TO THE BONE features new, stripped-down recordings of Kinks hits and nuggets. Most of the tracks were recorded live in a London studio in front of a small audience; others were recorded on tour around the same time. The album also includes two new studio recordings, "Animal" and "To The Bone."

The Kinks: Ray Davies (vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards); Dave Davies (vocals, guitar); Ian Gibbons (vocals, keyboards); Jim Rodford (vocals, bass); Bob Henrit (drums, percussion).

Engineers: Stan Loubieres, Richard Edwards.

Principally recorded live at Konk Studios, London, England between 1994 and 1996. Includes liner notes by Ray Davies.

No longer having the commercial clout to warrant an unplugged TV special, the Kinks decided to invite a small audience to their Konk Studios in London and record their very own unplugged album. It's a shame that the resulting recording never made it to TV because TO THE BONE features some of the best music the Kinks have made since the '60s. Even though most of the performances are far from unplugged, this album gave the Kinks a chance to revisit 30 years worth of their best material. The vital, stripped-down performances bring out the full wonder of Ray Davies' songs and often even surpass the original studio recordings.

With a set list that ranges from the sublime "Waterloo Sunset" to obscure fan favorites like "Days" and "Picture Book," TO THE BONE is a testament to both the Kinks remarkable versatility and the songwriting brilliance of Ray Davies. TO THE BONE also includes two fine new songs--"Animal" and "To The Bone"--suggesting that the Kinks can still create new music that hold its own alongside Kinks Klassiks like "Lola" and "Dead End Street."

Entertainment Weekly (11/29/96, p.92) - "The Kinks appear to be working at cross-purposes on this two-CD live retrospective: Ray Davies wants to live up to his reputation as a songwriter, while brother Dave tries to live down his as a terrible guitarist. They both succeed..." - Rating: B