The Kinks are launching a series of 60th anniversary projects with the upcoming release of a new anthology entitled “The Journey – Part 1.”
Due March 24, the collection delivers a series of remastered songs from the band’s first decade, including hits and classics like “You Really Got Me,” “Waterloo Sunset,” “All Day And All Of The Night,” “Celluloid Heroes,” “Supersonic Rocket Ship,” “Dead End Street,” and “Death Of A Clown.”
"Ask yourself the question, is this journey really necessary?”, says Ray Davies. “.......Yes!”
“I’m delighted with what I think is an inspiring selection of timeless and magical Kinks music,” adds guitarist Dave Davies.
Formed in 1963 in Muswell Hill, North London, by the Davies brothers and bassist Pete Quaife – with drummer Mick Avory joining shortly thereafter – The Kinks issued two standalone singles before they broke onto the scene with the UK No. 1 hit, “You Really Got Me”, the advance lead single from their 1964 self-titled debut album. More UK Top 10 hits followed throughout the decade and into the early 1970s as the band’s impressive catalog and live performances continues attract the attention of music fans.
“The Journey - Part 1” will be available in multiple formats, including 2CD, 2LP, Digital and HD Digital albums; the physical formats contain a booklet with band photos and personal track-by-track notes from Ray, Mick, and Dave, sharing their memories of the time these tracks were recorded.
The Kinks 60 campaign will be a two-year-long celebration of the band’s history; the career-defining anthology, “The Journey”, will be released in two parts, with details of “The Journey - Part 2” to follow later this year.
In addition, a host of global events and activities will be launching throughout 2023 and 2024 to mark the band’s milestone, with more to be announced in the coming months.
The Kinks are sharing a new Ray Davies 2022 remix of “Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues” from the forthcoming 50th anniversary reissue of their 1971 album, “Musewell Hillbillies.”
Due September 9, the band will release remastered editions of their tenth studio record as well as 1972’s “Everyone’s In Show-Biz.”
The projects originally marked the start of a new chapter for the UK band: they signed a new record deal with RCA, looked back on their upbringing in London and began to turn their attention to the American public.
“’Muswell Hillbillies’ is one-of my favorite Kink’s albums,” says Dave Davies. “It’s a bit of a backstory to the Davies family and the characters involved.”
Both albums will be available in a Deluxe Box Set package as well as individual LP and CD editions; for full details, visit thekinks.info.
The Kinks have announced a new series of reissues marking the 50th anniversary of a pair of early 1970s albums.
Due September 9, the band will release remastered editions of their tenth record, 1971’s “Muswell Hillbillies”, and 1972’s “Everyone’s In Show-Biz.”
The projects marked the start of a new chapter for the UK band: they signed a new record deal with RCA, looked back on their upbringing in London and began to turn their attention to the American public.
“Now with a new record company and a new image, I could bring some of the old wild western spirit into my music,” explains Ray Davies. “These albums capture the re-emergence of the Kinks as a touring band.”
“’Muswell Hillbillies’ is one-of my favorite Kink’s albums,” adds Dave Davies. “It’s a bit of a backstory to the Davies family and the characters involved.”
“Muswell Hillbillies” release was supported by more US touring, including two 1972 nights at New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall. Tapes of those anarchic shows, heavy on Muswell material, formed the live half of 1972’s double-album, “Everybody's In Show-Biz - Everybody’s A Star.” Its studio sides explored The Kinks’ long months on the American road with wistful humor, while its finale, “Celluloid Heroes”, confirmed the band’s new world. Among the elite cream of Kinks songs, it saw Ray use Hollywood as a prism through which to view ordinary Americans’ bittersweet dreams.
Both albums will be available in a Deluxe Box Set package as well as individual LP and CD editions; for full details, visit store.thekinks.info.
The Kinks are previewing the reissues with a video for “Celluloid Heroes (US Single Version 2022 Edit)” and video of Ray explaining his inspiration for the song.
The Kinks are streaming a performance special to mark the 50th anniversary of their album, “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround.”
“The Moneygoround: A One Man Show For One Night Only” is a one-off performance of the play co-written by Ray Davies and Paul Sirett featuring material from the 1970 satirical concept album about the music industry that was recently reissued to mark the milestone.
