exciting as some of their other work.
Big Sky and All My Friends Were There are my favorites😊🏙️🏙️ Feel-good album. I felt happy and relaxed 💖Thank you
poppy, was fine.
This album is rather precious with all this British country nostalgia, isn't it. I recognize that it's a little tongue in cheek, but still. I guess "Big Sky" is a bit more interesting with its spoken word bit, and I've always liked "Animal Farm." And of course these songs all have the advantage of being very short. But on the whole I like the garage-y sound of the earlier Kinks record that I had yesterday better. I'll admit that I began counting how many songs were left after "Animal Farm." 3 stars
Light and airy, but with interesting themes. I enjoyed this, but probably wouldn't return to it as none of the individual songs really grabbed me.
On an initial listen, I wasn't all that impressed with the album as a whole. I found it to be one of those albums which just didn't match my musical tastes. However, after realising a few of the songs had gotten stuck in my head, I had another listen. That, plus the context I learned about the Kinks and this album specifically allowed me to appreciate it as an interesting commentary on the fragility of nostalgia and a parody of those who have a strong desire to protect the "old ways". Being British, these themes really did resonate with me and were highlighted best by my two favourite songs off the album "The village Green Preservation Society" and "Where's Walter". Overall though, it's only 3 stars as I won't be listening to the whole album through and my favourite songs aren't enough to bring it up to that 4 star rating
even though i'm not a 60's lover, this album was very fun to listen to. it is cute and energetic, in a 60's way of course. i enjoyed most of the songs and would definitely add them to my playlists.
Cool songwriting, none of the songs are super memorable except the first one but maybe that's because my dad used to sing it a lot more than anything.
coole hippie vibes, simple melodien. glaube ein mal hören reicht. 6/10
Pretty solid.
I had no idea The Kinks had such a long, eclectic, prolific career. Or that they were banned from the US in the 60's. I see similarities between the songwriting on this and some Beatles records, and early Pink Floyd, purposely reflecting Ray Davies' intent to preserve British the songwriting style. This proto-concept album is a slice of music history and artistic growth unknown or forgotten by so many.
why is this basically a beatles album
Strong 6-light 7. Intrigued to listen to The Kinks more now. Bass run on Wicked Annabella is MENTAL
- I like most of the songs on here, though it loses steam as it goes on and gets a little hokey. - The mix could be better, but I like the instrumentation throughout - it's just hard to hear everything. I like the bass and guitar riffs and grooves, in general. - I like the themes that they're singing about, but I am having trouble following all the lyrics because they're a little buried in the mix.
I mean the Kinks are cool and I feel like they were putting out some great music for their time. I'm not sure they really hit for me. I think they just sound a bit too Beatlesque for me. I love the Beatles so it's good music but just isn't as catchy as their music and just feels like a Temu version.
i liked this one quite a bit more than the last Kinks record. trippy and very fun
Good old 60s beat rock music.
Well this album has aged. I don't really know whether I think it is really good or not. It definitely is not bad, but very much a product of its time. Pleasant to listen to, but I think it will fall just short of 4 stars here. 3/5
We have a pattern going on with Sticky Fingers and now this lol, a lot of classic British stuff. Familiar due to my love of The Beatles, The Who, The Animals, Yardbirds, stuff like that. I'm a fan! I think I just love all music. Not as raw as I would like, but it has a time and place to be enjoyed. I think some of the songs are a bit similar and therefore can be hard to remember or distinguish, but I enjoy the meaningful lyrics on certain tracks and early idea of a concept album. This album didn't chart or have much success but it's probably because it came out around the same time as The White Album. My favorite track was Wicked Annabella followed by Last of the Steam Powered Trains.
bättre än annat från kinks
I'll precursor by saying that i do genuinely enjoy the Kinks' work, but this has never worked as well for me as other albums of theirs. There's a lot to like here, but a lot just leaves me cold. It's no Arthur or Muswell Hillbilllies.
