Multi-format reissue available Dec 18th
The Kinks have unveiled special multi-format release plans for their Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One album, which is simply known as Lola, for its 50th anniversary. Lola is the band’s eighth studio album and will be released as a deluxe box set, single LP, Deluxe 2 CD, single CD and digital editions on December 18th via BMG.
The album will be released in stereo and newly remastered from original master tapes. Two bonus discs include singles, available in stereo and mono mixes, B-sides, alternate original mixes and more.
The limited edition box set will be presented in a 10″ slipcased book pack containing 60 page book, three CDs, 2 x 7-inch vinyl singles and four color prints. The rigid, matte laminated, open one end card slipcase contains foil and metallic special cover effects. The 60 page hardback book features notes, band quotes, Ray Davies ‘1970 Diary’, rare photos and memorabilia. The 3 CDs are housed in card wallets containing the remastered original album and bonus audio including many unreleased tracks with the front and back pocket pages containing two reproduced original international 7” picture sleeve singles (“Lola” & “Apeman”) and 4 x printed 5-inch square rare band photocards.
Exclusive to the boxset will be new medleys with Ray & Dave Davies in intimate conversation in Ray’s kitchen, plus nine new Ray Davies remixes and outtakes from the original session tapes, previously unreleased session and live tapes, instrumental and acoustic versions, previously unreleased demos and BBC material. Track lists curated and produced by Ray Davies.
The two 7-inch singles are “Lola / Berkeley Mews” with the Italian picture sleeve and “Apeman” / “Rats” presented in the Portuguese picture sleeve, (with alternate version of “Apeman”).
The album will be available on vinyl for the first time since 1983. It’ll feature the album newly remastered in stereo in original gatefold sleeve on heavyweight vinyl containing a booklet with notes, new band quotes, rare photos and memorabilia.
The Deluxe 2 CD will feature newly remastered original album in stereo with a deluxe hardback book, containing the booklet with notes, new band quotes, rare photos and memorabilia.
The single CD release will feature the newly remastered original album and key bonus tracks from the box set presented in a digi-pack with booklet containing notes, new band quotes, rare photos and memorabilia.
A “Lola / Berkeley Mews” original Danish picture sleeve 7” single that’s been remastered with reproduced original artwork on clear vinyl and bespoke round metal & enamel pin badge featuring album cover art will be shipped free with all box set orders through The Kinks’ online store.
The album was recorded and released in 1970. A concept album ahead of its time, it’s a satirical appraisal of the music industry, including song publishers, unions, the press, accountants, business managers, and life on the road. One of the all time classic Kinks albums.
Although it appeared during a transitional period for The Kinks, Lola Versus Powerman was a success both critically and commercially for the group, charting in the Top 40 in America and helping restore them in the public eye, making it a “comeback” album. It contained two hit singles: “Lola,” which reached the No. 9 US, No. 2 UK and Germany – becoming the Kinks’ biggest success since “Sunny Afternoon” in 1966 – and “Apeman”, which peaked at No. 5 in the UK and Germany.
Ahead of its time, the track “Lola” was written by Ray Davies in early 1970 and recorded at Morgan Studios in London. The track supposedly tells the romantic tale between a young man and a transgender person whom he meets in a club in Soho, inspired by an alleged encounter by the band’s manager. Released with Village Green Preservation Society outtake “Berkeley Mews” in the UK and the Dave Davies-penned “Mindless Child of Motherhood” in the US, the iconic hook has been sung around the world for decades.
The Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One release plans follow the recent successful #LolaDay, celebrating 50 years of the seminal hit single. Fans were able to ‘Lolafy’ their individual photos with 10 new custom-made stickers available via The Kinks website. Throughout the day some of the finest acts such as The Amazons released their interpretations of the track via The Kinks’ channels, and various exciting Kinks archive audio, video and printed material was shared with fans.
The 50th Anniversary box set campaign launches with a brand new Ray Davies’ remix/medley of the Kinks track “Any Time” (titled “The Follower – Any Time 2020 Feat: Anytime by The Kinks”).