The record – which delivered two top 10 UK hits: “Lola” and “Apeman” – has been transformed into a theatrical presentation featuring actor Ben Norris.
"The Moneygoround' is a one-man show documenting a character facing the challenging circumstances of making an album under extreme pressure,” explains Ray Davies. “This play, similar to a psychodrama, follows the ups and downs of the character as he plays out events in his life. He confronts the dark forces surrounding him after falling into an emotional and financial ‘hole’; eventually he is saved by a song after confiding in his friend, Lola."
“The Moneygoround: A One Man Show For One Night Only” premiered on January 29 and will be available to view for 48 hours via The Kinks’ YouTube channel.
The Kinks have announced plans for a livestream performance next week in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their album, “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround.”
Set to stream on the band’s YouTube channel on January 29, “The Moneygoround: A One Man Show For One Night Only” is a one-off performance of the play co-written by Ray Davies and Paul Sirett.
"The Moneygoround' is a one-man show documenting a character facing the challenging circumstances of making an album under extreme pressure,” explains Davies. “This play, similar to a psychodrama, follows the ups and downs of the character as he plays out events in his life. He confronts the dark forces surrounding him after falling into an emotional and financial ‘hole’; eventually he is saved by a song after confiding in his friend, Lola."
The unique audio-visual production has been intimately filmed with the actor Ben Norris as the leading character; the presentation will also feature video content inserts of archive footage.
Last month, The Kinks released a series of expanded reissues of the 1970 record, which was a satirical concept album about the music industry that was seen as a comeback when it delivered two top 10 UK hits: “Lola” and “Apeman.”
The Kinks are streaming a previously-unreleased alternate take on “This Time Tomorrow”, a track from the newly-issued 50th anniversary edition of “Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround, Part One.”
The country-tinged song features Ray Davies’ Dobro resonator on the 2020 mix, which incorporates the instrumental version and was remixed from the original master tapes by Davies and Matt Jaggar at Konk Studios in London this past summer.
The 50th anniversary reissues of the band’s eighth studio record include the remastered album alongside studio outtakes, demo recordings, BBC performances, and previously unreleased material.
"The album is a celebration of artistic freedom (including my own) and the right for anyone to be gender free if one wishes,” explains Davies. “The secret is to be a good and trusting person and friend."
The 50th anniversary project is now available in multiple formats, including CD, Deluxe 2CD, LP, digital and as a Deluxe Box Set.
The band are streaming a video trailer as the latest preview to the October 25 release of a series of 50th anniversary reissues of their 1969 album, “Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire).”
Read all about it and check out the video in this week’s top story!
The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.
For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.
The Kinks are streaming a video trailer as the latest preview to the October 25 release of a series of 50th anniversary reissues of their 1969 album, “Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire).”
The band’s seventh record saw Ray Davies deliver a concept album about a family emigrating from the UK; the follow-up to “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society” received unanimous acclaim and earned the group their highest US chart position in four years.
“I started Arthur before the end of Village Green.” says Ray. “The albums piggyback one another because they are joined. I’d already written the song ‘Arthur’. I think I wrote ‘Australia’ when I was still living at 87 Fortis Green so it was quite early on. I remember taking it over to Dave, he lived in Cockfosters at the time, and playing it to him. We were laughing at the irony in the line, ‘nobody’s got a chip on their shoulder’.”
The “Arthur” Super Deluxe Box Set presents 4CDs comprising of 81 tracks in total, 5 of them unreleased alongside 28 previously-unreleased versions. These include 2019 newly remastered versions of the original album from HD sources (in its original track listing), mono and stereo single versions, B-sides, alternate mono and stereo mixes, rehearsal tracks, BBC mixes and the lost Dave Davies’ solo album, with bonus tracks.
A 68-page softback book has also been included, featuring extensive essays by world-renowned Kinks experts, original cancelled Arthur play co-scriptwriter Julian Mitchell, and original album sleeve designer Bob Lawrie; there are also new interviews with Ray Davies, Dave Davies and Mick Avory, as well as band photos, original release international cover artwork and printed memorabilia.
