The Kink Kronikles

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This compilation from one of the most influential bands in rock history is, like Neil Young's Decade, one of those rare summation packages that stands on its own in the discography. Released at a time in the early '70s when the Kinks, led by songwriter/vocalist Ray Davies and his guitarist brother Dave, were attempting to reestablish themselves with America after being banned for years, The Kink Kronikles still makes a strong case for the band's high place in the Rock Hierarchy. Assembled by longtime Kronicler John Mendelssohn, this isn't exactly a hits package, although you'll find mid-period staples like "Lola"; it's a shoulda-been-hits package. With essential B-sides ("Big Black Smoke"--the best in a long line of portraits of a tired Britain), album tracks (lots from Arthur, the band's cult 1969 rock opera), and ageless singles ("Dead End Street," "Waterloo Sunset"), this makes for an unusually dense and highly concentrated set of period must-owns. --Don Harrison

Tracks:

Victoria
The Village Green Preservation Society
Berkeley Mews
Holiday In Waikiki
Willesden Green
This Is Where I Belong
Waterloo Sunset
David Watts
Deadend Street
Shangri-La
Autumn Almanac
Sunny Afternoon
Get Back In Line
Did You See His Name?

Tracks:

Fancy
Wonderboy
Apeman
King Kong
Mr. Pleasant
God's Children
Death Of A Clown
Lola
Mindless Child Of Motherhood
Polly
Big Black Smoke
Susannah's Still Alive
She's Got Everything
Days

Amazon.com

This compilation from one of the most influential bands in rock history is, like Neil Young's Decade, one of those rare summation packages that stands on its own in the discography. Released at a time in the early '70s when the Kinks, led by songwriter/vocalist Ray Davies and his guitarist brother Dave, were attempting to reestablish themselves with America after being banned for years, The Kink Kronikles still makes a strong case for the band's high place in the Rock Hierarchy. Assembled by longtime Kronicler John Mendelssohn, this isn't exactly a hits package, although you'll find mid-period staples like "Lola"; it's a shoulda-been-hits package. With essential B-sides ("Big Black Smoke"--the best in a long line of portraits of a tired Britain), album tracks (lots from Arthur, the band's cult 1969 rock opera), and ageless singles ("Dead End Street," "Waterloo Sunset"), this makes for an unusually dense and highly concentrated set of period must-owns. --Don Harrison

Customer Reviews:

great starter set for the new kinks fan.......2007-01-05

this set covers the period that is by general consensus the kinks most creative period although not their most commercially successful. beginning to end this two cd set goes from strength to strength. highlighing most of the standout tracks from the kinks mid to late sixties albums and singles. several of these songs were hits in britain while obscure here in the states. several reviewers have criticized the sound quality of this set, and they make a valid point as the sound is decidedly murky. the songs are so great and the selections so well representing the peak of the kinks work, that i can forgive the technical shortcomings of this package and still give it 5 stars. so start with this set then move on to arthur, village green preservation society, something else, and lola and you are on your way to joining the kinks preservation society.

2 hours of bliss.......2006-08-21

You will never know how awesome the late 1960's era Kinks were until you listen to the treasure trove of material on this cd. What a great band, capable of so many styles! Ray Davies is such a great song writer, Dave Davies always played the perfect chord/riff. It is silly to single out songs b/c this is essentially a greatest hit/should have been hit package. I love Shangra La, everything off of Lola/Moneygoround, waterloo sunset and the punkish "she's got everything"

If your a casual Kinks fan, this is the one to get. If you want to get an introduction, this is also perfect.

They were a different band in the late 70's and 80's.

more than i expected.......2006-07-03

i havr always loved ray davies' music and lyrics. he is one of the few rockers whose lyrics could stand by themselves WITHOUT the accompanying music, as poems. his melodies are beautiful and powerful (see VICTORIA, WATERLOO SUNSET, e.g.) this is a great 2-disc collection...it could have been 4 or 5 discs, easily. LONG LIVE THE KINKS!

The [Ultimate Collection] is the ultimate .......2006-04-20

KK compares poorly with [The Ultimate Collection]in terms of recording quality, track sequencing, and overall presentation. Knowing that The Kinks should sound much better, I gave my KK discs away and bought the UC, which was more expensive, but worth it.

28 great 60's pop rock songs? Sign me up!.......2006-01-12

The Kink's most well-known song these days is probably "Lola" as most people I know know this song if they know any Kinks tune. Thankfully, though, the rest of this collection is just as great, and considering there's 28 songs here that's already enough of a reason to buy this. Singer Dave Davies does an excellent job with the vocals even though he isn't the best singer in the world - I think most people will like him. Musically it's pretty standard compared to most other 60's bands, but what makes The Kinks great, along with many others if its kind, is that the lyrics are fun, catchy and well-worth repeated listens. You'll even have fun singing along to some of these! Like other 60's collections, The Kink Kronikles unfortunately has some questionable audio quality (much like The Turtles' "20 Greatest Hits"). It's not so bad that you can't stand it, but it's noticably dated sounding - a good remastering would be a wonderful thing. However, despite whatever minor problems this collection may have, the fact is that most people will love most of these songs. With that said this is highly recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album!

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