Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
1969
Album Summary
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire), often referred to as just Arthur, is the seventh studio album by the English rock band the Kinks, released in October 1969. Kinks frontman Ray Davies constructed the concept album as the soundtrack to a Granada Television play and developed the storyline with novelist Julian Mitchell; the television programme was never produced. The rough plot revolved around Arthur Morgan, a carpet-layer, who was based on Ray and guitarist Dave Davies' brother-in-law Arthur Anning. A stereo version was released internationally. A mono version was released in the UK, but not in the US. The album was met with poor sales but nearly unanimous acclaim, especially among the American music press. Although Arthur and its first two singles, "Drivin’" and "Shangri-La", failed to chart in the UK, the Kinks returned to the Billboard charts after a two-year absence with "Victoria", the lead single in the US, peaking at number 62. The album itself reached number 105 on the Billboard album chart, their highest position since 1965. Arthur paved the way for the further success of the Kinks’ 1970 comeback album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One.
WikipediaMy kinks include, but aren't limited to: Ass licking Amputees Getting my balls stamped on GILFS Gorillas Smearing my shit into the eyes of my sister Getting my feet tickled Wearing a jacket made of toast and leaping off a diving board onto an angry sea lion. BBW gangbangs Dave Davies' solo work
Very witty lyrics. Definitely a lot of references to war and being under the Queens rule vibe. I nearly thought that Sir Paul McCartney was in this band. Someone influenced someone.
Top notch album by the best British Invasion pop group. Victoria is a banger of a song, and the concept of the album never gets in the way of it's enjoyability.
This is where the Kinks start making all types of sense to me. A perfect definition of weird and wonderful. Loved all of it. Mr Churchill Says (absolutely cracking bridge), Nothing to Say and Plastic Man are the big highlights. His voice on Mindless Child of Motherhood is amazing.. Actually just his voice in general is crazy-weird-good-can't-explain-it at times. The Kazoo attack at the end of Hat Like is hilarious. Shangri-La, Yes Sir No Sir and Some Mother's Son are pretty sad. Some of the Stereo versions really bring them to life with headphones on, especially Plastic Man.
What an album. Every song expertly crafted, lyrically poignant. Taking the time and attention to appreciate each songs individual charms and then how each on fits within the tapestry of the albums entirety. Brilliant!
Obviously a great album from a classic band. Though not one of their more highly appreciated albums, this is still a great album with some classics on it. The Kinks are often said to be the 'first punk band' and you can certainly hear elements that would eventually influence bands such as the Clash. The guitar parts in Australia come to mind. Lots of other interesting sounds mixed in as well. From the silly circus style music in "She bought a hat like princess marina," and some surf-rock like guitar mixed in elsewhere. I wouldn't call it a 'Rock Opera' in the same sense as Tommy for example, but it's still an interestingly tied together concept album. Favorite Songs: Victoria, Nothing to Say
What a helluva album. A lot of fun, a fully realized concept, interweaving serious themes, and captivating me the whole time; That's a success! Rarely, I think, does an album get me so excited while listening but fuck, The Kinks did it here.
Rich and exceptionally well conceived and executed, each song stands on it's own merits while still contributing to the larger themes. Great melodies, kicking arrangements, humor and pathos, this album stands as a rocking testament to the Kinks' contributions to the genre. Having only ever heard Victoria prior to this listen, the album hit me from out of left field. I've never been so happy to get beaned!
I've owned and loved this record for 25 years. Hopefully I will get something I can explore soon.
For a concept album, it has to be one of the best I’ve heard. I’m a sucker for these kinds of albums and the storyline kept me involved all throughout my listen.
At the beginning of Victoria, the lead guitar part is echoed with delay in the opposite ear, which is a pretty neat sound. There are some moments on this album that remind me of The Beatles, like like the latter half of She’s Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina and Nothing To Say. If The Kinks hadn’t been banned from touring in the US for 4 years in the late 1960s during the height of the British Invasion, they might have been way bigger here. The Kinks are clearly British as they sing about countries of the British empire and Mr. Churchill. The song Australia drags on too long and I could do without Drivin’. This album grew on me. I was solidly in the 3 star camp, but after a third listen, I want to keep listening. So I’m keeping it in my library…for now. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This took a few listens for me to truly appreciate, but over the course of those listens, I became a bigger and bigger fan of this album. In classic concept album style, the songs weave together and tell the story of Arthur and his experience in a post-war Britain. There's so much to enjoy here - the bombastic opener 'Victoria', the cheeky, Beatles-esque 'Yes Sir, No Sir', the highly energetic and catchy 'Shangri-La', just to name a few. This is quality 60's pop rock, and is well worth several listens.
