Encountering a new album is always an exciting prospect; in those thrilled, shaking hands holds an album that could give chills—or fall flat on unexcited ears. Exactly how fanatic Kinks fans feel with The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society switches between these two opinions; some think it’s a lump of coal on a great track record, while others believe it’s a magnum opus. Truthfully, it’s hard to ignore the outstanding nature of this album; a mature sound and in-depth look at memories and nostalgia makes The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society an album worthy of praise.
The album immediately shows a mellowed-out Kinks; gone are the days of riff fueled love songs, fuzzy tones of distortion, and those raunchy lyrics. Even with this fan-favourite loss, the catchiness lives on; lush pop melodies sweep across and interweave with lyrics nostalgic for days gone. Their love of soft arrangements shine through and there’s no harsh note to find. There’s also a quietness in everything: the guitars, drums, and bass reflects the laidback countryside. An evolution in sound is the key to a great band, and the Kinks are no different with their change to more complex arrangements. Not only is the sound more mature, but the observant lyrics find their footing; there’s a huge yearn for what was, what will disappear, and the melancholic taste it leaves. It succeeds in telling the story of change and not wanting to let go; it’s difficult when time comes and whisks its finger, turning those sweet village greens into tourist attractions or getting rid of those “good, old-fashioned” steam-powered trains for modern ones. Memories are our only connection to the past, but the album doesn’t wallow too much in these nostalgic trips. Even with all that yearning, no one wants to see all those boring pictures in “Picture Book”, and Davies soon says, “Don’t show me no more, please,” ending the album with a definite close: nostalgia is fine for a while, but, in reality, it’s complete folly to always ache for something that no longer exists.
An ambitious take on quiet life and reflections, the Kinks give a true magnum opus that stays with the listener; whether young or old, those memories of beautiful sounds and vignettes will remain. Pressing play won’t be a regret or a burning lump of coal on the Kinks discography.
Music Memories Will Remain
Encountering a new album is always an exciting prospect; in those thrilled, shaking hands holds an album that could give chills—or fall flat on unexcited ears. Exactly how fanatic Kinks fans feel with The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society switches between these two opinions; some think it’s a lump of coal on a great track record, while others believe it’s a magnum opus. Truthfully, it’s hard to ignore the outstanding nature of this album; a mature sound and in-depth look at memories and nostalgia makes The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society an album worthy of praise.
The album immediately shows a mellowed-out Kinks; gone are the days of riff fueled love songs, fuzzy tones of distortion, and those raunchy lyrics. Even with this fan-favourite loss, the catchiness lives on; lush pop melodies sweep across and interweave with lyrics nostalgic for days gone. Their love of soft arrangements shine through and there’s no harsh note to find. There’s also a quietness in everything: the guitars, drums, and bass reflects the laidback countryside. An evolution in sound is the key to a great band, and the Kinks are no different with their change to more complex arrangements. Not only is the sound more mature, but the observant lyrics find their footing; there’s a huge yearn for what was, what will disappear, and the melancholic taste it leaves. It succeeds in telling the story of change and not wanting to let go; it’s difficult when time comes and whisks its finger, turning those sweet village greens into tourist attractions or getting rid of those “good, old-fashioned” steam-powered trains for modern ones. Memories are our only connection to the past, but the album doesn’t wallow too much in these nostalgic trips. Even with all that yearning, no one wants to see all those boring pictures in “Picture Book”, and Davies soon says, “Don’t show me no more, please,” ending the album with a definite close: nostalgia is fine for a while, but, in reality, it’s complete folly to always ache for something that no longer exists.
An ambitious take on quiet life and reflections, the Kinks give a true magnum opus that stays with the listener; whether young or old, those memories of beautiful sounds and vignettes will remain. Pressing play won’t be a regret or a burning lump of coal on the Kinks discography.