This came out at the same time as The White Album. Ray Davies certainly had the courage of his convictions. I LOVE The Beatles, but VGPS is about the songs, and all 15 are superb.
carspiv Yeah the White Album is a patchy Album when you take it song by song, but it's still my favorite Beatles album. Village Green has stellar song after stellar song all adding to the concept.
I concur. Something Else is also a better record than either The Stones or Beatles released in 67. Yes I just said Something Else is better than Sgt Peppers. Then again I prefer Their Satanic Majesties Request over the highly overrated Sgt Peppers, so I am probably off. If Pepper had included Strawberry Fields & Penny Lane over the insipid Lovely Rita or When I'm 64, I might have a altogether different opinion. The Kinks are criminally underrated though
@@wrayven love both kinks and beatles good call on strawberry fields and penny lane. LOVE when im 64 and Rita not unlike something Ray Davies would pen
@@markc5771 The who are a better live rock band when it comes to pure rock n roll but the kinks went beyond that - the who had some fantastic songs but as whole they are not even close the the kinks output -
@@lannydante9390 Agreed. The Who's claim to fame really was the power of their live performance. Within the group of their peers, they were unmatched in that department.
This song went through my head during years of driving a commuter van from Irvine to UC Riverside, California. I never turned on the radio because I didn't want the distraction of needing to change stations (I'm picky and get bugged easily by ads and bad songs). Also ran Wonder Boy through my head. And other songs, not just Kinks. McCartney's "speed along the highway, honey I want it my way" was also in the mix. When someone else drove, I meditated or looked out the window. I always have a song going through my head so I would intentionally pick a good one. Better than radio when you're driving precious cargo!
How cool is this album. Kinks 60s greatness is predicated on the rhythm section locking in with their great drummer, plus Rays beautifully tunnel visioned lyrics, and nuanced, acerbic, world weary, conversational singing style. Then the icing on the cake the wonderfully ethereal, ironical, gregorian chant like backing chorus.
"nuanced, acerbic, world weary, conversational singing style" sums this up beautifully then you add ethereal, ironical, Gregorian chant like backing chorus. You are using adjectives and insight I have been trying to find and express for years. Thanks.
Part of my historical Top Ten albums Ziggy Stardust, London Calling , Nevermind, Led Zeppelin IV, Beggards Banquet, White Album, Ok Computer, Abbey Road and Pet Sounds.
@@ZaphiroAnejo why are you acting as though we're not allowed to compare two of the biggest albums of a decade fro two of the biggest British bands of the same decade who were almost in competition for domestic audiences (similar to what we would see with Blur and Oasis in the 90s and early 2000's)?? A better question would be why can't I or shouldn't we compare what are seen as two of the albums that helped create the progressive rock genre? This album is seen by many as the Kinks Sgt peppers, and in my opinion it is better.
@louisreeve6830 it did at the time in terms of sales and charting, but it was very well received by musical critics, etc. it definitely came at a low time in terms of commercial success for the band, but re-releases and sales over the years have been very high, and it has gone on to become on of their most critically acclaimed works
Johnny Thunder lives on water, feeds on lightning. Johnny Thunder don't need no one, don't want money. And all the people of the town, They can't get through to Johnny, they will never, ever break him down. Johnny Thunder speaks for no one, goes on fighting. And sweet Helena Dulette prays for Johnny. Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba, Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba, Thunder and lightning. Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba, Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba, Thunder and lightning. Though everybody tried their best, Old Johnny vowed that he would never, ever end up like the rest. Johnny Thunder rides the highway, moves like lightning. But sweet Helena just says, "God bless Johnny." Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba, Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba, Thunder and lightning. Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba, Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba, Thunder and lightning.
Johnny Thunder The Kinks Produced by Ray Davies Album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society
Johnny Thunder lives on water, feeds on lightning Johnny Thunder don't need no one, don't want money And all the people of the town They can't get through to Johnny They will never, ever break him down Johnny Thunder speaks for no one, goes on fighting And sweet Helena Dulette prays for Johnny Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba Thunder and lightning Though everybody tried their best Old Johnny vowed that he would never, ever end up like the rest Johnny Thunder rides the highway, moves like lightning But sweet Helena just says, "God bless Johnny"
It's comes many times in my mind. VGPS NO doubt is a masterpiece, but for non British it's mabey not first choice for the best kinks album. I not want to harm any kinks fan.
well I believe Lou admired Ray and vice versa. The Stones and The Kinks were the only British bands Lou liked in the 60s. Walk on the Wild Side might not exist without Lola and Sister Ray supposedly is a little Ode to Ray. Cool to see the mutual respect between two greats.
I'd like to personally thank the jackass that banned the Kinks from performing in America...they did a great service,Face To Face, Something Else,Village Green Preservation Society...couldn't have done it without you ..