A concept album about a man losing his son whois moving to Australia at the fag end of the sixties?Typically great Ray Davies lyrics looking at the minutiae of life and pretty simply it also rocks. Best Tracks: Victoria, Brainwashed, Shangri-La
4.0 - Came to this one excited because I love Village Green Preservation Society. Great concept developed in the first 8 songs, which are lyrically amazing, catchy, bouncy and well produced. The Kinks come on facetious in a charming British way - there's a Monty Python feel here, reflected also with the album art. Standouts include: really, all of side A into "Shangri-LA" on the reverse side. After that, I felt an unexpected drop-off in quality. I don't know if I was burnt out or if the songs got worse, maybe both. In any case, the last 15 minutes are a bit of a letdown. All in all, I still like it a lot.
“She’s Bought a Hat” is like Sgt Peppers remixed for a Monty Python fanfic. I started just humoring this, but by golly, by the end I loved it. Not everyone can reinvent pop music like the Beatles; this takes a lot of inspiration from that group and shines with its own voice and whimsy.
The Kinks were on fire in the late 60s, god damn. An album criticizing Britain from the most British band to ever exist? That's my kink. Almost like a really really early "Let England Shake" by PJ Harvey (also really good and also on this list, by the way). Best songs: "Australia", "Shangri-La", "Victoria".
Kind of odd. Like listening to a Monty Python movie. Combo of The Beatles, The Doors, Benny Hill. Fun at times, but I could not listen to regularly I don't think.
Not as good as Preservation Society, but some fun songs nonetheless. Davies LOVES TROMBONES
This sounds like a real classic. No matter who you are, these songs are all very recognizable to anyone. Great album.
While The Kinks is not really underrated, they're obviously overshadowed by their peers. And like the big names such as The Beatles and The Stones, The Kinks also went beyond the usual cheap pop-rock stuff and made daring albums later in their career. That is not really interesting or surprising. But the sound and the scope of "Arthur" certainly is. It's a concept album about war and politics in the UK. Interestingly, it was originally made as a soundtrack for a TV show, which was never aired. Aside from the tunes and the lyrics, the thing that fascinates me here is the fact that this "concept album" is so carefree and loose sounding. It sounds fun and light oftentimes. As of now, however, it didn't really stuck to me. It has a few stellar moments, especially in the instrumentals. But the tunes are ultimately forgettable for me. But I guess it's interesting enough for me to listen to it again.
By the second song I found myself surprisingly thinking "This is like a Beatles record written by Ringo!" That's not a bad thing at all though. This sort of music hall /novelty aspect makes it sound really different from the rest of the music produced at the time, at least to my ears. OK, there is a little bit of Paul as well. All in all, a very British record with its own references and probably idiosyncrasies, which makes it a bit harder for me to get fully into it as, for obvious reasons, I lack the cultural background.
Beginning was meh, middle had some decent songs then I lost interest towards the end again. It may have been a better effort at the time, there was depth to some of their songs but it weren't for me. 2*
Novo clássico. Álbum conceitual e história muito interessante. Destaque para Drivin' e Australia
Great album through and through. May not have all the “hits” but the album gels together nicely
I really like the Kinks but hadn’t listened to this album prior so it was a good choice. I really loved this album! Stand out tracks: Victoria, Yes Sir No Sir and Brainwashed.
La verdad sí me gustó el disco en general. La batería en especial me prendió. Tiene un sonido fresco y movidon. Brainwashed creo que fue la que más me gustó pero en la mayoría estuvo haciendo mi bailecito que consiste en solo mover la parte superior dec cuerpo desde mi escritorio finjiendo que toco una batería en el teclado. Mood: retro english sexy time.
day behind again, listened on very cold morn (-10). its like bizarro world WHO with some beatles trip mixed in. I will listen again!
