Album Information:

About The Kinks:

The Kinks were a British rock band formed in 1964, consisting of brothers Ray and Dave Davies, Peter Quaife, and Mick Avory. They were one of the most iconic and influential bands of the 1960s British Invasion, and had a significant impact on the development of rock music.

The band's sound was rooted in a blend of rock, blues, and country influences, combined with Ray Davies' sharp lyricism and distinctive vocals. Their early music featured power chords and raw, energetic performances, but the band later incorporated elements of folk, music hall, and even classical music into their work.

The Kinks' early hits included 'You Really Got Me' and 'All Day and All of the Night,' both of which would become staples of the British Invasion sound. They continued to produce successful albums and hit singles throughout the 1960s, with songs like 'Sunny Afternoon,' 'Waterloo Sunset,' and 'Lola' becoming classics of the era.

Over the course of their career, The Kinks released 24 studio albums and sold over 50 million records worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists across generations.

The Kinks experienced numerous lineup changes throughout their history, with the Davies brothers being the only constant members. Their relationship was often contentious, leading to quarrels both on and off stage. The band officially disbanded in 1996, and while there have been occasional rumors of a reunion, none have come to fruition.

Despite their tumultuous history, The Kinks remain a beloved and influential band, whose impact on rock music continues to be felt to this day.

About the album Muswell Hillbillies:

Muswell Hillbillies is the ninth studio album by the English rock band The Kinks, released in 1971. It is widely regarded as one of the band's best albums and a seminal work in the genre of country rock. The album explores the themes of urban and rural life, class differences, nostalgia, and the disappearing traditions of old England.

The album opens with the title track '20th Century Man', a song full of anger and frustration that takes a satirical look at modern society. The song features a heavily distorted electric guitar riff and powerful vocals from frontman Ray Davies.

The next few tracks on the album continue the theme of urban life, with songs like 'Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues' and 'Holiday' exploring the daily struggles of life in London. These songs are characterized by a gritty, bluesy sound and lyrics that contrast the drudgery of working-class life with the dream of escape.

The album's midpoint marks a sharp turn, with tracks like 'Alcohol' and 'Skin and Bone' exploring the theme of rural life and the disappearing traditions of old England. These songs are characterized by their gentle acoustic guitar arrangements and lyrics that celebrate the simple pleasures of life in the countryside.

The album closes with the hauntingly beautiful 'Muswell Hillbilly', a melancholic reflection on life that acknowledges the passing of time and the changes it brings. The song features a lush string arrangement and some of Ray Davies' most heartfelt lyrics.

Overall, Muswell Hillbillies is a rich and varied album that showcases The Kinks' musical versatility and lyrical depth. Its timeless themes and powerful melodies have made it a beloved classic of the rock canon.

Members:

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, London in 1964. The key members of the band were:

1. Ray Davies - lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter (born June 21, 1944)
Raymond Douglas Davies is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who formed The Kinks with his brother Dave. Known for his distinctive voice and songwriting style, Ray is widely regarded as one of the greatest British songwriters of all time. He has also had a successful solo career and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2. Dave Davies - lead guitarist and backing vocals (born February 3, 1947)
David Russell Gordon Davies is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter who co-founded The Kinks with his brother Ray. Dave is known for his aggressive and innovative guitar playing, which has influenced many other guitarists over the years. He has also released solo albums and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

3. Mick Avory - drummer (born February 15, 1944)
Michael Charles Avory is an English drummer who was a member of The Kinks from 1964 to 1984. He is known for his solid and versatile drumming style, which helped to define the band's sound. He has also played with other bands, including The Creation and Oasis.

4. Pete Quaife - bassist (December 31, 1943 – June 23, 2010)
Peter Alexander Greenlaw Quaife was an English bassist who was a founding member of The Kinks. He played on the band's first four albums and is known for his melodic and rhythmic bass lines. After leaving the band, he pursued a career in photography and writing.

5. John Dalton - bassist (born May 21, 1943)
John Charles Dalton is an English bassist who joined The Kinks in 1969. He played on the band's albums from that period and is known for his solid and reliable bass playing. He has also played with other bands, including The Nashville Teens and The Roulettes.

6. John Gosling - keyboardist (born January 28, 1948)
John Richard Gosling is an English keyboardist who joined The Kinks in 1970. He played on the band's albums from that period and is known for his versatile and inventive keyboard playing. He has also played with other bands, including The Human League and Zaine Griff.

7. Ian Gibbons - keyboardist (July 18, 1952 – August 1, 2019)
Ian Gibbons was an English keyboardist who joined The Kinks in 1979. He played on the band's albums from that period and is known for his melodic and atmospheric keyboard playing. He also played with other bands, including The Kursaal Flyers and The Swinging Blue Jeans.

Each member played a key role in shaping The Kinks' sound and legacy, and their contributions continue to be celebrated today.

Track List for Muswell Hillbillies:

Sure, here are all the tracks from 'Muswell Hillbillies' by The Kinks, listed in order of appearance and with their play times, along with a brief description of each song:

1. '20th Century Man' (5:56) - A rock song that criticizes the societal changes occurring in the 20th century.

2. 'Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues' (3:31) - A bluesy tune that discusses paranoia and paranoia's effect on the narrator's personal life.

3. 'Holiday' (2:42) - A song that reflects on the realities of the working class, while also exploring the narrator's need for a break from the daily struggles of life.