Four 7” singles from the album can also be found – “Drivin’”, “Victoria”, “Shangri-La” and “Hold My Hand” (Dave Davies solo) - all reproduced with original international artwork. Finally, a bespoke, exclusive, metal & enamel Kinks logo pin badge is included for fans to wear.
The “Arthur” 50th anniversary package will also be available via 2CD, 1CD, 2LP and digital editions.
The Kinks are streaming a new 2019 mix of “Australia”, as the latest preview to the October 25 release of a series of 50th anniversary reissues of their 1969 album, “Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire).”
The concept record, which told the story of a family emigrating to Australia from the UK, was first drafted as, and inspired by, a television play written by frontman Ray Davies and English playwright Julian Mitchell.
“I had become bored with the singles format,” Davies tells Rolling Stone. “I was tired of doing three or four singles a year and your whole body of work is judged by what those singles are like.”
The set features 2019 newly remastered versions of the original record in stereo and mono versions, a disc of demos, rehearsals, remixes and BBC performances, and a “lost” Dave Davies solo album.
The “Arthur” 50th anniversary package will be available via 2CD, 1CD, 2LP and digital editions, as well as a 4CD Super Deluxe Box Set that delivers 81 tracks in total, with 5 unreleased alongside 28 previously-unreleased versions of other songs.
The Kinks are streaming a new 2019 mix of “Shangri-La”, as a preview to the October 25 release of a series of 50th anniversary reissues of their 1969 album, “Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire).”
The tune was the second single issued from the concept album about a family emigrating from the UK.
The “Arthur” 50th anniversary package will be available via 2CD, 1CD, 2LP and digital editions, as well as a 4CD Super Deluxe Box Set that delivers 81 tracks in total, with 5 of them unreleased alongside 28 previously-unreleased versions of other tracks.
The set features 2019 newly remastered versions of the original record in stereo and mono versions, a disc of demos, rehearsals, remixes and BBC performances, and a “lost” Dave Davies solo album.
“Hearing Dave’s songs again after all this time,” says Ray, “I found them quite moving because they were like the back story of what The Kinks were going through at the time.”
The Kinks will mark the 50th anniversary of their 1969 album, “Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire)”, with a series of reissues on October 25.
The band’s seventh record saw Ray Davies deliver a concept album about a family emigrating from the UK; the follow-up to “The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society” received unanimous acclaim and earned the group their highest US chart position in four years.
“I started Arthur before the end of Village Green,” says Ray. “The albums piggyback one another because they are joined. I’d already written the song ‘Arthur’. I think I wrote ‘Australia’ when I was still living at 87 Fortis Green so it was quite early on. I remember taking it over to Dave, he lived in Cockfosters at the time, and playing it to him. We were laughing at the irony in the line, ‘nobody’s got a chip on their shoulder’.”
The “Arthur” Super Deluxe Box Set presents 4CDs comprising of 81 tracks in total, 5 of them unreleased alongside 28 previously-unreleased versions. These include 2019 newly remastered versions of the original album from HD sources (in its original track listing), mono and stereo single versions, B-sides, alternate mono and stereo mixes, rehearsal tracks, BBC mixes and the lost Dave Davies’ solo album, with bonus tracks.
A 68-page softback book has also been included, featuring extensive essays by world-renowned Kinks experts, original cancelled Arthur play co-scriptwriter Julian Mitchell, and original album sleeve designer Bob Lawrie. There are also new interviews with Ray Davies, Dave Davies and Mick Avory, as well as band photos, original release international cover artwork and printed memorabilia.
Four 7” singles from the album can also be found – “Drivin’”, “Victoria”, “Shangri-La” and “Hold My Hand” (Dave Davies solo) - all reproduced with original international artwork. Finally, a bespoke, exclusive, metal & enamel Kinks logo pin badge is included for fans to wear.
The “Arthur” 50th anniversary package will also be available via 2CD, 1CD, 2LP and digital editions.
The project is being previewed with a lyric video for the previously-unreleased track, “The Future.”
