Released November 1968 Genre Folk rock Label Reprise | Recorded August 1968 Length 2:49 | |
B-side "Do You Remember Walter?" (US)
"Picture Book" (Denmark) | ||
"The Village Green Preservation Society" is a single by the British rock group The Kinks. Written by Ray Davies, the song is a nostalgic reflection on cultural English "village green", country, and hamlet lifestyle, and references many different characteristics and features of it, such as Tudor houses and draught beer. At the same time, it speaks negatively of modern, industrial traits, such as office blocks and skyscrapers.
Contents
As the opening track of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, it sets the theme for the majority of the rest of the album. It is also, according to AllMusic, the best-known track from the album.
The song has been part of the Kinks' live setlist. The song inspired the band's slogan, "God Save the Kinks".
Reception
"The Village Green Preservation Society" generally received positive reviews. Rolling Stone magazine praised the songs vocals and stated that "the tune, the rhythm, are more of a delight with each verse". AllMusic's Stewart Mason felt that the song was "one of Davies' sweetest creations", but felt that it is overrated and not as successful lyrically as 1967's "Autumn Almanac".
The song was the second single released in America from The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (the first being "Starstruck"), but it did not chart.
Album appearances
Studio albums
Live albums
Compilation albums
Personnel
Cover version
The song was covered by folk singer Kate Rusby and appears as a bonus track on the album Awkward Annie. This version was recorded as the theme for BBC TV sitcom Jam and Jerusalem.