Album Information:

About The Kinks:

The Kinks are a British rock band that have been active since the early 1960s. The band was formed by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1963 with Mick Avory on drums and Peter Quaife on bass. They initially started out playing cover songs in local pubs in London, but quickly began writing and recording their own music.

Their sound was influenced by early rock and roll, blues, and a distinctive British pop sound that included elements of vaudeville and music hall. Their early hits, such as 'You Really Got Me' and 'All Day and All of the Night', were raw and energetic, marked by the distorted guitar work of Dave Davies. The Kinks quickly became known for their innovative sound and witty, often satirical, lyrics that took aim at social conventions and the culture of their time.

Over the years, The Kinks went through numerous lineup changes, but always maintained their signature sound and subversive approach to songwriting. They continued to release successful albums throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including classics like 'Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One', 'Muswell Hillbillies', and 'Give the People What They Want'.

Despite their commercial success, The Kinks were always known for their confrontational attitude towards the music industry and their refusal to follow trends or adhere to other people's expectations of what they should sound like. Ray Davies, in particular, became known for his lyrical storytelling and his ability to comment on the human condition with wit and insight.

The Kinks disbanded in 1996, after over 30 years of performing and recording. However, their influence on rock and roll is undeniable, and their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians. In 2020, Ray Davies announced that he was planning to reunite the band for a new album and tour, but whether or not this will actually come to fruition remains to be seen.

About the album Sleepwalker:

Sure, as an AI language model, I can only provide a factual analysis of an album, however, I will describe Sleepwalker by The Kinks to my best capacity.

Sleepwalker is the sixteenth studio album by the British rock band The Kinks. It was released on February 1, 1977, by Arista Records. The album marked a departure from the band's earlier sound, with a greater emphasis on hard rock and arena rock styles. It was also the first Kinks album to feature bassist John Dalton in place of John Gosling, who had left the band prior to this album.

The album opens with the catchy and upbeat track, 'Life on the Road,' which sets the tone of the album. The song talks about the struggles and difficulties that come with living the life of a musician. The second track, 'Mr. Big Man,' is a bold and energetic song that echoes the sound of classic hard rock. The third track, 'Sleepwalker,' is the most well-known song from the album, and it takes a slower and more introspective approach, with lyrics that reflect on the state of the world and one's place in it.

The album showcases Ray Davies' signature songwriting style, with witty and insightful lyrics that explore themes such as identity, love, and the challenges of being an artist. The fourth track, 'Brother,' tackles the complicated relationship between siblings, while 'Juke Box Music' reflects on the power of music to bring people together. 'Sleepless Night' explores the feelings of loneliness and isolation that can come with being on the road, while 'Stormy Sky' offers a moment of quiet introspection.

The album's production is polished and professional, with a sound that is crisp and clear. The guitars are loud and prominent, and the rhythm section is tight and precise. The album closes with the track 'Full Moon,' an optimistic and uplifting song that celebrates the beauty of life and nature.

Overall, Sleepwalker is an excellent album that showcases The Kinks in top form. It was a commercial success, reaching #21 on the US Billboard 200 and #30 on the UK Albums Chart. The album is still considered one of the band's best works and a classic of the rock genre.

Members:

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, London in 1964. The band went through several changes, but here's a list of the key members along with their biographies:

1. Ray Davies (Lead vocals, guitar, keyboards)
Raymond Douglas 'Ray' Davies was born on June 21, 1944, in Muswell Hill, London. He was the founder member and the main songwriter of The Kinks. He has written some of the band's most famous songs, including 'You Really Got Me,' 'Lola,' and 'Waterloo Sunset.' He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Ray Davies is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important songwriters in the history of British music.

2. Dave Davies (Lead guitar, backing vocals)
David Russell Gordon Davies was born on February 3, 1947, in Muswell Hill, London. He was the younger brother of Ray Davies and the lead guitarist and occasional singer of The Kinks. He is known for his distinctive distorted guitar sound on songs such as 'You Really Got Me' and 'All Day and All of the Night.' He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with his brother in 1996.

3. Mick Avory (Drums)
Michael Charles 'Mick' Avory was born on February 15, 1944, in Hampton, Middlesex, England. He was the drummer for The Kinks from 1964 to 1984. He played on some of the band's most famous songs, including 'Waterloo Sunset,' 'Sunny Afternoon,' and 'Lola.' Avory was known for his solid and reliable drumming style that perfectly complemented the band's songs.

4. Pete Quaife (Bass guitar)
Peter Alexander Greenlaw Quaife was born on December 31, 1943, in Tavistock, Devon, England. He was the bassist for The Kinks from 1964 to 1969. Quaife played on many of the band's early hits, including 'You Really Got Me,' 'All Day and All of the Night,' and 'Tired of Waiting for You.' He left the band in 1969 to pursue a career as a graphic artist.

These four members are considered the key members of The Kinks, but the band went through several lineup changes throughout their career with other notable members including John Dalton (bass guitar), Ian Gibbons (keyboards), and Bob Henrit (drums).

Track List for Sleepwalker:

1. 'Life Goes On' (5:03) - The opening track of the album, 'Life Goes On', is a slow and melodic ballad that sets the tone for the introspective themes explored throughout the album. The lyrics deal with the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

2. 'Juke Box Music' (5:32) - A more upbeat and energetic track than the previous one, 'Juke Box Music' is a rock and roll song that celebrates the simple pleasures of listening to music on a jukebox. The catchy chorus and driving guitar riff make it a standout track on the album.

3. 'Sleepwalker' (4:04) - The title track of the album, 'Sleepwalker' is a haunting ballad that explores the feeling of being lost and disconnected from oneself. The sparse instrumentation and Ray Davies' emotive vocals give the song a haunting quality that lingers long after it ends.