This came out at the same time as The White Album. Ray Davies certainly had the courage of his convictions. I LOVE The Beatles, but VGPS is about the songs, and all 15 are superb.
carspiv Yeah the White Album is a patchy Album when you take it song by song, but it's still my favorite Beatles album. Village Green has stellar song after stellar song all adding to the concept.
they were actually released on the same day in the UK, The 22nd of November 1968
The White Album was more diverse then anything that The Beatles attempted at that time.
I concur. Something Else is also a better record than either The Stones or Beatles released in 67. Yes I just said Something Else is better than Sgt Peppers. Then again I prefer Their Satanic Majesties Request over the highly overrated Sgt Peppers, so I am probably off. If Pepper had included Strawberry Fields & Penny Lane over the insipid Lovely Rita or When I'm 64, I might have a altogether different opinion. The Kinks are criminally underrated though
@@wrayven love both kinks and beatles good call on strawberry fields and penny lane. LOVE when im 64 and Rita not unlike something Ray Davies would pen
this album is totally addictive
@@LostMachinima addictive but amazing (unlike heroin)
Johnny Thunders (R.I.P.), guitar player for the New York Dolls and idol of every punk guitarist in the world, took his stage name from this song
No less than Pete Townshend has suggested that Ray Davies should be the poet laureate of England.
The Who and the kinks were story tellers❤️ this era will never be repeated in music.
Kinks are way ahead of the who in that department.
Lanny Dante c dead egg egg f
@@lannydante9390 Oh man don't slag on Pete. I do agree that Ray Davies was more prolific and imaginative though.
@@markc5771 The who are a better live rock band when it comes to pure rock n roll but the kinks went beyond that - the who had some fantastic songs but as whole they are not even close the the kinks output -
@@lannydante9390 Agreed. The Who's claim to fame really was the power of their live performance. Within the group of their peers, they were unmatched in that department.
The Kinks rule and will be revered forever.
This song went through my head during years of driving a commuter van from Irvine to UC Riverside, California. I never turned on the radio because I didn't want the distraction of needing to change stations (I'm picky and get bugged easily by ads and bad songs). Also ran Wonder Boy through my head. And other songs, not just Kinks. McCartney's "speed along the highway, honey I want it my way" was also in the mix. When someone else drove, I meditated or looked out the window. I always have a song going through my head so I would intentionally pick a good one. Better than radio when you're driving precious cargo!
Long live The Kinks!
Here here!
The drums on this album are superb.
How cool is this album. Kinks 60s greatness is predicated on the rhythm section locking in with their great drummer, plus Rays beautifully tunnel visioned lyrics, and nuanced, acerbic, world weary, conversational singing style. Then the icing on the cake the wonderfully ethereal, ironical, gregorian chant like backing chorus.
That about sums it up. Nicely done.
"nuanced, acerbic, world weary, conversational singing style" sums this up beautifully then you add ethereal, ironical, Gregorian chant like backing chorus. You are using adjectives and insight I have been trying to find and express for years. Thanks.
Thank you for putting this into words!
the Kinks all are phenomenal Kats.
Part of my historical Top Ten albums
Ziggy Stardust, London Calling , Nevermind, Led Zeppelin IV, Beggards Banquet, White Album, Ok Computer, Abbey Road and Pet Sounds.
Excellent taste, Sir!
10/10 taste.
Johnny's definitely not like everybody else.
Johnny thunder lives on water feeds on lightning ❤
A nifty little number by the greatest songsmith who ever lived!!
In my opinion this is a step above Sgt peppers. Every song is fantastic.
What Sgt Pepper's has to do with this album? It was released a year before
@@ZaphiroAnejo why are you acting as though we're not allowed to compare two of the biggest albums of a decade fro two of the biggest British bands of the same decade who were almost in competition for domestic audiences (similar to what we would see with Blur and Oasis in the 90s and early 2000's)?? A better question would be why can't I or shouldn't we compare what are seen as two of the albums that helped create the progressive rock genre? This album is seen by many as the Kinks Sgt peppers, and in my opinion it is better.
This has aged a lot better than Pepper in my opinion.
@@bigkuriboh3814 didnt it tank commercially big time?
@louisreeve6830 it did at the time in terms of sales and charting, but it was very well received by musical critics, etc. it definitely came at a low time in terms of commercial success for the band, but re-releases and sales over the years have been very high, and it has gone on to become on of their most critically acclaimed works
Can’t get this song out of my head. God damn Ray Davies.
Another great "laid back" Kinks sound.
This song should've been a hit!
Gotta love this tune. So did JT.
Never gets old, Timeless.
Jesus, what a band!
Brilliant song 😎✌
Johnny Thunder lives on water, feeds on lightning.
Johnny Thunder don't need no one, don't want money.
And all the people of the town,
They can't get through to Johnny, they will never, ever break him down.
Johnny Thunder speaks for no one, goes on fighting.
And sweet Helena Dulette prays for Johnny.
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Thunder and lightning.
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Thunder and lightning.
Though everybody tried their best,
Old Johnny vowed that he would never, ever end up like the rest.
Johnny Thunder rides the highway, moves like lightning.
But sweet Helena just says, "God bless Johnny."
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Thunder and lightning.
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Thunder and lightning.
This is a beautiful album i love this song this is anodher beautiful recording i love it
My favorite record.
Pass me the lightning, please...
Johnny Thunder and the joint
Did you get enough? I could make some more.
Fom an album with brilliant story telling songs. Everyone of them.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aguante The Kinks
RIP JOHNNY
When I'm in the Crowd -borrowed
"Though everybody tried their best..." Good to hear there's another person in the world who picked this up!
Yes indeed
Very cool
Johnny Thunder
The Kinks
Produced by Ray Davies
Album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society
Johnny Thunder lives on water, feeds on lightning
Johnny Thunder don't need no one, don't want money
And all the people of the town
They can't get through to Johnny
They will never, ever break him down
Johnny Thunder speaks for no one, goes on fighting
And sweet Helena Dulette prays for Johnny
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba
Thunder and lightning
Though everybody tried their best
Old Johnny vowed that he would never, ever end up like the rest
Johnny Thunder rides the highway, moves like lightning
But sweet Helena just says, "God bless Johnny"
Best
More profound than Fabs. Ray Davies is simply incredible author.
la la la la chorus sounds like A quick one ,while he,s away by the Who.
The Kinks TVGPS is are similar to TheBeatles MagicalMysteryTour autobio album.
One thousand like
this is where Johnny thunders ( new York dolls) took his name..
I was wondering
Are you sure it's not a coincidence?
False. he took his name from a DC comic book character.
my old homeboy's mama used to play with him! so cool.
Musically and lyrically, Ray Davies is living in two different worlds altogether. Don't miss his references to American popular culture!
Loop de Loop 😄
Jonny Thunder went on to become a Lollipopman assisting people to cross the streets.
now listen to johnny thunders - you can't get your arms around a memory
It's comes many times in my mind. VGPS
NO doubt is a masterpiece, but for non British it's mabey not first choice for the best kinks album.
I not want to harm any kinks fan.
Was wild when that dude showed back up in Doomsday Clock.
Is this about Jonny Thunder's
Where John Genzale (NYDolls, Heartbreakers) got his name from, while adding an 's'.
I can hear Velvet Underground in this.
I can hear The Kinks in Velvet Underground
well I believe Lou admired Ray and vice versa. The Stones and The Kinks were the only British bands Lou liked in the 60s. Walk on the Wild Side might not exist without Lola and Sister Ray supposedly is a little Ode to Ray. Cool to see the mutual respect between two greats.
Same! It made me think of Sweet Jane
Ask Paul Weller if he's ever listened to this track...cough cough 'In The Crowd'...cough cough..😉😁
This song invented Paul Weller.
I'm guessing they're talking about Johnny Thunder who covered or wrote that "I'm Alive" tune? The Kinks, I love 'em.
Is the other way, Johnny Thunders take his name from this song
johnny thunder was a guy who stayed in the same street as ray davis hhe had a moterclyle and look cool as fuck same as david watts in a way
@@alosadav nope, he took it from the DC comic.
If we didn't have Ray Davies,well we wouldn't have heard of Damon albern
This totally inspired 'Christmas' and 'Go to the Mirror' off Tommy
Soy ese
Parts of this sound a bit like Pictures Of Matchstick Men by Status Quo.
Pink Floyds' Pictures of Matchstick Men
DC comics Johnny Thunder?
was Johnny Thunder (from Heartbreakers) was inpirated by this song for his name ?
he got his name from a kinks song about a villainance biker named Johnny thunder. watch "jet boy" live version on old grey white test.
Supposedly he took his name from the comic book
flats first he was Johnny Volume, then he became Johnny Thunder from a comic book and added as s thus he became JOHNNY THUNDERS!!!!
Yes
So woz I
This song is a tribute to Johnny Thunder of DC JSA! Go HUG someone today IF they're been vaccinated! Blessings and Hugs 💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕!
I'd like to personally thank the jackass that banned the Kinks from performing in America...they did a great service,Face To Face, Something Else,Village Green Preservation Society...couldn't have done it without you ..
l.a.M.F.
I like this track. Weller ripped this off for In The Crowd.
I think the album overall is terrible, though.
So very ENGLISH!
much better band than the beatles
pretty much their equal, minus the impact
If wasn't for them I don't think Beatles would have been so popular
.@@alexblock3091 The other way round I think
@@loungejay8555 😂 you thought right
The Kinks were and still are a completely different group though. Even from their earliest singles.
Beatles put out under 300 songs; the Kinks 700. If I were on an island with only one band's music, it would be the Kinks. 👍 Ray Davies is a genius!!
The Kinks are better than The Beatles...The Beatles are scousers...uuurrgh...