4. 'Skin and Bone' (3:42) - A track that takes a hard look at the impact of war and colonialism on society through the eyes of the narrator.

5. 'Alcohol' (3:36) - A lighthearted and upbeat tune praising the joys of alcohol consumption.

6. 'Complicated Life' (4:02) - Another track that examines the hardships of working-class life, especially the challenges of dealing with bureaucracy and red tape.

7. 'Here Come the People in Grey' (3:46) - A song about the narrator's dislike of authority, particularly government officials.

8. 'Have a Cuppa Tea' (3:45) - A charming and playful tune celebrating tea time and British customs.

9. 'Holloway Jail' (3:27) - A track that paints a picture of the neglect and brutality that prisoners face in jail.

10. 'Oklahoma U.S.A.' (2:39) - A humorous track that pokes fun at the 'American Dream,' as well as British stereotypes of America.

11. 'Uncle Son' (2:34) - A touching song that explores the relationship between fathers and sons, and the idea of passing down family traits and traditions.

12. 'Muswell Hillbilly' (4:57) - The title track, which celebrates working-class life in Muswell Hill, a neighborhood in North London.

Overall, 'Muswell Hillbillies' is a deeply personal and reflective album that touches on a range of subjects, from social issues and politics to family and personal struggles. The album's sound is a blend of rock, blues, and country, creating a unique and distinctly British style that continues to influence music today.

Discography for The Kinks:

Here is a complete discography for The Kinks in chronological order:

Albums:

1. Kinks (1964)
2. Kinda Kinks (1965)
3. The Kink Kontroversy (1965)
4. Face to Face (1966)
5. Something Else by The Kinks (1967)
6. The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968)
7. Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) (1969)
8. Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One (1970)
9. Muswell Hillbillies (1971)
10. Everybody's in Show-Biz (1972)
11. Preservation Act 1 (1973)
12. Preservation Act 2 (1974)
13. Soap Opera (1975)
14. Schoolboys in Disgrace (1976)
15. Sleepwalker (1977)
16. Misfits (1978)
17. Low Budget (1979)
18. Give the People What They Want (1981)
19. State of Confusion (1983)
20. Word of Mouth (1984)
21. Think Visual (1986)
22. UK Jive (1989)
23. Phobia (1993)

Singles:

1. 'Long Tall Sally' / 'I Took My Baby Home' (1964)
2. 'You Still Want Me' / 'You Do Something to Me' (1964)
3. 'You Really Got Me' / 'It's Alright' (1964)
4. 'All Day and All of the Night' / 'I Gotta Move' (1964)
5. 'Tired of Waiting for You' / 'Come on Now' (1965)
6. 'Set Me Free' / 'I Need You' (1965)
7. 'See My Friends' / 'Never Met a Girl Like You Before' (1965)
8. 'Till the End of the Day' / 'Where Have All the Good Times Gone?' (1965)
9. 'Dedicated Follower of Fashion' / 'Sittin' on My Sofa' (1966)
10. 'Sunny Afternoon' / 'I'm Not Like Everybody Else' (1966)
11. 'Dead End Street' / 'Big Black Smoke' (1966)
12. 'Autumn Almanac' / 'Mister Pleasant' (1967)
13. 'Wonderboy' / 'Polly' (1967)
14. 'Days' / 'She's Got Everything' (1968)
15. 'Plastic Man' / 'King Kong' (1969)
16. 'Drivin' / 'Mindless Child of Motherhood' (1969)
17. 'Victoria' / 'Mr. Churchill Says' (1969)
18. 'Lola' / 'Berkeley Mews' (1970)
19. 'Apeman' / 'Rats' (1970)
20. 'God's Children' / 'The Way Love Used to Be' (1971)
21. 'Supersonic Rocket Ship' / 'The Moneygoround' (1972)
22. 'Celluloid Heroes' / 'Hot Potatoes' (1972)
23. 'Sitting in the Midday Sun' / 'Sweet Lady Genevieve' (1973)
24. 'One of the Survivors' / 'Cricket' (1974)
25. 'Sleepwalker' / 'Full Moon' (1977)
26. 'Father Christmas' / 'Prince of the Punks' (1977)
27. 'A Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy' / 'Artificial Light' (1978)
28. 'Catch Me Now I'm Falling' / 'Move Over Ms. L' (1979)
29. 'Better Things' / 'Massive Reductions' (1981)
30. 'Come Dancing' / 'Noise' (1983)
31. 'Don't Forget to Dance' / 'Young Conservatives' (1983)
32. 'Do It Again' / 'Word of Mouth' (1984)
33. 'How Are You' / 'Living on a Thin Line' (1984)
34. 'Lost and Found' / 'The Informer' (1986)
35. 'How Do I Get Close' / 'War Is Over' (1986)
36. 'The Road' / 'Still Searching' (1987)
37. 'Rock 'n' Roll Cities' / 'Black Messiah' (1987)
38. 'UK Jive' / 'Noise' (1990)

Other Releases:

1. Kinksize Session (EP) (1964)
2. Kwyet Kinks (EP) (1965)
3. Sunny Afternoon (EP) (1966)
4. Live at Kelvin Hall (1967)
5. The Great Lost Kinks Album (1973)
6. The Kinks' Greatest: Celluloid Heroes (1976)
7. The Kinks Collection (1985)
8. Lost and Found (1986)
9. Did Ya (EP) (1991)
10. To the Bone (1994)
11. BBC Sessions: 1964-1977 (2001)
12. Picture Book (2008)