The Kinks “Arthur” Super Deluxe Box Set
Release date: October 25
Disc One: Original Stereo Album (2019 Remaster)
01. Victoria (Stereo)
02. Yes Sir, No Sir (Stereo)
03. Some Mother’s Son (Stereo)
04. Drivin’ (Stereo)
05. Brainwashed (Stereo)
06. Australia (Stereo)
07. Shangri-La (Stereo)
08. Mr. Churchill Says (Stereo)
09. She’s Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina (Stereo)
10. Young And Innocent Days (Stereo)
11. Nothing To Say (Stereo)
12. Arthur (Stereo)
Bonus Tracks
13. Plastic Man (Stereo)
14. Victoria (Alternate Stereo Mix)
15. Yes Sir, No Sir (Alternate Stereo Mix)
16. Drivin’ (Alternate Stereo Mix)
17. Brainwashed (Alternate Stereo Mix)
18. Australia (Alternate Stereo Mix)
19. Shangri-La (Alternate Stereo Mix)
Disc Two: Original Mono Album (2019 Remaster)
01. Victoria (Mono)
02. Yes Sir, No Sir (Mono)
03. Some Mother’s Son (Mono)
04. Drivin’ (Mono)
05. Brainwashed (Mono)
06. Australia (Mono)
07. Shangri-La (Mono)
08. Mr. Churchill Says (Mono)
09. She’s Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina (Mono)
10. Young And Innocent Days (Mono)
11. Nothing To Say (Mono)
12. Arthur (Mono)
Bonus Tracks
13. Plastic Man (Mono)
14. King Kong (Mono)
15. Victoria (Alternate Mono Mix)
16. Australia (Alternate Mono Acetate Mix)
17. Shangri-La (Alternate Mono Mix)
18. She’s Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina (Alternate Mono Mix)
19. Australia (Australian Mono Single Mix/Edit)
Disc Three: The Great Lost Dave Davies Album Plus
01. This Man He Weeps Tonight (Stereo)
02. Mindless Child Of Motherhood (Stereo)
03. Hold My Hand (Stereo)
04. Do You Wish To Be A Man? (Stereo)
05. Are You Ready? (Stereo)
06. Creeping Jean (Stereo)
07. I’m Crying (Stereo)
08. Lincoln County (Stereo)
09. Mr. Shoemaker’s Daughter (Stereo)
10. Mr. Reporter (Stereo)
11. Groovy Movies (Stereo)
12. There Is No Life Without Love (Stereo)
Bonus Tracks
13. Lincoln County (Mono Single Mix/Edit)
14. There Is No Life Without Love (Mono)
15. Hold My Hand (Mono)
16. Creeping Jean (Mono Single Mix/Edit)
17. Mindless Child Of Motherhood (Mono)
18. This Man He Weeps Tonight (Mono)
19. Mr. Shoemaker’s Daughter (Alternate Stereo Mix)
20. Mr. Reporter (Alternate Stereo Mix)
21. Groovy Movies (Alternate Stereo Mix)
22. Lincoln County (Acoustic Mix)
23. Hold My Hand (Alternate Take)
Disc Four: Demos, Rehearsals, BBC & Remixes
Part 1
01. Arthur’s Journey (Introduction)
02. Australia (2019 Mix)
03. Home Demos Medley, 1969: Arthur / Victoria / Some Mother's Son / Drivin' / Brainwashed / Mr. Churchill Says (TV Premix)
Part 2
04. Shangri-La (2019 Mix)
05. My Big Sister (Theatrical Version)
06. Stevenage (Theatrical Version)
07. Space (Theatrical Version) (Full Version)
08. The Future (Doo-Wop Version)
09. Arthur (Doo-Wop Version)
Part 3
10. The Virgin Soldiers March
11. Soldiers Coming Home (Instrumental)
12. King Kong (BBC Mix)
13. Victoria (Ray Davies & Band With The DR Symphony & Vocal Ensemble) (Stereo)
14. Arthur (BBC Mix)
Guitarist Dave Davies of The Kinks has announced dates for a spring US tour in support of his 2018 collection, “Decade.”
Primarily focused on the US northeast, the two-week, nine-date spring run will open in Collingswood, NJ on April 9 (see schedule below).
Footage of Davies performing the 1965 Kinks classic, “I Need You”, is featured in a video promoting the series, with ticket details available at davedavies.com.
