The Best Kinks Albums Ranked

[@ronepskamp1388]

"Soap Opera" - What an amazing album, never listened to it prior to Normans review. Thank you for including it!!!!!

[@robertodiaz9680]

Agree. The musical diversity is amazing, the story about the Starmaker becoming Norman, an ordinary man, for the sake of the art...love it.

[@gailspencer8235]

😅

[@KzzZ88]

The most underrated and under appreciated band of all time! One of my all time favourites too! If anyone were to ask me "Beatles or Stones?" I'd probably have to hit them with "Kinks" lol. Great video!

[@OdySlim]

I cant thank you enough for reminding me what an awesome band the Kinks are.
Regards from Ody Slim

[@twostikks1]

Sleepwalker is my favorite Kinks album! Love it!

[@martinst8764]

Thank you soooo much for that! I wondered what happened to The Kinks after their well known mid '60's stuff. I'm literally blown away - having dived into their catalogue after your breakdown - what they did post 1970 - never tried to repeat a formula - always something new and relevant. I got some listening to do!

[@jettlightning]

Here's my top list:
01. Something Else by The Kinks
02. The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society
03. The Kinks - Face To Face
04. The Kinks - Arthur
05. The Kinks - Lola Versus Power man and the Money-go-round
06. The Kinks - s/t
07. The Kinks Kontroversy
08. Kinda Kinks
09. The Kinks - Muswell Hillbillies
10. The Kinks Schoolboys In Disgrace
11. Percy Soundtrack
12. The Kinks - Sleepwalker
13. The Kinks - Misfits
14. The Kinks - Everybody's In Show-biz
15. The Kinks - Soap Opera
16. The Kinks - Preservation Act 1

[@criscrisler8604]

“Drivin’” on Arthur...a personal favorite...it just lopes along brilliantly with a wonderful vocal timbre.

[@icollectstuff-vinylcommuni7294]

Thanks Norman!!! 🥰
Kinks was a childhood band for me! Thir Swedish EPs are insanely rare

[@paulellsworth4007]

Muswell Hillbillies is the best album ever! Kinks Kronikles was my introduction to the kinks and that album has a special place in my heart!

[@donaldwesterhazy9333]

Something Else and Muswell Hillbillies are the top of the heap for me.

[@philmole1209]

@@donaldwesterhazy9333 my favorites are exactly the same two.

[@obbor4]

I agree with 'Muswell Hillbillies' and 'Kronikles' was also my album introduction to the band. So many songs that I'd never heard on the radio. My drinking buddy for many a weekend back in the day.

[@stefano.b65stef77]

I love Muswell hillbillies too

[@ronaldschuurman3967]

This is really great man. Yesterday Dylan my favorite solo artist, today the Kinks my favorite band. It doesn't get any better than this! With great pleasure I will watch your video again today:)

[@stefano.b65stef77]

I'm a great fan of Mazzy videos too

[@obbor4]

Thank whomever that The Kinks got banned in America. Everything that Ray wrote in those days was pure gold! 'Muswell Hillbillies', 'Arthur', 'Village Green Preservation Society' are my favorites. I first saw them live on the 'Streetwalker'/'Misfits' tour. They were what a great rock and roll band sounds like. Dave may be the most underappreciated rock guitarist of all time. The guy is completely electric on stage!

[@bacarandii]

Thanks again. I very much enjoyed your non-kontroversial Kinks list. I got lost deep, deep in the woods of my own personal Village Green during the pandemic lockdowns and spent a lot of time listening repeatedly to prime Kinks albums during the five years or so from "Face to Face" through "Muswell Hillbillies."
I hope you don't mind but I tend to free associate watching these videos and when you mentioned "Too Much On My Mind" I flashed on the opening of the great German director (and major Kinks fan) Wim Wenders' movie, "Alice in the Cities" (1974), part of his "Road Trilogy" with "The Wrong Move" and his masterpiece, "Kings of the Road." "Alice" begins with Wenders' alter ego, Phillip Winter (Rudiger Vogler), sitting "under the board walk" by the sea, snapping Polaroids of the sky and kind of mumbling the song to himself. I didn't even realize what he was singing until a few years after I saw the movie. (Wenders also used Kinks songs in his first feature, 1970's "Summer in the City (Dedicated to the Kinks)," even though it's named after a Lovin' Spoonful song.)

