The Kinks are a streaming a lyric video for “Time Song”, a previously-unreleased track that will be featured on the 50th Anniversary Edition of their sixth album, “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society.”
Despite never being included on a release, “Time Song” was performed live only once by the band.
"When we played a concert at Drury Lane in '73 to ‘celebrate’ us [the UK] about to join what was called The Common Market, I decided to use the song as a warning that time was running out for the old British Empire," says Ray. "This song was recorded a few weeks later but never made the final cut on the Preservation Act I album. Oddly enough, the song seems quite poignant and appropriate to release at this time in British history, and like Europe itself the track is a rough mix which still has to be finessed."
Due October 26, the 1968 collection of vignettes of UK life was the last album by the group’s original quartet of leader Ray Davies, guitarist Dave Davies, bassist Pete Quaife and drummer Mick Avory.
"I think The Village Green Preservation Society is about the ending of a time personally for me in my life," Ray explains. "In my imaginary village. It's the end of our innocence, our youth. Some people are quite old but in the Village Green, you're never allowed to grow up. I feel the project itself as part of a life cycle."
Somewhat overlooked upon its original release, “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society” went on to become regarded by critics as one of the best British albums ever recorded. Created in difficult circumstances by a band on the verge of disintegration and who refused to follow fashion, it is an album of timeless, perfectly crafted songs about growing up and growing old, and the decline of national culture and traditional ways.
The 50th anniversary release of “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society” will be available in various formats, including a 2CD Deluxe and digital editions, a single disc version and a Deluxe Box Set.
In sync with the album’s reissue, there will be an exhibition at London's Proud Central Gallery titled “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society”; running from October 4 - November 18, the event will display a selection of rare collector's items including specially commissioned artworks by members of the band and vintage memorabilia, together with a collection of photographs documenting this period in the band's history.
Ray Davies recently confirmed that the surviving members of The Kinks (Quaife passed away from kidney failure in 2010 at the age of 66) have reunited for a new album after more than two decades apart.
With sales of more than 50 million albums worldwide, The Kinks were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990.
See also:
Ray Davies streams Bringing Up Baby from Americana album sequel
The Kinks to reunite after two decades apart
Ray Davies streams The Big Guy from Americana album sequel
Ray Davies streams Kinks cover from Americana album sequel
Search The Kinks at hennemusic
