The Kinks performing in Oslo, Norway, in 1966. (Henrik Ørsted / Oslo Museum via Wikimedia Commons)

The Kinks, considered by many as one of the most influential rock bands of the 60s (Tellyspotting included), are headed to a public television station near you beginning tonight and throughout the month of June! Having formed in 1964, the legendary rock group originally split up in 1996 when tensions hit an all-time high between Ray and his brother Dave Davies. While rumors of a possible reunion have circulated the Internets for the past two decades with the brothers Davies and bandmate Mick Avory reportedly being in the studio recording a new album with a tour to follow.

Given the fact that nothing has ever materialized beyond the rumor stage, you can say thank you to your local public television station via American Public Television this month for shining a spotlight on a classic Kinks album that was, actually, the last album by the original quartet of Ray and Dave Davies, Mick Avory and Pete Quaife. Pay no attention to the fact that the band’s 1968 album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society failed to chart on release as the critically-acclaimed 6th Kinks album went on to become one of the most influential and important works in rock of all-time. One does have to wonder, however, if releasing it on the same day as the Beatles’ White Album was released had just a bit to do with the initial sales back in ’68.

Now, more than 50 years later, The Kinks – Echoes of the World takes a closer look at the album’s creation. Set to the context of the time, the musical documentary explores the secret of the album’s enduring appeal and how it overcame its inauspicious start to become one of the best-loved albums of all time. Featuring new interviews with members Ray Davies, Dave Davies and Mick Avory, the program also includes songs from the album as well as classics like “You Really Got Me,” “All Day and All of the Night,” and “A Well Respected Man.”

The band played both their first and last ever ‘concert’ at The Clissold Arms, long considered ‘the birthplace of The Kinks’ which is across the street from their childhood home on Fortis Green in North London. Ray and Dave first played there in 1957 and last played there with a Kinks farewell party which doubled as a party for Dave’s 50th birthday.

While rumors will, no doubt, continue for years to come of a new Kinks album and impending tour, you can take it to the bank that The Kinks — Echoes of the World is coming to a public television station near you this month.

KERA/Dallas will air tonight (Saturday, May 30) at 10:00p.