album · October 2, 1964

Kinks

The Kinks

Play 30s preview

Sanctuary RecordsSee this day

rockgarage rock

The Kinks' debut arrived in late 1964, a raucous statement of intent from a band that would soon become one of Britain's most distinctive voices.

• The album was produced by Shel Talmy, who had previously worked with other notable British Invasion bands. It featured their first two singles, "Long Tall Sally" and "You Really Got Me," the latter of which became a global hit. The album reached number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.
• The album included a mix of original songs and R&B covers, showcasing the band's raw energy and musical influences. It was released on the Pye International label in the UK and Reprise Records in the US. Contemporary reviews highlighted the band's energetic live sound, captured here on vinyl for the first time.
• The album did not chart in the United States at the time of its release. It was reissued in 1998 with bonus tracks, including early singles and B-sides. The album is considered a foundational work of the garage rock genre.

The Kinks are a British rock band formed in Muswell Hill, London, in 1963. They are known for their distinctive guitar riffs and for merging the sounds of rock and roll with R&B. The Kinks' debut album was released during a period of intense competition among British beat groups.