Kinky
Yas
Meh I am sure this is someones favourite
I love The Kinks, though this is my least liked of all their albums, I think. They certainly have a lot of commitment to the bit here, and it all gets a bit twee after a while. It's still a fun listen though, all cheerful and full of sunshine.
Couple good songs and a couple mid ones
Such excellent simple songs
Stop that. Silly. It's very silly.
Pretty good Kinks album. I may not be as enamored by it as many people seem to be, I still prefer the band's tow lower stakes albums that preceded it, but it's doubtless very good. I know there's a concept here, but it seems to ingrained in the British class system for me fully grasp. I guess that's why I like the other two better. Key tracks: Picture Book People Take Pictures of Each Other
Evokes classic English country towns to me, in a good way.
Good stuff. Classic, But sounds rather Old
Liked it a lot but not like yea want to listen to it more
A very fresh pop record. I knew very few of the Kinks and I quite enjoyed this release. Favorite Songs: The Village Green Preservation Society
Me gustó, pero no me encantó. Last of the steam es temazo.
Enjoying Do You Remember Walter Appreciate that this isn't about love or beauty but exploring people's histories Sixty tracks?! She's Got Everything is a bop
I have tried to give this album its due so many times. I just don’t get it.
Cool music but no catchy hits
"Released in 1968" yeah no shit Real talk, I have no problem with this album. Pretty enjoyable, decent songwriting, unique. But holy moly the age on this puppy shows. Crazy to think of what some other groups were doing around this time. Fave tracks: - Picture Book - Last of the Steam-Powered Trains - Sitting by the Riverside - Animal Farm - Wicked Annabella
Es una banda que conozco y me gusta. En la voz, letras y melodía se percibe nostalgia. Se deja escuchar muy fácil.
Not really for me, but not bad either. Feels very of its time, but not in a dated way, just the feel of it.
6.5/10. I know how influential The Kinks are in rock history, and I really wanted to connect with this one… but it just didn’t happen. It’s well crafted and has its charm, you can hear the impact it had. It just never fully pulled me in.
Pretty good band
This version of the kinks is a little jaggely for me.
Lowkirky Beatles
beatles auf wish
Some interesting songs! 3.5 stars
This is #day623 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… here's my third record from The Kinks already. I've rated the previous two a 2 out of 5, and I feel like I should revisit them. What makes Village Green work is that late-'60s pop/folk-rock sound with psychedelic elements, which I don't mind on this Thursday night. After all, they say this is the record that influenced Blur and Oasis, so that has to count for something. Still, I prefer The Beatles. Actually, The Stones. Let it be a strong 3 out of 5 this time around. Looking forward to #day624.
It's as if The Beatles and The Beach Boys had a child
Interesting album that flip flops between hyper silly and more complex seemingly every other song. Would have preferred less silly (especially on the B side), but there are things to like here. Top tracks: Picture Book, Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, Big Sky
Never heard of the band, never heard any of the songs. Hated Sitting by the Riverside, but the rest were fine. People Take Pictures of Each Other, Phenomenal Cat, and All of My Friends Were There were all funny.
This was an interesting trip into 60s rock. I only new The Kinks from You Really Got me, so this album was completely new. Not as appealing as the more psychedelic stuff of this era, but still a chill listen.
I like albums that tell a story. This one was a little campy at points but I’m excited to listen to more of them. Wish I could give 3.5
Highlights: The Village Green Preservation Society, The Last of the Steam Powered Trains. In a nutshell: God save the Davies lads... An ode to nostalgia, mocking the establishment, strawberry jam and their different varieties. There's a theme, but it's not quite a concept album. It's definitely a "series of vignettes" than a concept album. The reach The Kinks have, especially this album, is far and wide. From ELO to Oasis to Green Day. If you go in knowing that the band are serious about their music while taking the piss out of their home nation, you'll be right. Overall: 6/10
Big influence on Brit Pop which might explain why it's totally decent but just not something I'm itching to spin back or ever hear again.