“Decade” presents 13 unreleased tunes from the 1970s, acting, essentially, as a companion to the 2011 package, “Hidden Treasures”, which did the same with the rocker’s unused songs from the 1960s.
The guitarist’s material remained on the shelf as brother Ray Davies used his songs to focus The Kinks’ efforts on a series of concept albums.
Four decades after Davies recorded a series of songs intended for possible release by himself and/or the legendary UK band, the guitarist is ready to share them with fans.
“I am so pleased that after all this time these tracks are being released to see the light of day,” says Dave. “These songs have been silently nagging at me to be recognized all these years. At last I can proudly present this album Decade to the world. I do hope you all enjoy the music.”
Last year, Ray confirmed that the surviving members of The Kinks (bassist Pete Quaife passed away in 2010) had reunited for a new album after more than two decades apart.
Dave Davies
Spring 2019 US tour
Apr 09 – Collingswood, NJ @ Scottish Rite Auditorium
Apr 10 – Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall
Apr 12 – New York, NY @ Society for Ethical Culture
Apr 13 – Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Center for the Arts
Apr 14 – Westbury, NY @ The Space
Apr 18 – Cleveland, OH @ Music Box
Apr 19 – Hobart, IN @ Art Theatre
Apr 20 – Evanston, IL @ The Space
Apr 21 – Chicago, IL @ City Winery
"Web of Time is a previously-unreleased song I wrote and recorded in the mid-1970s, which has been embellished for the Decade album," says Davies. "It's about my feelings and reflections about where we stand as people and what we are doing to each other, why we do the things we do. Questioning life - is it just chaos or is there more to it? I think it's poignant for these times."
First previewed with the lead track, “Cradle To The Grave”, “Decade” presents a series of unreleased tunes from the 1970s, which remained on the shelf as brother Ray Davies used his songs to focus The Kinks’ efforts on a series of concept albums.
In the years prior to the issue of his first “proper” solo album, 1980’s “AFL1-3603”, Davies was working on the tracks that now make up “Decade.” The tapes were unearthed by his sons Simon and Martin from “under beds, in attics, in storage,” and properly mixed and mastered to bring them to full fruition.
The period 1973 to 1975 saw Dave take a major technical role as The Kinks moved into their own recording studio, Konk.
“I’m always really into the sound, and the mixes, and gadgets…” he explains. “I was able to go in, and make what I thought were demos – these recordings.”
“It was a song that was special to me, and I kept coming back to it,” says Davies. “It’s great to finally be able to hear it as I’d originally envisaged. I’m very proud of it, as I am of all the songs on this album.”
“Decade” presents 13 unreleased tunes from the 1970s, acting, essentially, as a companion to the 2011 package, “Hidden Treasures”, which did the same with the rocker’s unused songs from the 1960s.
The guitarist’s material remained on the shelf as brother Ray Davies used his songs to focus The Kinks’ efforts on a series of concept albums.
“We were busy, and we were touring,” recalls Dave. “The Kinks were very vibrant that whole period of time. It wasn’t really until the end of the ‘70s that I started to really take my writing seriously. I should have done it anyway – because what’s ‘serious’ and ‘not serious’? Just get stuff out, you know?”
In the meantime, the surviving members of The Kinks (bassist Pete Quaife passed away in 2010) have reunited to work on a new album after more than two decades apart.
Dave Davies “Decade”
Release date: October 12
01. “Cradle To The Grave”
02. “Midnight Sun”
03. “Islands”
04. “If You Are Leaving”
05. “Web Of Time”
06. “Mystic Woman”
07. “Give You All My Love”
08. “The Journey”
09. “Within Each Day”
10. “Same Old Blues”
11. “Mr. Moon”
12. “Shadows”
13. “This Precious Time (Long Lonely Road)”
Guitarist Dave Davies of The Kinks is streaming a previously-released track, “Same Old Blues”, as the latest preview to his forthcoming collection, “Decade.”
Due October 12, the project presents 13 unreleased tunes from the 1970s, acting, essentially, as a companion to the 2011 package, “Hidden Treasures”, which did the same with the rocker’s unused songs from the 1960s.
