The best album in the world just got a little bit better...
tobemilo | Sweden | 02/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my favourite Kinks album by far and it's also my favourite album by any artist or in any genre, bar none! I love this CD to death and I wouldn't be lying if I said that I've listened to these 15 songs more than a hundred times. Anyway, I suppose most of you reading this know what the music is like and would like to get an improved version of this classic album, namely this Japanese issue:First of all, the reproduction of the original LP sleeve is a sheer delight! I have five more of the Japanese paper sleeve releases in the same series and they are all great. The detail is astonishing (they even use the same kind of paper/laminating/lacquering as on the original LP's!) and the sound is as good as it gets. You won't find a better sounding "Village Green" album anywhere, the British Castle/Essential remasters included.This version is in stereo and is in my opinion much better and much more interesting to listen to than the mono one. Songs such as "Sitting by the riverside" and "Big sky" sounds marvelous in stereo. Even though the price is a little steep, I suggest all fans interested in a great piece of Kinks history and some great music save up for this release. You won't regret it!Ps. If you'd like more of these Japanese paper sleeve CD's, I recommend "Something else" (bright and dynamic stereo sound and a great sleeve) or "Arthur" (the difference in sound quality isn't that noticable, but it comes complete with a miniature Queen Victoria pop-up as the original LP did!)."
Mini version of LP masterpiece
Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 07/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No extras and no frills on this remastering edition of the band's classic album. Well, that actually isn't 100% accurate. The reproduction of the original gatefold sleve, inclusion of lyrics and better sound quality make this a must for hardcore Kinks fans. What this is lacking (no doubt to prevent it from competing with Castle/Essential's reissue) are the bonus tracks and stereo version that was withdrawn shortly after release. The original plans for this classic Kinks album was for a 2 CD set. The first would have the mono version of the original album plus the stereo withdrawn version. The second would consist of bonus tracks and the stereo version that was released. It would have great treatment for an overlooked rock classic. Nevertheless, the final British version released was pretty well loaded. It featured the first "offical" release of Mr. Songbird (aside from the Great Lost Kinks album).The sound quality on this Japanese reissue puts the British edition to shame and it's in stereo. It has more sonic detail (and, hence, more tape hiss), better clarity and warmth. The drawnback, again, is that you don't get the bonus tracks. Ah if it were only a perfect Kinks world..."
Leave it to the Japanese...
Terestai | Littleton, Colorado USA | 08/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The production value of this album has always been tricky. Being the first album that Ray Davies produced on his own, it's full of unnecessary noise and uncontrollable levels. While this may have worked for Kit Lambert on The Who's "A Quick One" (an album that was supposed to be loud) it doesn't work too well with "Village Green," an album that's beauty lies in it's subtlety, rich instrumentation, and lyrics. Though Ray's production technique had infinitely improved by the time "Arthur" came out, it was too late for "Village Green." Or was it?Like "Something Else" before it, the Japanese have taken this album to new sonic heights. While not perfect, the sound quality is a marked improvement over any other version previously (or currently) available. The music is, of course, legendary, and barring the miraculous surfacing of a perfect master tape, this could be the best that it'll ever sound."