Enjoyable should revisit
A good pop rock album representative of its time while also pushing the envelope a little.
Encore un de ces groupes que je connais avant tout de nom. J'ai déjà essayé de m'y intéresser à plusieurs reprises, mais je n'ai toujours pas eu le déclic. Je sais que ce groupe et cet album sont particulièrement appréciés et ont un statut culte, mais ça ne m'a pas parlé plus que ça. Mais, il faut admettre que c'est très bien fait, c'est bien de son époque, c'était plutôt travaillé, mais... j'ai pas assez retenu pour en dire grand-chose.
Hier hoef je niet veel bij te typen. Het is m'n vierde Kinks album en het is in mijn beleving altijd ongeveer wel een beetje hetzelfde. Deze keer is het gezapig en gezellig genoeg voor 3 sterren.
The Village Green Preservation Society // Last of the Steam-Powered Trains //
While interesting and full of classic folk rock and interesting lyrics and themes, the album meanders on in its second half and becomes a bit. The album is good, and I may even listen to it again, but the attempt at a concept album doesn't fully work (although again it really does for the first half). If the album were shorter, it would have been higher.
I stand by my comment on the last album I had by The Kinks. They’re a less interesting version of the Beatles.
The indie/alt Beatles/Stones. A fun listen. Very English.
I liked this, felt like I was already familiar with the sound from Beatles albums around this same time - which I’m sure is greatly offensive to Kinks fans and maybe the wider music community. Consistently enjoyable, but great opening track and lyrics in The Village Green Preservation Society.
Lovely background music to our car ride home. Definitely not The Kinks I know and love!
I think this was quite pleasant background in car music but not necessarily much more than that. Very jangly!
Pleasant, but nothing grabbed me.
Old timey Honestly don't care for their sound.
Some bops but after the first 2 songs became a bit samey
Not their catchiest - okaaaay
Best Track - "The Village Green Preservation Society"
I mean, the Kinks were the Kinks, hugely influential on so many rock groups that would follow. But now nearly 60 years after it came out, most of the tracks on this particular album seem dated and not particularly memorable.
It was OK, had hoped for more
This is another album that’s not bad, but is also not particularly memorable. The Kinks were certainly creative and experimental for the time period, and I appreciate the goofiness, but this isn’t one I’ll revisit.
Solid album.
this sounds like the beatl- oh hi british invasion period <3
2.5
Definitely fun, but this is really some Sgt peppers Lonely Hearts Club rip-off hahaha
Lots of simple, happy songs. Good listen.
Me gusta, pero no está en mi top de favoritos
More enjoyable album than contemporaries
Nice album cover. The kinks are massively influential. I’ve never heard one of their albums. This album was heavily criticised when it was realised, many labelled it one of the earliest concept albums. The village green preservation society: 5/10 Wow. It’s like the kinks are doing their best beach boys impressions. Do you remember Walter?: 5.5/10 That first chord reminds me of a day in the life. Picture book: 6/10 “ this is a public service announcement this is only a test “ Johnny thunder: 5.5/10 Last of the steam powered trains: 6/10 Big sky: 6/10 Sitting by the riverside: 6/10 Animal farm: 6/10 Village green: 5.5/10 Starstruck: 6/10 Phenomenal cat: 7/10 All of my friends were there: 4/10 Wicked Annabella: 5/10 Monica: 6/10 People take pictures of each other: 6/10 All together a bit too jolly for most people. I think when people want to hear the kinks they want to hear gritty rock, not an experimental album.
Why am I drinking Pepsi when Coke exists? If I wanted to listen to the Beatles, I'd listen to the Beatles. The first two songs on this album are Beatles knockoffs. And the third one is right there, too. Song structures, quirky lyrics, some of the harmonizing...it's fine, but like I said...I'd rather just listen to the real thing. Giving this a 3. It's not BAD music. It's fine...it's just not worth coming back to. And like I said, if I'm gonna listen to someone ape the Beatles, I'd rather just listen to the Beatles.