According to Davies, “Decade” wouldn’t exist without his sons, Simon and Martin, who unearthed, mixed and mastered the project.
“They came out of ideas I half-wrote at home, and put drums on and changed them,” the rocker tells Billboard. “I didn’t think some of them would see the light of day. But my sons Simon and Martin got all the music together and Simon produced it, editing the effects and tones with gadgetry. It probably took three or four years to put it all together.”
“But Decade was a very organic kind of process for me,” recalls the guitarist, “because I’d be writing a song and not even be sure what I was writing about. I found Decade, in the end, to be a very cathartic experience. You’re learning about yourself all those years ago. Listening to it and remembering, having memories of the time, was very emotional.
“There are parts of us that change, but fundamental parts of us don’t change, in a way. There’s kind of a 16-year-old still in here who wants to express himself. If you can get yourself in that childlike state, everything seems new again.”
Four decades after Davies recorded a series of songs intended for possible release by himself and/or the legendary UK band, the guitarist is ready to share them with fans.
Ray Davies recently confirmed that the surviving members of The Kinks (bassist Pete Quaife passed away in 2010) have reunited for a new album after more than two decades apart.
Dave Davies “Decade”
Release date: October 12
01. “Cradle To The Grave”
02. “Midnight Sun”
03. “Islands”
04. “If You Are Leaving”
05. “Web Of Time”
06. “Mystic Woman”
07. “Give You All My Love”
08. “The Journey”
09. “Within Each Day”
10. “Same Old Blues”
11. “Mr. Moon”
12. “Shadows”
13. “This Precious Time (Long Lonely Road)”
The Kinks are streaming an unboxing video as a preview to the October 26 release of a 50th Anniversary Edition of their sixth album, “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society.”
Recently re-introduced by the previously-unreleased track, “Time Song”, the 1968 collection was the last album by the group’s original quartet of leader Ray Davies, guitarist Dave Davies, bassist Pete Quaife and drummer Mick Avory.
"I think The Village Green Preservation Society is about the ending of a time personally for me in my life," says Ray. "In my imaginary village. It's the end of our innocence, our youth. Some people are quite old but in the Village Green, you're never allowed to grow up. I feel the project itself as part of a life cycle."
The 50th anniversary reissue will be available in various formats, including 2CD Deluxe and digital editions, a single disc version and a Deluxe Box Set.
London's Proud Central Gallery is hosting an exhibition entitled “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society”; running from October 4 - November 18, the event will display a selection of rare collector's items including specially commissioned artworks by members of the band and vintage memorabilia, together with a collection of photographs documenting this period in the band's history.
The surviving members of The Kinks (Quaife passed away from kidney failure in 2010 at the age of 66) have recently reunited for a new album after more than two decades apart.
Guitarist Dave Davies of The Kinks is streaming a previously-unreleased track, “Cradle To The Grave”, as the first preview of his forthcoming collection, “Decade.”
Due October 12, the project presents 13 unreleased tunes from the 1970s, acting, essentially, as a companion to the 2011 package, “Hidden Treasures”, which did the same with the rocker’s unused songs from the 1960s.
In the years prior to the issue of his first “proper” solo album, 1980’s “AFL1-3603”, Davies was working on the tracks that now make up “Decade.” The tapes were unearthed by his sons Simon and Martin from “under beds, in attics, in storage,” and properly mixed and mastered to bring them to full fruition.
The period 1973 to 1975 saw Dave take a major technical role as The Kinks moved into their own recording studio, Konk.
“I’m always really into the sound, and the mixes, and gadgets…” he explains. “I was able to go in, and make what I thought were demos – these recordings.”
The guitarist’s material remained on the shelf as brother Ray Davies used his songs to focus The Kinks’ efforts on a series of concept albums.
“We were busy, and we were touring,” recalls Dave. “The Kinks were very vibrant that whole period of time. It wasn’t really until the end of the ‘70s that I started to really take my writing seriously. I should have done it anyway – because what’s ‘serious’ and ‘not serious’? Just get stuff out, you know?”
Four decades after Davies recorded a series of songs intended for possible release by himself and/or the legendary UK band, the guitarist is ready to share them with fans.
