Record Reviews

KINKS ~ ARTHUR (DELUXE EDITION) SANCTUARY 273227 (Barcode: 602527322742) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2011 This is the 7th album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Quaife´s replacement John DaltonFind albums by this artist is heard on this album for the first time. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album continues the new phase for the group, which developed a completely unique approach to writing music, which now included elements of Psychedelia and other influences. The lyrics were full of social commentary and concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often being quite sarcastic and critical. Although not a concept album as such, it was conceived and recorded as a soundtrack for a TV movie, which eventually was never made. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KINKS ~ MISFITS BMG 4099964062373 (Barcode: 4099964062373) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2024 This is a reissue / remaster of the 17th studio album by the seminal British Rock group The KinksFind albums by this artist. The lineup includes vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist, his brother vocalist / guitarist Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John GoslingFind albums by this artist, bassists John DaltonFind albums by this artist / Andy PyleFind albums by this artist (who replaced Dalton) and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, nine written by Ray Davies and one written by Dave Davies. Four of the songs were “leftovers” from the recording session for their previous album “SleepwalkerFind albums with this title”. It was the last album featuring Gosling, who was with the group since 1970. The album, same as its predecessor, marks the return of the group to the “conventional” song oriented output, which followed the period of complex concept albums. In retrospect it is an excellent collection of songs, which emphasizes Ray Davies’ songweaving talents, which is amongst the finest in British Rock history. It’s a pity that this new reissue does not include the bonus tracks included on the earlier reissues. Overall, this is a mostly forgotten classic album, which is well worth being remembered. The Kinks where one of the most important British Pop / Rock acts and never recorded a bad album.

Updated: 18/01/2025Posted: 18/01/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KINKS ~ SLEEPWALKER BYG 4099964062397 (Barcode: 4099964062397) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2024 This is a reissue / remaster of the 16th studio album by the seminal British Rock group The KinksFind albums by this artist. The lineup includes vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist, his brother vocalist / guitarist Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John GoslingFind albums by this artist, bassist John DaltonFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all written by Ray Davies. It was the last album featuring Dalton, who was with the group since 1969. The album marks the return of the group to the “conventional” song oriented output, which followed the period of complex concept albums. In retrospect it is an excellent collection of songs, which emphasizes Ray Davies’ songweaving talents, which is amongst the finest in British Rock history. It’s a pity that this new reissue does not include the bonus tracks included on the earlier reissues. Overall, this is a mostly forgotten classic album, which is well worth being remembered. The Kinks where one of the most important British Pop / Rock acts and never recorded a bad album.

Updated: 15/01/2025Posted: 15/01/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend