Record of the Week: The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society
Welcome to this week’s Record of the Week! We are diving into a true classic that took a little time to find its rightful place in rock history: The Kinks’ sixth studio album, The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society.
When it originally dropped in 1968, the album wasn’t exactly a commercial smash. However, time has a funny way of revealing true genius. In the years since its release, it has become universally critically acclaimed and served as a massive, undeniable influence—particularly in shaping the sound of the 1990s Britpop scene. You can easily hear the DNA of this record in bands from Blur to Supergrass.
Ray Davies' Brilliance
What makes this album so enduring is Ray Davies’ brilliant, narrative-driven songwriting. It plays like a loose concept album centered around the charm and quirks of traditional British life. In an era that was heavily dominated by sprawling, psychedelic freak-outs, The Kinks opted for a beautifully direct production style. That refreshing clarity is exactly why it remains such a satisfying listen today. It simply never goes out of style.
Standout Tracks to Spin:
If you are diving in or revisiting the record, make sure to pay special attention to these highlights:
“Picture Book”
“Big Sky”
“Animal Farm”
