Autumn Almanac

The Kinks

About Autumn Almanac

"Autumn Almanac" is a song written by Ray Davies and recorded by the rock group the Kinks in 1967. "Autumn Almanac" has since been noted for being an "absolute classic", "a finely observed slice of English custom", and a "weird character study", and praised for its "mellow, melodic sound that was to characterize the Kinks' next [musical] phase..." Some have placed this and other Davies compositions in the pastoral-Romantic tradition of the poetry of Wordsworth, among others. In his 1995 autobiography X-Ray and in subsequent performances of his VH1 Storytellers effort, Davies described the song as being inspired by a local hunch-backed gardener in his native Muswell Hill neighbourhood of North London. "Autumn Almanac" was a non-album single in between 1967's Something Else by the Kinks and 1968's The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. The song was a big success in the UK, reaching #3 on the singles chart, but not in the US, where it failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Like many recordings of the mid-to-late 1960s, "Autumn Almanac" was released in both mono and stereo versions. The mono version was released as single and appears as a bonus track on the 1998 CD reissue of Something Else by The Kinks as well as most compilations. The stereo version, which is ten seconds longer and features more psychedelic audio effects such as a tape loop during the fadeout, appears on the 1972 compilation The Kink Kronikles as well as the deluxe 2-CD reissue of Something Else. 


Year:
1970
131 
#2

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From the dew-soaked hedge creeps a crawly caterpillar
When the dawn begins to crack, it's all part of my autumn almanac
Breeze blows leaves of a musty-colored yellow
So I sweep them in my sack, yes, yes, yes, it's my autumn almanac

Friday evenings, people get together
Hiding from the weather, tea and toasted
Buttered currant buns, can't compensate
For lack of sun because the summer's all gone

La la la la, oh my poor rheumatic back
Yes, yes, yes, it's my autumn almanac
La la la la, oh my autumn almanac
Yes, yes, yes, it's my autumn almanac

I like my football on a Saturday
Roast beef on Sundays, all right
I go to Blackpool for my holidays
Sit in the open sunlight

This is my street and I'm never gonna to leave it
And I'm always gonna to stay here if I live to be ninety-nine
'Cause all the people I meet, seem to come from my street
And I can't get away because it's calling me, come on home
Hear it calling me, come on home

La la la la, oh my autumn almanac
Yes, yes, yes, it's my autumn almanac
La la la la, oh my autumn almanac
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes

Bop bop bop bop bop, whoa
Bop bop bop bop bop, whoa

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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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Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Inspiration
"Autumn Almanac" was written by The Kinks' lead vocalist and principal songwriter, Ray Davies. Davies has stated that the song was inspired by his memories of school and the changing seasons.
Release Details
The song was first released as a single in 1967 and later appeared on a few compilation albums. However, it was not included on any of their regular studio albums.
Chart Success
"Autumn Almanac" achieved a great deal of success in the UK, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart. However, it was less successful in the US, peaking at number seventy-two.
Production
Unlike many of their earlier hits, "Autumn Almanac" was produced by The Kinks themselves. Ray Davies in particular was focused on creating a unique sound, utilizing a variety of different instruments and experimenting with different recording techniques.
Musical Style
The song is described as a beautiful and haunting blend of pop and rock, with a distinctive folk influence. It's characterized by its complex melodies, harmonic structure, and the unique use of various tools including a Mellotron, a keyboard instrument that was popular during the 1960s.
Lyrics
The song's lyrics portray a character who is content with the simple pleasures of life. It stands out for its mood-setting lyrics that paint a vivid picture of autumn in England. Some music critics believe these lyrics bear a strong resemblance to the style of poetry common during the Victorian era.
Reception
"Autumn Almanac" is often lauded as one the greatest songs in The Kinks' discography, with many critics praising its complex structure and nostalgic feel. The song is also highly regarded by fans, and has become one of the band's most enduring hits.
Cultural Impact
The song has been covered by various artists around the world and continues to enjoy a broad base of listeners, demonstrating its lasting influence in the music industry.
Awards
"Autumn Almanac" was recognized as one of the Top 50 British Songs by Q magazine in 2005.
Interpretation
Some see the song as a reflection of Ray Davies' ambivalence towards the direction of the swinging sixties, expressing a longing for simpler times in contrast to the rapidly changing world. This theme of nostalgia would become a recurring motif in The Kinks' music around this time.

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