In the past, as a member of the Kinks, Dave Davies had only released his own compositions on B-sides and as part of larger LPs.
The Kinks' record label sensed potential sales in a solo release from the overlooked Davies, and issued "Death of a Clown" as his debut.
[1] The name was based on a remark Ray Davies had made to a reporter during an interview about the title of Dave's forthcoming solo album and was, although meant ironically, taken seriously.
With subsequent singles meeting the same result, a combination of Davies' own lack of interest in continuing and Pye's decision to stop killed off any hopes of an album.
Two tracks ("This Man He Weeps Tonight" and "Mindless Child of Motherhood"), both released as B-sides of Kinks singles, were recorded as part of the Arthur sessions.
A compilation of Dave Davies' solo singles and B-sides was released under this title in 1987, and included "This Man He Weeps Tonight".
Compiled and researched by Russell Smith and mastered by Andrew Sandoval and released 31 October 2011, the first 13 tracks of Hidden Treasures represent Dave's unreleased album based on the tapes that were submitted to Reprise in 1969.