“And now, meet The Kinks, five more representatives of the…shaggy set.” As soon as Brian Matthew provides this delightful introduction, Picture Book begins to paint a complete image of one of the UK’s most irrepressible acts. Ever since they burst into England’s pop consciousness over 40 years ago, their hooks have been nagging at the minds of consecutive generations.
In this collection, all of the hits are present and correct, along with everything else the band ever did. With 138 tracks over six discs, it seems every time Ray Davies ever opened his mouth someone pressed record. However, even connoisseurs of The Kinks will be pleasantly bemused by the rarities present, which show a craftier edge than the pop perfection of the likes of Long Tall Sally and 20th Century Man.
The ubiquitous 60s feel of the band does wander at times, but the most memorable moments remain those that are glued in the decade when the group crafted their youthful tales of twisted love. Dedicated Follower of Fashion still hops along daintily, while Days manages to provoke memories of an old Tetley advert yet still sound fresh. The track-listing, albeit extensive, is interesting, deciding to flit in and out of moods and periods rather than follow chronologically.
An extra dimension is added by numerous live tracks, the pick of which is a misty rendition of Alcohol, complete with a clap-trap, likely lad introduction and a shaky organ. Such is the depth of the collection that it is impossible to maintain the polished sheen of their singles. This is a definite advantage, as even Lola begins to grate after countless listens.
Instead, alternative renditions such as a piano-led Face In The Crowd, taking on a solemn, lonelier feel, leave a more lasting impression. After all, it’s only superfans that this collection will appeal to, due to its magnitude and price, so the uncommon gems it unearths are where it reveals its worth. Those looking for signposts to the music that dominates the modern age will enjoy picking out the blueprints for many songs in even the Davies brothers and friends’ most throwaway moments, such as The Moneygoround.
Regardless, everyone with ears still loves Waterloo Sunset. Forever incisive and grittily clinging to British eccentricity and melancholy throughout, at its core this anthology is a remnant of a past age. It is packaged beautifully and lovingly to boot, with the vital factor of Ray Davies’ approval and official contribution another bonus. Nobody is ever going to get through it all unless they have already, but it is certainly worth giving it a go while waiting for that possible reunion tour.
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