“I am so pleased that after all this time these tracks are being released to see the light of day,” says Dave. “These songs have been silently nagging at me to be recognized all these years. At last I can proudly present this album Decade to the world. I do hope you all enjoy the music.”
Dave Davies “Decade”
Release date: October 12
01. “Cradle To The Grave”
02. “Midnight Sun”
03. “Islands”
04. “If You Are Leaving”
05. “Web Of Time”
06. “Mystic Woman”
07. “Give You All My Love”
08. “The Journey”
09. “Within Each Day”
10. “Same Old Blues”
11. “Mr. Moon”
12. “Shadows”
13. “This Precious Time (Long Lonely Road)”
The Kinks are a streaming a lyric video for “Time Song”, a previously-unreleased track that will be featured on the 50th Anniversary Edition of their sixth album, “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society.”
Despite never being included on a release, “Time Song” was performed live only once by the band.
"When we played a concert at Drury Lane in '73 to ‘celebrate’ us [the UK] about to join what was called The Common Market, I decided to use the song as a warning that time was running out for the old British Empire," says Ray. "This song was recorded a few weeks later but never made the final cut on the Preservation Act I album. Oddly enough, the song seems quite poignant and appropriate to release at this time in British history, and like Europe itself the track is a rough mix which still has to be finessed."
Due October 26, the 1968 collection of vignettes of UK life was the last album by the group’s original quartet of leader Ray Davies, guitarist Dave Davies, bassist Pete Quaife and drummer Mick Avory.
"I think The Village Green Preservation Society is about the ending of a time personally for me in my life," Ray explains. "In my imaginary village. It's the end of our innocence, our youth. Some people are quite old but in the Village Green, you're never allowed to grow up. I feel the project itself as part of a life cycle."
Somewhat overlooked upon its original release, “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society” went on to become regarded by critics as one of the best British albums ever recorded. Created in difficult circumstances by a band on the verge of disintegration and who refused to follow fashion, it is an album of timeless, perfectly crafted songs about growing up and growing old, and the decline of national culture and traditional ways.
The 50th anniversary release of “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society” will be available in various formats, including a 2CD Deluxe and digital editions, a single disc version and a Deluxe Box Set.
In sync with the album’s reissue, there will be an exhibition at London's Proud Central Gallery titled “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society”; running from October 4 - November 18, the event will display a selection of rare collector's items including specially commissioned artworks by members of the band and vintage memorabilia, together with a collection of photographs documenting this period in the band's history.
Ray Davies recently confirmed that the surviving members of The Kinks (Quaife passed away from kidney failure in 2010 at the age of 66) have reunited for a new album after more than two decades apart.
With sales of more than 50 million albums worldwide, The Kinks were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990.
Ray Davies is streaming audio of “Bringing Up Baby”, from his newly-released album, “Our Country: Americana Act II.”
The project marks the companion to the singer’s first original solo work in a decade, 2017’s “Americana”, and his 2013 memoir of the same name.
Produced by Davies, Guy Massey and John Jackson, “Our Country” was recorded at London’s Konk Studios with guitarist Bill Shanley and The Jayhawks once again serving as Davies’ backing band in addition to a group of UK musicians.
"Our Country follows my journey across America,” says Davies, “through endless tours not just to reclaim the Kinks’ career, but to rediscover the country that offered me my earliest inspirations."
“Our Country: Americana Act II” ia available on CD, 2LP vinyl and digital formats.
The rocker has been working in the studio on new music with his brother, guitarist Dave Davies, and drummer Mick Avory.
With sales of more than 50 million albums worldwide, The Kinks were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990.
Ray Davies “Our Country: Americana Act II”
01. Our Country
02. The Invaders (spoken word)
03. Back In The Day
04. Oklahoma U.S.A.
05. Bringing Up Baby
06. The Getaway
07. The Take
08. We Will Get There
09. The Real World
10. A Street Called Hope
11. The Empty Room
12. Calling Home
13. Louisiana Sky
14. March Of The Zombies
15. The Big Weird
16. Tony And Bob
17. The Big Guy
18. Epilogue
19. Muswell Kills
