The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society is the sixth studio album by the English rock band the Kinks. Released on 22 November 1968, Village Green is regarded by commentators as an early concept album. A modest seller on release, it was the band's first studio album which failed to chart in either the United Kingdom or United States, but was lauded by contemporary critics for its songwriting. It was embraced by America's new underground rock press, completing the Kinks' transformation from mid-1960s pop hitmakers to critically favoured cult band.
Unreleased UK twelve-track cover, instead issued in Scandinavia on 9 October 1968
Image: The Kinks Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks performing for Dutch television in April 1967, two months after re-recording "Village Green".
Ray Davies's former home at 87 Fortis Green, North London (pictured 2016). Most of the LP's songs were composed and rehearsed in its living room.
Nicky Hopkins
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Nicholas Christian Hopkins was an English pianist and organist. He performed on many popular and enduring British and American rock music recordings from the 1960s to the 1990s, most notably on songs recorded by the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, the Who, the Beatles, the Steve Miller Band, Jefferson Airplane, Rod Stewart, George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, The Hollies, Cat Stevens, Carly Simon, Harry Nilsson, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Jerry Garcia, Jeff Beck, Joe Cocker, Art Garfunkel, Badfinger, Graham Parker, Gary Moore, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Donovan. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest studio pianists in the history of popular rock music.
Quicksilver Messenger Service in January 1970, with Hopkins second from right
Commemorative plaque at 38 Jordan Road, Perivale