Interessant
This isn't me hating on this album, because it's pretty good, but why do a band like the Kinks have 4 albums on this list??
Kinda forgettable but okay overall
Usually I'm not a fan of whatever type of genre this is, but this was pretty decent. Not extraordinary, but I actually like a few songs from this album.
i love the kinks but this is not their best imo
I was not in the mood for this 5/10
The beatles: mid edition Fav song: picture book
pretty cool, funky, sometimes country and a bit rock, some nice jams, mostly prefer some of their bigger songs than anything on this album tho
Ok
Helt ok tidstypisk pop-rock.
I liked it! Very happy sound!
Charmingly English
p133. 1968. 3 stars. Proof that The Kinks were always more of a singles band. This isn't dreadful by any means, with sharp lyrics and sly asides - but there's a lot of filler. It's all a bit tired and twee to be honest.
- Just some fun, whimsical, feel good listening
Very hippie, British, early mid 60s. Reminds me of Spinal Tap the early years, but that is my only frame of reference.
On the surface, this album sounds just like other British bands from that era, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. But The Kinks manage to insert a few darker undertones in their otherwise happy music and thus make for a more varied and interesting listening experience. Best songs are The Village Green Preservation Society and Wicked Annabella. 7/10, just like British cuisine, their music is better with more spices.
Good album!
Halt beatles in nöd so guet
Gonna be an unpopular opinion because I know this is a lot of people's favorite album, but I bounced back and forth from really enjoying some songs ( Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, Wicked Annabella, Picture Book) to absolutely hating some of them (All of My Friends Were There, Phenomenal Cat, The Village Green Preservation Society). I honestly think the kind of almost whispery, sing-songy , whimsicality of the vocals on some of the songs got on my nerves after a bit. I enjoyed the instrumentals way more than the singing. It's a British Invasion album, what can I say. It's got enough high points and interesting songs/ guitar riffs that it kept me engaged *almost* the whole album, but the lows were low.
Visai nieko, bet nieko nepamenu. Bet taip pat aš ne visai sąmoninga, tai nežinau.
Pretty interesting experiment in a variety of genres. But I can see why the kinks have largely been left behind while contemporary such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones continue to be relevant.
Three solid standouts but very samey for me....still good tho
RE LARGO MAAAN
it was ao comforting and homely, almost nostalgic too
I’ve listened to the kinks before I don’t mind the band and the album is alright but they have better music available so not their best but by no means bad
What a curious mixture of songs. The album is lighthearted and easy to listen to, I loved all the funky elements throughout the album. This is a strong 3.5 for me.
I'd never even heard of this album but as a fan of a lot of Kinks deep cuts this sounded pretty good: "lauded by contemporary critics for its songwriting. It was embraced by America's new underground rock press, completing the Kinks' transformation from mid-1960s pop hitmakers to critically favoured cult band." but it didn't really hit like i was expecting. Decent but no songs really grabbed me.
I love the Kinks but the album prior is better for mine. This might be too culturally specific to really resonate and not of interest enough to hold my attention and learn. Love Mick Avory’s drum sound and drumming.
A great song or two, but most of the album is bland.
På frågan ”Beatles eller Stones” är svaret The Kinks. Ray Davies skrev och sjöng några av 60-talets snyggaste popmelodier. På den här skivan bäst manifesterat på Big sky, Animal farm och titelspåret. Mer tröttsamt är Kinks fäbless för varietépop, vilket i olika grad hörs i exempelvis Sitting by the riverside och All of my friends were there. Och att en av deras bästa låtar någonsin, Days, spelades in i samma session men aldrig kom med på albumet är obegripligt.
This is a simple and fun album, but it just doesn't grab me.
I almost always read the Wikipedia entry for each record we review. This one has got to be the longest I've ever seen. Just the footnotes take forever to get through. Three hundred thirty listed references? You betcha, pal! Anyway... this album is fine. Maybe a little too "British" for my taste.
The Kinks seem like they are for kind of depressed people, there I said it.
Nothing special