[@garrywilliamson8217]

Great list. I've always loved Schoolboys in Disgrace. Loved Dave's tone on there. Some amazing guitar and fun singalongs

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah Schoolboys is good too

[@pauljackson2473]

I always thought Schoolboys in Disgrace Belonged in the Arista era because of it’s harder Guitar rock edge. It signaled Ray was ready to get out of his Rock Opera / music hall phase and was ready to rock again.

[@stefano.b65stef77]

Hi, I thought I was the only one who love Schoolboys in disgrace! Great guitar work by Dave Davies, great lyrics as usual, to me a 4.5 album

[@bobcorbin7545]

Face to Face.....Arthur......Village Green....Something Else. The Kinks are so overlooked.

[@patgibbons1011]

My second fav band - good to see the Kinks getting some love - great vid as always

[@mrnastey9]

Love The Kinks! The RCA era doesn't get enough love. Muswell, Preservation Act 1 & 2 and Soap Opera are totally underrated. In my list I would also have Give The People What They Want; great arena rock, my favorite Arista album. Plus The Great Lost Kinks Album. Great list of a great band.

[@lennon_9dream133]

@Mark Anstey I think the same that you. I also think that the Pye Records stage was his imperial stage, but the RCA stage is wonderful and very risky, which makes it more interesting and possibly made for cult listeners. I love the Muswell Hillbillies so much, and the exquisite and brilliant operetta "Preservation Act" (especially Act 2), it is the crown jewel of operettas Ray Davies did on RCA. Even so, I adore all the albums he made with RCA for being a stage in which Ray Davies evolved as a composer who was far ahead of the general public and the critics of the day, and with the Arista label they returned to conventional pop and rock with Pretty cool albums, even if they were less original and risky than the previous label.

[@NateBouchard]

You take such incredible care of your records. I can’t tell the difference between reissues and original pressings. Such a great list. The Kinks have such a great discography.

[@alandonald9008]

I love these videos because they inspire me to seek out your recommendations. I'm only familiar with their 60s singles so now I have some references to check out

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

Thanx Mazzy , enjoyed this segment on the KinKs... I would have to say that my go-to albums of The Kinks is very similar to yours. ... Are the Village Green preservation Society, Arthur, Something else by the....Face-to-Face, and misfits. Love all those albums fantastic band only seen them once

[@donaldengebretson4170]

Very thoughtful ranking, you know your stuff. You are one year younger than I am, meaning we were listening to albums like Lola and Muswell Hillbillies as they came out. The first time I heard "Arthur" at a friend's house the album was only two years old. This all makes a difference, as we have context with what was happening in music while the albums came out. There is another Kinks best albums vid where the person awards Best Kinks Album to "Low Budget" and it's like, get real.

[@chrissygerwitz520]

So "Low Budget" and "The Kink Kontroversy" don't make the list? They were important albums in the Kinks catalogue!

[@NewFalconerRecords]

'Milk Cow Blues' is one of the best album openers ever!

[@johnharrison9685]

Yeah, but they weren’t that good.

[@chrissygerwitz520]

@@johnharrison9685 "Low Budget" has a 4-star rating and "The Kink Kontroversy" has a 4 1/2-star rating on Allmusic.com.

[@philmole1209]

@@chrissygerwitz520 "The Kink Kontroversy" is arguably their first great album, and "Low Budget was arguably their last great one.

[@jduffy6622]

@@philmole1209 I'd argue there last great album was state of confusion.

[@carywhitt]

Wonderful list Mazzy. I agree with almost all of it, and I would probably nudge Lola up there a few spots just for the song Strangers, which is such a great tune.
Maybe I will give Soap Opera another go.
Hope this finds you well. Much love from Ohio.

[@brianhandy100]

Nice list. Love the Kinks! Can't believe you saw them 5 times; that's awesome. They were here (Seattle) in early 80's that's time that I know of but I could be wrong.

[@ianbalentine6950]

How refreshing to see someone giving the Kinks catalogue some love! A totally underrated act, and next to the Beatles my favorite band of all time. Great list, too, very solid ranking. I am quite sentiental for Give The People..., so that would be on there replacing one of the earlier albums, but other than that we're pretty similar.

