The 50th anniversary special edition of ‘The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society’ is released on October 26th 2018 on single CD, double CD, vinyl, deluxe box set & digitally. Initial quantities of the box set pre-ordered from The Kinks’ store come with an exclusive, limited edition 7” single of the previously unreleased ‘Time Song’, while stocks last.
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50th Anniversary Editions Released 26th October 2018
Includes Previously Unreleased Track ‘Time Song’ and many previously unreleased versions
Proud Gallery Photo Exhibition Oct 4th - Nov 18th
50th Anniversary Multi-Format Releases: Super Deluxe Box Set, 1CD, 2CD Deluxe, 1LP, Digital, MFiT, HD & Digital Deluxe
The Kinks will release a 50th Anniversary Edition of one of the greatest British rock albums of all time ‘The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society’ on BMG October 26th.
This essential album by one of the world’s best ever bands is defined by the extraordinary catalogue of Ray Davies’ songs, driven by brother Dave Davies’ power pop guitar and became the foundation of generations of British guitar pop. ‘The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society’ cemented Ray Davies reputation as one of Britain's greatest ever songwriters of his and any generation.
These releases are part of the BMG Art Of The Album series, comprising specially packaged re-issues of seminal albums with the highest quality audio masters, artwork and packaging. Extensive sleeve notes, interviews and photography help to focus on ‘telling the story’ of the album’s production, release and cultural impact.
“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.”
Somewhat overlooked upon its release in November 1968, The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society is now seen as one of the best British albums ever recorded. Created in difficult circumstances by a band 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. Enduring and unsurpassed with its wit, sadness, quiet anger, regret and charm, it is generally considered the high point of The Kinks’ outstanding career and Ray Davies’ masterpiece. A calm, nostalgic album which feels like a sweet, hazy dream but with endless layers of musical and lyrical innovation, The Village Green Preservation Society’s defiantly British sensibilities became the foundation for generations of British guitar pop.
Included in this anniversary edition are many previously unreleased tracks and versions, including the previously unreleased track ‘Time Song’. Despite never been included on a release, ‘Time Song’ was performed by The Kinks at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in January 1973, celebrating Britain's entry into the Common Market.
‘When we played a concert at Drury Lane in ’73 to “celebrate” us 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.’
Ray mixed the track earlier this year and it is included on the new VGPS Deluxe Box Set and Deluxe 2CD. The single version will also be available as a limited edition 7” single exclusively with pre-orders of the box set via The Kinks Music Glue official store, and as a digital download single.
The deluxe box set includes extensive sleeve notes, interviews, photography and specially created online & press content “telling the story” of the album's production, release and cultural impact. Also included are two essays on the album written by Pete Townshend and renowned journalist Kate Mossman.
Launching October 4th, there will be an exhibition at London’s Proud Central Gallery titled ‘The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society’ which will run until November 18th displaying a selection of rare collector's items including artworks by members of the band, original posters, album covers and vinyl records together with a collection of photographs documenting this memorable period in the band’s history. Each work is signed by Ray Davies as well as fellow band members Dave Davies and Mick Avory - visit www.proud.co.uk for more info.
