Picture Book

The Kinks

About Picture Book

"Picture Book" is the third track from The Kinks' album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. Written by Ray Davies, the song looks back at pictures in a picture book. The song also saw a single release as the B-side to "Starstruck" in multiple countries.


Year:
1968
2:38
359 

Lyrics currently unavailable…


The Kinks

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion band, the Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock groups of the era. Their music was influenced by a wide range of genres, including rhythm and blues, British music hall, folk and country. Ray Davies (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Dave Davies (lead guitar, vocals) remained members throughout the group's 32-year run. Original members Pete Quaife (bass guitar, vocals) and Mick Avory (drums and percussion) were replaced by John Dalton in 1969 and Bob Henrit in 1984, respectively. Dalton was in turn replaced by Jim Rodford in 1978. Keyboardist Nicky Hopkins accomp… more »

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11 facts about this song

Album Origin
"Picture Book" is a song by the British rock band The Kinks and comes from their sixth studio album "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society."
Release Timeline
The song was released in November, 1968, and again reissued in January, 2012.
Music Style
"Picture Book" is grounded in the genres of rock and pop, reflecting The Kinks' signature blend of accessible melodies and sharp storytelling.
Song Theme
The song features a nostalgic theme, portraying the reminiscence of a person looking back on his past through faded old family photographs.
Song Composition
"Picture Book" boasts a unique composition where the lyrics are entirely in strophic form. This means the melody for every verse is essentially the same, with only the words changing.
Lead Contributors
The song features Ray Davies as the lead vocalist, his brother Dave Davies on lead guitar and backing vocals, Peter Quaife on bass, and Mick Avory on drums.
Variation in Performances
Interestingly, live performances of 'Picture Book' often included extended instrumental jams, diverging from the original 2-minute, 34-second studio version.
Critic's Perspective
Critics praise "Picture Book" for its storytelling prowess, where The Kinks cleverly uses the concept of family photographs as metaphorical vehicles to reflect on the fleeting nature of time, youth, and memory.
Advertisements
The song became widely popular in the US following its use in a 2004 Hewlett-Packard television commercial where digital photography was promoted. This commercial successfully brought the almost-forgotten track back to public attention.
Chart Performance
Despite its initial lukewarm response, the re-release of "Picture Book" in the digital age made it a frequently streamed The Kinks track on Spotify, displaying its timeless appeal.
Cover Versions
Various artists have covered "Picture Book" over the years, which highlights the song’s continued influence in music, despite its initial commercial shortcomings.

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