[@jayneptune2568]

A little late to this party but really enjoyed your video. My top 10 Kinks albums are:
1. The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society
2. Arthur
3. Lola vs. Powerman and the Moneygoround (Part One)
4. Face to Face
5. Something Else
6. The Kink Kronikles - best compilation I own, very eclectic
7. Muswell Hillbillies
8. Sleepwalker
9. Misfits
10. Preservation (Act 1)

[@750drums]

Great video, Mazzy ! ! 66 to 71 is the best period of Kinks music for me. Some of the best music by any band. Have a cup of tea, and listen to the Kinks ! Can't argue with your top four , although I would flip Arthur and Something Else by the Kinks.

[@adolforodolfo6929]

Oh, Norman , thank you. You've made me feel humble and slightly ashamed. One of my sweeping generalisations is that Americans don't really get the Kinks, partly because of the ban that co-incided with their late 60s output and also because of the total Englishness lyrically and musically of their records in that period - and I've seen some ranking videos that just confirm my prejudice. And then here you are with a ranking that no British Kinks lover would argue with (your top 6 are the same as mine with only a small difference in the order) and, most importantly, a genuine love for the band and a real understanding of where Ray is coming from, both of which you communicate so well. Thanks again.

[@chiefchimp2789]

I tried to introduce a die hard Beatles fan to the Kinks but after a few listens I was told they're "too British" for their liking. Made me laugh, to be honest.

[@yokooyea]

This video turned me on to the Kinks. I’ve really been missing out. Ray Davies is incredible.
Would love to hear your take on The Beach Boys if you haven’t gotten to covering them yet.

[@mazzysmusic]

I may showcase some Beach Boys in the future.

[@melprophet1936]

I was a teen during the Kinks arena era so I came to know them from Superman, Low Budget etc...But I dug into the 60's Kinks and loved that stuff much more. I don't think enough people in my age range did that though, leaving the Kinks something of an overlooked band.

[@BaldyFella]

Great review Mazzy. I love The Kinks. Need a few more of those LPs.

[@vonzipper7854]

Hi Mazzy I knew a few early Kinks songs growing up but it was the Arista years that made me a fan mostly Sleepwalker and Misfits. And the Jam's version of David Watts got me into checking out the rest of their music. Cool video Mazzy.

[@Gary-fk9pu]

A great video on the Kinks, really enjoyed it.

[@shadowman6595]

The Kinks have come a long way since You Really Got Me, thanks for showing.

[@johnnykawakid]

Very similar too my top kinks albums, my something else would be 2, and Arthur number 3. Great video man. 👌👌

[@lubossuchanek3726]

Bravo, bravissimo. Jen tak dál. Pohodový. Díky.

[@markgaines6904]

Great Overview Norman of my #1 band! Davies is a creative genius as well as a prophet. I am certain you have picked up all the recently released box sets. You should do an overview of the books available on the kinks of which there are many!

[@lifeofvinyl3003]

Great video, thank you. I have around 70 Beatles records, 50 Stones, 40 Dylan....and TWO Kinks albums. I’m not even sure why this is, because I love many of their songs. I will make it a priority to seek out your top 5..

[@DavidCKendall]

Where is one of MY favorites?! -- Think Visual!! -- I think there's such a welcome return to some hints at their old chops .... 'How Are You' is outstanding... the chords reminiscent of 'Tired of Waiting' -- that aside, I really enjoyed your enthusiastic presentation. I also, am a FAN, sir. Long may they wave ... good job!

[@soundsfromthewestcoast9939]

God bless you sir! Soap Opera was the first Kinks album I ever owned, and I immediately, and to this day, love it to bits. Cheers, Pete

[@mazzysmusic]

Glad I’m not the only one 😎

[@pauljackson2473]

It’s the best of their Rock Opera era IMO. I think they did a video of it for British Television. I saw it somewhere on YT.

[@cosmicvinyl2937]

Hey Mazzy ! I love the Kinks! Such a great band! I actually remember you did a similar vid awhile back showing all your Kinks Kollection! I’m kinda commenting while watching so I may comment yet again! LoL Peace ☮️✌️👽🤘☮️

[@thewoodys_surf_instrumental]

The Kinks, Miles Davis and Chet Baker I could listen to anytime 24/7. A lot of great music in the world, but those 3 works for me whether I'm sad, happy, waking up, going to sleep, whatever... I never ever seem to grow tired of listening to them. I enjoyed your heartfelt review of The Kinks.

