18/10/24
Misfits is the seventeenth studio album by The Kinks, released in May 1978. Recording began in July 1977 at the band's KONK studio in London and continued to establish the mainstream rock direction introduced with 1977's Sleepwalker. The album marked a period of significant personnel changes: longtime bassist John Dalton left the band after the release of Sleepwalker but still features on several tracks that originated during those sessions. He was replaced for one album only by Andy Pyle. The album was also the last to feature pianist John Gosling.
The singles and standout tracks—""Misfits,"" ""Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy,"" ""Live Life,"" and ""In a Foreign Land""—explore themes of alienation, resilience, and the struggles of everyday life. Critics praised the introspective and often poignant songwriting and lyrics, recognizing the album as some of the band's most reflective and personal work.
Misfits holds a significant place in The Kinks' discography, showcasing their continued relevance and adaptability in the changing music landscape of the late 1970s. The album has been newly remastered from all original ¼” tapes and is available on heavyweight vinyl, CD, and HD digital formats.
MISFITS CD TRACKLIST:
1. Misfits (2024 Remaster)
2. Hay Fever (2024 Remaster)
3. Live Life (2024 Remaster)
4. Rock N’ Roll Fantasy (2024 Remaster)
5. In A Foreign Land (2024 Remaster)
6. Permanent Waves (2024 Remaster)
7. Black Messiah (2024 Remaster)
8. Out of the Wardrobe (2024 Remaster)
9. Trust Your Heart (2024 Remaster)
10. Get Up (2024 Remaster)
MISFITS LP TRACKLIST:
A1. Misfits (2024 Remaster)
A2. Hay Fever (2024 Remaster)
A3. Live Life (2024 Remaster)
A4. Rock N’ Roll Fantasy (2024 Remaster)
A5. In A Foreign Land (2024 Remaster)
B1. Permanent Waves (2024 Remaster)
B2. Black Messiah (2024 Remaster)
B3. Out of the Wardrobe (2024 Remaster)
B4. Trust Your Heart (2024 Remaster)
B5. Get Up (2024 Remaster)
SLEEPWALKER BLURB:
‘Sleepwalker’ is the 16th studio album by The Kinks and the first to be released under a new deal with the Arista label following their departure from RCA.Recording for the album began during the long hot summer of 1976 at the bands KONK studio in London.
Released in February the following year, the album marked a significant shift for the band, as it moved away from the theatrical and conceptual work that had characterised their output in the early 1970s.
Sleepwalker signalled a return to a more conventional, mainstream rock and roll sound, with contemporary polished production and a focus on accessible melodic rock. The new approach was well-received and marked a commercial resurgence for the band, especially in the United States, where the album reached number 21 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Critics praised the straightforward rock sound and Ray Davies’s signature songwriting, wit and observational style. The singles and key tracks, Sleepwalker, Juke Box Music and Life on the Road, reflect and explore themes of escapism, identity, the music industry and life on tour.
‘Sleepwalker’ has been newly remastered from all original ¼” tapes and is available on heavyweight vinyl, CD, and HD digital formats.
SLEEPWALKER CD & LP TRACKLIST:
1. Life on the Road (2024 Remaster)
2. Mr. Big Man (2024 Remaster)
3. Sleepwalker (2024 Remaster)
4. Brother (2024 Remaster)
5. Juke Box Music (2024 Remaster)
6. Sleepless Night (2024 Remaster)
7. Stormy Sky (2024 Remaster)
8. Full Moon (2024 Remaster)
9. Life Goes On (2024 Remaster)