4. 'Brother' (5:25) - A slow and introspective track that deals with the complicated relationship between siblings, 'Brother' is a deeply personal song that is both tender and melancholic in equal measure.

5. 'Journey' (4:21) - With an ethereal quality that is accentuated by the synthesizer and acoustic guitar, 'Journey' is an experimental track that explores the theme of spiritual enlightenment and personal growth.

6. 'Sleepless Night' (3:16) - A more upbeat and jaunty track than the previous one, 'Sleepless Night' is a catchy rock and roll song that deals with the insomnia and restlessness that can come with a broken heart.

7. 'Stormy Sky' (3:59) - A melancholic ballad that is about coming to terms with a failed relationship and moving on, 'Stormy Sky' is a highlight of the album. The plaintive piano and Ray Davies' emotive delivery lend the song a sense of emotional depth that is hard to forget.

8. 'Full Moon' (3:54) - A celebratory rock and roll song that is about the joys of being in love, 'Full Moon' is an upbeat and catchy track that has an infectious energy that is hard to resist.

9. 'Life Goes On (Reprise)' (1:12) - The album closes with a reprise of the opening track, 'Life Goes On'. The brief instrumental coda is a gentle reminder of the themes explored throughout the album - that life is fleeting and ever-changing, but we must keep moving forward.

Discography for The Kinks:

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

Albums:
1. Kinks (1964) – October 2, 1964
2. Kinda Kinks (1965) – March 5, 1965
3. The Kink Kontroversy (1965) – November 26, 1965
4. Face to Face (1966) – October 28, 1966
5. Something Else by The Kinks (1967) – September 15, 1967
6. The Village Green Preservation Society (1968) – November 22, 1968
7. Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) (1969) – October 10, 1969
8. Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One (1970) – November 27, 1970
9. Muswell Hillbillies (1971) – November 24, 1971
10. Everybody's in Show-Biz (1972) – August 25, 1972
11. Preservation Act 1 (1973) – November 16, 1973
12. Preservation Act 2 (1974) – May 17, 1974
13. Soap Opera (1975) – April 25, 1975
14. Schoolboys in Disgrace (1975) – November 15, 1975
15. Sleepwalker (1977) – February 2, 1977
16. Misfits (1978) – May 19, 1978
17. Low Budget (1979) – July 7, 1979
18. Give the People What They Want (1981) – August 15, 1981
19. State of Confusion (1983) – June 10, 1983
20. Word of Mouth (1984) – November 19, 1984
21. Think Visual (1986) – November 17, 1986
22. UK Jive (1989) – September 12, 1989
23. Phobia (1993) – April 13, 1993

Compilations and live albums:
1. Kinks-Size (EP) (1965) – February 19, 1965
2. The Great Lost Kinks Album (1973) – November, 1973
3. The Kinks' Greatest Hits! (1976) – August, 1976
4. The Kinks Present: Schoolboys in Disgrace (1976) – December 17, 1976
5. One for the Road (1980) – June, 1980
6. Come Dancing with the Kinks: The Best of the Kinks 1977–1986 (1986) – June 23, 1986
7. The Road (1988) – May 1988
8. The Kinks Collection (1989) – November 12, 1989
9. Lost and Found (1985–1989) (1991) – June 3, 1991
10. Picture Book (6-CD box set) (2008) – December 8, 2008

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. 'Everybody's Gonna Be Happy' / 'Who'll Be the Next in Line' (1965)
7. 'Set Me Free' / 'I Need You' (1965)
8. 'See My Friends' / 'Never Met a Girl Like You Before' (1965)
9. 'Till the End of the Day' / 'Where Have All the Good Times Gone' (1965)
10. 'Dedicated Follower of Fashion' / 'Sittin' on My Sofa' (1966)
11. 'A Well Respected Man' / 'Such a Shame' (1966)
12. 'Dead End Street' / 'Big Black Smoke' (1966)
13. 'Mr. Pleasant' / 'This Is Where I Belong' (1967)
14. 'Waterloo Sunset' / 'Act Nice and Gentle' (1967)
15. 'Death of a Clown' / 'Love Me Till the Sun Shines' (1967)
16. 'Autumn Almanac' / 'Mister Pleasant' (1967)
17. 'Wonderboy' / 'Polly' (1968)
18. 'Days' / 'She's Got Everything' (1968)
19. 'Plastic Man' / 'King Kong' (1969)
20. 'Drivin' / 'Mindless Child of Motherhood' (1969)
21. 'Shangri-La' / 'This Man He Weeps Tonight' (1969)
22. 'Victoria' / 'Mr. Churchill Says' (1969)
23. 'Lola' / 'Berkeley Mews' (1970)
24. 'Apeman' / 'Rats' (1970)
25. 'God's Children' / 'The Way Love Used to Be' (1971)
26. '20th Century Man' / 'Skin and Bone' (1971)
27. 'Supersonic Rocket Ship' / 'The Moneygoround' (1972)
28. 'Celluloid Heroes' / 'Hot Potatoes' (1972)
29. 'Sitting in My Hotel' / 'Hotel Room' (1972)
30. 'One of the Survivors' / 'Cricket' (1974)
31. 'Sleepwalker' / 'Full Moon' (1977)
32. 'Misfits' / 'Hay Fever' (1978)
33. 'A Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy' / 'Artificial Light' (1978)
34. 'Better Things' / 'Massive Reductions' (1981)
35. 'Destroyer' / 'Back to Front' (1981)
36. 'Come Dancing' / 'Noise' (1983)
37. 'Don't Forget to Dance' / 'Nerves' (1983)
38. 'Do It Again' / 'Word of Mouth' (1984)
39. 'Living on a Thin Line' / 'Sold Me Out' (1985)