[@ShamrocknRecords]

Great list. I’m still on the hunt for your number 1 and 2. Arthur, I can find but not always in the greatest shape. No Schoolboys on this list? I dig that record. I’d put Lola higher on the list but you already mentioned that most people would. Great video Mazzy. I’ll be digging into your Dylan rankings next. Great to see you!
Cheers,
Brian🍀

[@thirdcoast5755]

Was listening to The Great Lost Kinks Album a few months ago and was really taken with Lavender Hill, to the point of going down a rabbit hole to learn more about the history of the area, tours, movie scenes filmed there, etc.

[@alm5693]

"The Great Lost Kinks Album" is on my top five list of "kick myself for selling in the 80's". Surprised and glad to see Soap Opera on your list. Of the RCA albums, it's my second choice but it's WAY behind Muswell Hillbillies. I agree that it's an impossible choice between Arthur and Village Green in the #1 position. Arthur definitely rocks harder, but both are treasures.

[@kevanbrown7620]

I must admit i only have 4 Kinks albums.
Face to Face, Something Else and Village Green Preservation Society, plus the 2002 compilation Kinks Ultimate Collection a 2cd set with all of their hits some which aren't on albums and b-sides and album tracks.
I agree what you said about Waterloo Sunset. It's just the perfect pop song. Just listening to it makes you feel better every time. I could listen to it endlessly. It's a song Paul McCartney would have loved to have written. The melody is just incredible.

[@oasis903s]

I’d argue Phobia is a great album and way to end their run as a band. Not sure what others think, but I love the album. There are some hidden gems on it.

[@matsjoelandersson]

Absolutely agree!

[@davidbacon6097]

Excellent ranking.
Side one of Preservation Act 1 is one of my favorite Kink sides. Because of that, on my list, I’d rank it in the 7 or 8 range.

[@billmedearis9195]

Money and Corruption/I'm Your Man is in my top five Kink's songs for multiple reasons!

[@simonmannick8389]

Well Done! Great Video.

[@tomd9364]

Love that you’re playing “God’s Children” in the background. Definitely in my top three favorite Kinks tunes.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yeah I was playing the Percy Soundtrack in the background. Good ear.

[@perfectstack-music]

I'm enjoying your countdowns, my Kinks collections consists of 1,2,3,5 and 6.........and I love Waterloo Sunset. Still gotta pick up their debut.

[@LucLauck]

I think your list matches with mine, beautiful collection as well!

[@michaelmanrique5478]

Very well done!

[@markwhyatt8923]

Absolutely love Mussel Hillbillies. Probably currently my favourite album of theirs (even above Village Green), and you are absolutely spot on re Waterloo Sunset. Probably my favourite ever pop song.

[@pbthal]

Really enjoyed this Mazzy, I would have gotten rid of my Kinks Kronicles if I had not watched this. The mono box set is excellent, they should repress it. I have a Pye greatest hits with an all black cover that is excellent as well.

[@mazzysmusic]

That black album was also included in the mono box. Cool set.

[@pbthal]

@@mazzysmusic Hah you are right, I totally forgot they included that in the box set

[@soldmeout]

From beginning to end my two favorites are Arthur and Face to Face.

[@kaconnor55]

Thanks for your posts. I love the Kinks and think they are criminally under-rated. Sunny Afternoon is great. I Think you ignore Live Albums but I had a live album from the sixties. A lot of screaming on it which I imagine is somewhat faked. They do Sunny Afternoon and Ray has the audience sing along. When they sing "I got a big fat mama trying to break me" the teenyboppers scream louder when they realize what they said. Priceless.

[@billkeon880]

The big 5 from Face To Face through Arthur is the best stretch of consecutive five albums ever released by anyone. All in my top 30 lps, with 1968s Village Green is a top 10 for me. So, so, so underrated

[@fleepys]

thought about this, but help-mmt/white album is also incredible and so is beach boys today!-smile/smiley smile. at least 3 bands with a stretch of 5 GREAT albums

[@popsandclicks]

Nice and well made list of The Kinks!

