The Kinks to re-release seven of their classic albums in new double CD deluxe format

Legendary British guitar group the Kinks are to re-release seven of their classic albums in a brand new double CD deluxe format across the spring and summer of 2011.

Featuring rarities, outtakes, demos, session tracks and in depth liner notes, the series of re-issues begins with the band's first three albums; 'Kinks' (1964), 'Kinda Kinks' (1965) and 'The Kink Kontroversey' (1965) on March 28th.

'Muswell Hillbillies' (1971) and 'Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)' (1969) will follow in May with 'Face to Face' (1966) and 'Somethin' Else' (1967) in July.

Following the 2010 release of 'See My Friends', Ray Davies' collection of new versions of Kinks classics featuring the talents of Bruce Springsteen, Mumford & Sons, Metallica and more, these are the iconic albums from which many of those re-worked songs were lifted.

Summer 2011 is set to be a Kinks-centric season indeed, with Ray Davies following in the footsteps of David Bowie, Patti Smith and Morrissey by curating the South Bank Centre's Meltdown event in June, further details of which are to be announced shortly.

Forming over 45 years ago in North London, the Kinks have long been regarded as one of the truly great British bands. Members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, at the core of the band were brothers Ray and Dave Davies. The band released 25 acclaimed studio albums during their prolific career, which finally came to an end in 1996.