My friend and former Citizen King manager Jeff Castelaz sent me a copy of the first disc by British rockers The Kooks a couple years ago. Castelaz manages producer Tony Hoffer, who produced the record. I liked it, but I didn't listen to it as much as I probably should have.

Hoffer was also on board for the recording of the follow-up, "Konk" (Astralwerks Records), named for Ray Davies' North London studio where the record was made. I got a copy a couple weeks ago and am completely hooked. It also sent me back to rediscover the first record, "Inside In/Inside Out."

If you can, get the deluxe edition which comes with a nine-track second CD called "Rak," named for the studio in which is was recorded on a day in March.

"Konk" opens with the infectious "See The Sun," which gets an awesome and entirely different alternate treatment on "Rak." "Always Where I Need to Be" is a modern take on the classic Kinks and my son calls it the "doot doot song," because of its Davies-style refrain. "Mr. Maker" is a slice of life song that reminds me of "Smithers-Jones." "Love It All" is pure guitar-fueled, sing-along pop.  

If you flip for the deluxe version, in stylin' digipak sleeve, you'll be happy to find that "Rak," which has some alternate versions, also has some other great unheard stuff, too. 

The Kooks -- who sold out Chicago's Vic Theater -- come to  Turner Hall Ballroom on June 1. We'll talk to the band before then. So, check back for a full interview late in May.