[@cristaud]

Cool - I agree that Village Green and Arthur are so brilliant as albums - Something Else by the Kinks has an astonishing collection of songs - but Arthur and Village Green just capture a spirit that is both vaudeville and rock n roll n something that does not sound like anyone else ever. But as Ray said he wasn’t like everybody else.

[@pauljackson2473]

Totally. Arthur is just awesome. The description of the story on the back of the album puts you in the right frame of mind to understand the story being told. My favorite Kinks album.

[@johnnykawakid]

Great vid man.

[@kenmorgan5999]

Have to say excellent list - I thought i was in a minority loving Soap Opera. i have about 5 albums that interchange as my number one but as village green was the first album I persuaded my old man to buy me it always has the edge as my number one. The Kinks and Ray are criminally underrated !

[@jamesmarshall3521]

Yes!! Arthur is one of my favourite albums all time. I have no vinyl but album/playlist combos and I couldn’t help but include Picture Book and Days in my Arthur list of tracks. This reminds me that when it came out in 69 with Abbey Road and Let it Bleed that more than 1 person kept telling me that Arthur was better and the best album of the year!! I whole heartily agreed!

[@daveweekley8955]

Go glad to see Muswell Hillbillies so high on your list. That LP was my gateway to the Kinks.

[@mano1971music]

GOD SAVE THE KINKS !!! "Do You Remember Walter?" is a song that has taken on a whole new perspective as I get older and realize all my ol' friends can't "hang out" anymore......GREAT VIDEO MASLOV !!

[@rocky-o]

village green definitely...and waterloo sunset is a perfect song....love te list..who else would know best....one album i would squeeze in there was 'schoolboys in disgrace'...don't ask me why, i have just always loved that album....be well my friend...peace....rocky

[@martinstrong8370]

So glad to see Sleepwalker on your list. That's a personal favorite of mine...possibly because it's the first Kinks album I ever owned. I bought it as a kid after seeing them on the Merv Griffin show. I vividly remember Merv asking Ray why he was on the album cover. He said it was because he was the "prettiest."

[@ogam5]

ANOTHER of the outtakes, among Ray's BEST songs though: "On The Outside".....

[@painless465]

VGPS is my #1 album of '68. It's practically perfect

[@bcrater6400]

Timeless

[@brentcunliffe745]

If you can get the mono albums box set ( you can safely skip the Kelvin Hall disc ) you’re sorted for the killer Sixties period. Soap Opera is also a gem. Nice overview of a wonderful band.

[@tntstorms7969]

Here's what I like today:
1. Arthur - almost every song is great.
2. One for the Road - a fun 80s concert and video to watch them rock out and go nuts.
3. Kink Kontroversy - lot of good tunes here.
4. Face to Face - All but a few are great.
5. Something Else - lots of memorable tunes.
6. Preservation Society - Picture book, Johnny Thunder, Animal Farm.
7. Lola - Strangers, Apeman, Lola
8. Muswell Hillibillies
9. Low Budget
10. State of Confusion
11. Misfits
I like the hits from the 80s but not much else and same with the first 2 albums.
I haven't listened to their theatrical albums of the mid 70s but might see if anything is appealing. Maybe that Opera album, Kinks Kronikles, or Sleepwalker.

[@rafaterradillos]

Hi Mazzy I miss Kinks Kontroversy from 1965. Well fine record and well-known by the replica of its cover by Sleater and Kinney, another great record

[@stefano.b65stef77]

Hi Mazzy, I popped in to watch your video again, i've just seen others youtuber ranking the Kinks, my list has changed a litte. I've got Lola vs the Powerman at the top now:
1) Lola vs the Powerman 5/5 plus
2) Village Green Preserv society 5/5
3) Face to Face 4/5
4) Muswell Hillbillies 4/5
5) Arthur 4/5
5) Something else 4
6) Everybody's in show biz 4
7) Misfits 3.5
8) The Kinks s/t 3.5
9) Soap Opera 3
10) Sleepwalker 3

[@thirdcoast5755]

I always enjoyed the two preservations. I tend to think of them as music hall.

[@lennon_9dream133]

"Preservation albums" (specially Preservation Act 2) is the hidden gem of Ray Davies with The Kinks. Huge stage of the creative flow of Ray Davies, the most risky and meritorious thing he did in the entire 70's with the exception of the album Lola Vs Powerma and Muswell Hillbillies.

