A sign in the music industry that Christmas is just around the corner is when record labels start putting out best of collections and box sets. This is a means for labels to try and cash in on the christmas market and quite often these collections are songs that fans already own. Although there are times when a collection arrives that makes you stop dead in your tracks, dive into the collection of songs and feel like a kid receiving the best christmas present ever. That is the exact feeling I had when I was sent this new Kinks In Mono box set to review.
The Kinks In Mono is a ten CD box set released through Sanctuary Records. This collection brings together the first seven LP’s the Kinks released, together with extra EPs and two volumes of further collectables. The set also includes a 32 page pop annual style book complete with liner notes, memorabilia (including rare photos) discography information and much more. Each CD arrives boxed beautifully in digi-pack packaging, and presented in a rigid Dansette style box.
Some people may ask why is there a need for this box set? Well firstly the need is there because quite simply The Kinks are one of the, if not the, greatest British band of all time. When music critics and fans discuss who the best British band is, talk will centre around The Beatles, the band who started it all and without a doubt changed the world along with The Who, The Rolling Stones and of course The Kinks. When we talk about all things British there isn’t another band who represents Britain more than The Kinks. I would argue that Ray Davies is the greatest living song writer, he wrote songs in his own unique observational style. Observing people, life and British culture and turning what he observed into great pop songs that have stood the test of time, influenced countless bands and songwriters and will continue to do so until this world stops turning.
The Kinks In Mono takes the music back to the original mono recordings. Some may ask; In a world where technology has moved on so much in the last 40 years why would you want to hear songs in Mono? Well the simple answer to that question is mono is the way The Kinks originally recorded these songs. This box set takes you back to a magical time when the world was being changed through music. If you were part of that time this will no doubt bring back many happy memories for you. If you were not around at the time, then this box set will give you an insight into how The Kinks recorded these influential albums.
There is so much in this box set to really delve into and before you know it two days of your life have passed by.
On debut album The Kinks you hear the raw and fresh sound of The Kinks starting out, trying out the American Rock and Roll sound of that era, hearing a young Ray Davies attempting and American accent, the raw and exciting guitar riffs, and of course the unmistakable ‘You Really Got Me’ a song that will always provide excitement and inspire teenagers to pick up a guitar and form a band.
Kinda Kinks sees the band becoming The Kinks that we have all grown to love over the years developing their own British sound. The American accent has gone and Ray is singing in his own beautiful voice, lyrics about girls and relationships. Highlights on this album include ‘Tired Of Waiting For You’, ‘Don’t Ever Change’ ‘Nothing In The World Can Stop Me Worryin’ and ‘Bout That Girl
The Kinks Kontroversy combines the sound of the first two albums and in so doing creates a classic album which highlights the talent of this band. On this album Dave takes the limelight in many parts with his guitar work and sharing vocals. Hearing Dave sing ‘I’m Free’ shows that Ray was not the only talented vocalist in the band. This album also contains ‘Till The End Of The Day’ and ‘Dedicated Follower Of Fashion’
Face to Face is a collection of classic Ray Davies songs, seeing his lyrics take a turn at having a swipe at the wealthy and class system in the country. This album is full of acoustic guitars, melodies and great bass lines from Peter Quaife. Face to Face is the album that gave the world ‘Sunny Afternoon’ yet another perfect pop song from Ray that will never age.
Something Else is an album that everyone has to own and listen to at some point during their lifetime. This is an album that will change your world. ‘David Watts’, ‘Death Of A Clown’, ‘Two Sisters’, ‘Love Me Till The Sun Shines’, ‘Afternoon Tea’ and ‘Autumn Almanac’ are all on this album. Dave starts to really come into his own as a lyricist on this album, this no doubt increased the brotherly rivalry between Dave and Ray. Although when you throw the albums highlight ‘Waterloo Sunset’ into the competition there really could be only one winner. ‘Waterloo Sunset’ is the greatest British song of all time. If I were ever to leave this country for good that would have to be the song I listen to as I walk up the steps to board the plane.
Village Green Preservation Society is the quintessential Kinks album. As Ray writes about great British traditions of the village green, strawberry jam, the George Cross and Sherlock Holmes. Songs about how the world has changed and reminicising about people you once knew.
Album number seven Arthur sees the band having a dig at the pomp and ceremony of the aristocracy and the obsession with the empire. Standout songs on this album are ‘Victoria’ ‘Mr Churchill Said’ and ‘Shangri-La’.
If these seven albums are not enough for you, you are also treated to extra EP’s and previously unissued tracks and singles. This really will be enough to keep you entertained for a very long time. It is a real pleasure to hear these albums in their original mono recordings which after all is the way the band intended this music to be heard.
If you are a fan of The Kinks this really is a must have, and should take pride of place in your music collection. If for some reason you have not heard of The Kinks, then you really have been missing out. However this box set gives you a second chance to let The Kinks into your life and I can guarantee if you do it will be one of the best things you have ever done.
Rating: 9/10
Steve Tay |