[@cosmicvinyl2937]

I am so glad you included Everyone’s in Showbiz! I love that record! Supersonic Rocketship is my favorite Kinks song! Probably due to its inclusion in the Avengers-Endgame soundtrack LoL

[@pauljackson2473]

That song was on “The last man on earth” TV show too, a couple of years ago. A lot of people visited the YT video of it and mentioned LMOE.

[@act-sessions]

great rank!

[@allennudelman7189]

Great Video. I would have put Lola a little higher and switched Schoolboys for Soap Opera

[@elepha3]

Love the list! I personally think Kinks Kontroversy should be there but hey, there are so many great records.

[@gvcalcar]

Enjoyed this ranking, but not fair to have Percy playing at the background, that distracted me from the words, lol. I think generally Arthur is my nr. 1, though as you mentioned at the start of the vid, it can change by day/week/month. God Save The KinKs and Ray and Dave ofcourse...

[@jamiebo100]

Swear to god I woke this morning wondering if you had done a video on them as I bought the mono boxset a couple of weeks ago ...... dandy is the ultimate ear worm !

[@johnharrison9685]

I ❤️ LOVE, LOVE, “Lola vs. Powerman”, “Muswell Hillbillies”, “Everybody’s in Showbiz”, both Preservation albums (especially Volume 1), “Arthur”, “Village Green Pres. Society”, “Soap Opera”, “Schoolboys in disgrace” ❤️, “Percy” which I noticed you were playing in the background-“The way love used to be” and “God’s Children” best songs on there-this was the best time/era in their career, Ray Davies was on Fire🔥 !

[@maximuskhan2100]

Same here. Especially Lola, Muswell and Village Green

[@lennon_9dream133]

"Preservation albums" (specially Preservation Act 2) is the hidden gem of Ray Davies with The Kinks

[@KoolKatDave]

Anyone like the Schoolboys In Disgrace album? Took a while to grow on me, but there are some great tunes on there. “I’m In Disgrace” rocks! I went to a College Prep School, so I could relate a bit to that album, lol.

[@tommarshall1214]

Hi, Massy. Really enjoying your videos. Like you a BIG Kinks / Ray Davies fan... Have you heard "A Place In Your Heart" from 2017 Americana? Brilliant, classic Ray... Keep it up.

[@lennon_9dream133]

A Place In Your Heart is Pure Preservation Act 2. "Preservation albums" (specially Preservation Act 2) is the hidden gem of Ray Davies with The Kinks.

[@casablanca2745]

Loved that Mazzy. Lola for me and check the awesome cover of Strangers performed by Lucius on YT. Saw them in early 74 with Poco and Henry Gross (weird bill). Now back to my Old rocking chair and Shangri La. Peace.

[@luisvaldes1568]

as of April 18, 2021 have listen to, in order Lola vs. Powerman....., Village Green....,Arthur......, Face to Face, Something Else in the last week and half for the first time. All good. Will start with Percy to Low Budget to finish the 70's.

[@Onteo1]

On my first car in high school I had a bumper sticker that read. “ Ray Davies for president “. Great conversation starter. Don’t have the car but I saved that sticker. Great list.

[@alvalmeida1965]

Great list. I am more a 70/80´s fan because that's when I started to listen to them. So, Misfits and Sleepwalker have a place in my heart. And also "Give the people what they want" and the live album "One for the road". But in the last year, Muswell Hillbillies grow im my ears, specially the song "Okhaloma U.S.A", one of the beautiful songs that Ray wrote, at least, in my opinion.

[@barrybirkel4873]

# 1 you nailed it

[@vinylrichie007]

Mid 60's to 1970 is hard to beat.

[@lennon_9dream133]

and from the early seventies to the late seventies are also hard to beat

[@markwhyatt8923]

Preservation act 1 is superb. It has some absolutely beautiful songs on it, even if the narrative of Pt 1 isn't always that clear.

[@markspooner1224]

Can't argue with that, pretty much spot on.

[@HiloHawaiian]

Great list, I agree with your choices. If you were 10 yrs old when You Really Got Me was released, you grew-up with early Ray Davies compositions. They were akin to O’Henry’s short stories to this fascinated kid. The 1st time I heard Well Respected Man was a revelation. Ray was telling intricately woven musical stories. I became hooked. Therefore, Face to Face really jumped-out, and Something Else, Village Green cemented in my mind Ray was in another league from his contemporaries. I didn’t care for the preachy, concept LP’s but there were always gems inside. Misfits and Sleepwalker renewed my faith in Ray. The 80’s stadium-rock period was mostly forgettable to me, but again, I always found gems on each LP. The last song on their last LP Phobia, was another masterpiece: Scattered. The story of Ray’s life, our lives as fans, wrapped-up in a style only possible from Sir Raymond Douglas Davies…

[@edwardspearing5148]

Boozer is the Archway Tavern.. Muswell Hillbillies is a hidden gem.

[@wilkomoris3809]

Thx Mazzy for this great overview. I am looking which album I should get from band. Now I have some great guidance. Thx. So I will start with the rerelease of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. There is a mono and a stereo version? Which one do you prefer?

[@gatefold33]

Kinks are a top 5 artist for me. I probably would have had Lola in the top 5 but not sure which of yours I'd have left out. Definitely agree the top 2. Take care Dale

[@Ed-Topo-108]

I briefly lived in Fortis Green North London and the local pub (Clissold Arms) was where they all drank and did their first gigs. Not been for years but website says they have a “Kinks Room”! I think that pub is mentioned in one of their songs.

[@mikewest1542]

Also Konk Studios by Hornsey nick as I live in Crouch end at the bottom of Muswell Hill!

[@pauljackson2473]

Dave has a solo song called “Fortis Green”

[@sspbrazil]

One of my favorite bands, “Arthur” is my number 1 and then “Village Green Preservation Society”.

[@davidjackson5449]

I,ve always found it amazing that none of the latterday 60s Pye albums charted in the Uk. To me these are all classics and some of the greatest records ever

[@PeKe999]

Hi,
Totally agree with you considering Waterloo Sunset being the number 1 Kinks song, with Dedicated Follower Of Fashiion and Days being second and third.
Ray is one of the best "short story in a 3 minutes popsong" writer.
And yes ....... Village Green is their best LP.

[@mazzysmusic]

Fashion : absolutely !!!!!

[@jcjuanis3831]

I agree on Village Green and Arthur as well as the Kink Kronicles. I would rate Sleepwalker and Misfits higher. No mention of The Great Lost Kinks Album but all in all a great recap of one of my all time favorite bands.

[@aprendizdebrujo100]

Totally agree... Great news! The village green preservation society is a complete masterpiece. And their best LP. I think it have something of a conceptual album... for me, almost every song is about nostalgia for childhood and adolescence... every song seem to talk about some thing which happen him in a ficticious youth, and he is telling these stories as if he would be 50 years old... he sings about his closest friend, (do you remember walter) his first girlfriend, (village green), the foxy who everybody wanted to win, but was totally broken inside (starstruck), the prostitute of the town (Monica), the old woman which used to frighten the boys and everybody thought as a legend, that he was a witch and ate children... (wicked annabella) the tough boy of the school (johhny thunder), the family (picture book), and the familiar meetings (people take pictures of each other), and in the middle some songs which point that he miss the old things as they used to be... or to say "I don't like to be here", I want to come back or to be in another wolrd (animal farm) or some kind of critic about his hard actual world. (big sky) It's not a complete concept, but it works... Big Sky.... The first band which come to my head when I hear it is BLUR, and the first song is PARKLIFE. It's not similar, but It had to be some inspiration... without a doubt. It's in the air. Ok. maybe it's only in my head... The start of Big Sky is Fantastic!!!! but my favourite song is Village Green. It's PERFECT. Do you remember walter... What happens when your best friend in the school during many years, starts suddenly to ignore you? How many people wrote a song about that? Animal farm, starstruck, all of my friends were there... the "paris 1920's flavoured" Sitting by the riverside... The Sena Riverside. even phenomenal Cat with it's hilarious choruses, hide some interesting fable abour some winner who won everything, and as he had not more things to do, he sat and "ate himsef thought eternity"... Unhappiness!. This LP is a total masterpiece.

[@bradc32]

i agree with ya on waterloo sunset!