Aquí está la magia de las bandas inglesas. Capaces de tomar el R&B, soul, country y rockandroll gringo y darle una vuelta y volverlo nativo. Es extraño pero funciona increíble. Este disco está lleno de grandes canciones, no lo había escuchado completo. Y lo mejor de todo, es que, en su mayoría son cortas. Ser concreto, que gran virtud. Las letras son increíbles, muy interesantes y hay riffs increíbles ahí. El disco es conceptual, al menos parece. Lleno de nostalgia por tiempos pre-Segunda Guerra Mundial. Nostalgia decimonónica. En 2021 se lee remal eso, los tiempos del Imperio británico pero aquí lo entendemos. La neta, me vale verga esa lectura. Espero que este juego nos ponga más discos de Kinks.
just as good as i remember. I love how most of the tracks have a mad jam out ending when the drummer gets to shine. the drumming on this whole album is immense, i can't think of many albums pre 70s that had drumming like this. would have been excellent if they'd have made the film this was written for.
Super læææækkkeeeerrt Kan super godt lide det, og kan godt finde på at lytte til det igen. Elsker det mere og mere
I can't believe how good this album is. Total pioneers. I'm a kinks fan; but, never gave this albumn a go before. I'm so glad this is on the list.
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Yes sir, no sir, Drivin’, Brainwashed, Arthur
An absolute classic rock album in the vein of The Beatles. Dig the lyricism and the instrumentation. '69 was such a great year for music.
had a great sound and story, looking forward to revisiting this again. Seems like something i really could get lost in.
I've said this before, and been threatened and abused for saying it, but I'll say it again. Ray Davies is a better songwriter than Lennon & McCartney.
fun so far. like a less overplayed beatles. is it a 5? time will tell.
I really liked that way more imaginative and diverse than most hard rock albums I’ve heard definitely a 10/10 for me, really fun album
GENIE Prefs: Victoria, Yes Sir, No Sir, Some Mother's Son, Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La, She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina, Arthur Moins pref: Mr. Churchill Says (quand même incroyable)
I know the kinks hits, but first time listening to this album. This is a masterpiece brilliant musical story telling through out the album, up there with the best concept albums.
Amazing -never heard it before but like Floyd and Groundhogs a preoccupation with the futility of war is as poignant as ever.
Concept album alert!!!! Bit it's theme is incredibly prescient for a 55 year old album - we're still debating the failure of empire and colonialism 55 years later. Ray Davies' knack for storytelling is brutal here. He takes a 'square' character, makes you empathise with him despite his flaws and let's the (then) modern world tear his life apart. The fact it also has some great Kinks classic songs in there is almost a bonus! The music is a solid 4, but delivering a story this good with such resonant themes on top of that easily pushes it into the upper echelons.
Light but rich rock'n'roll tunes. The lyrics center around social and political commentary, yet they are not bitter.
I wrote something about "their brand" of psych last time I listened to The Kinks and this album has me regretting it. There is a progression here more suitable for an album twice as long, but only in density and never in drag. The weirdness and soft noodlings peak in the middle (and in Australia) with what sound like British beginnings and American ends, more simply. It's an album that covers much of life and a lot of the time between 1969 and now. All in a way that sounds great and is still fun. Village Green charmed me and this adds just enough edge while staying full Kinks.
On par with sgt pepper or pet sounds, if maybe to influenced by it, but also influencing like the beach boys or Beatles but not with the same credit. Vitoria and Arthur bookend the album perfectly that is maybe hurt by its Britishness in North America
Here's the deal - this album get five stars on the basis of Shangri-La alone. It is one of my favourite songs, ever. As a songwriting commentator on a specific type of small, suburban British life I don't think Ray Davies has a peer. Take Shangri-La - is it a celebration of those creature comforts that welcome us after our day's toil? Is it a critique of this lifestyle? Or is it, as I suspect, both? It walks the line beautifully in terms of both tone and execution, from its gentle fingerpicked intro to the brass-driven midsection. There's more juice in this one track than some artists manage over the course of a whole album. And then there's Victoria, and the breezy pastoral of Drivin'...and everything else. So, so good.
Great album with smart lyrics and great sound. Saved tracks: Victoria, Shangri-La, Mr Churchill Says, Plastic Man, Mindless Child of Motherhood
As much as I have touted "The Kinks Are the Village Green..." as my favorite album of theirs, the Kinks gave something more polished and musically focused with Arthur. The stretch of albums the Kinks released between 1967 and 1971 is a superb output, and Arthur feels like something that worked well within their sixties appeal but still more ambitious in the narrative aspects than many of their contemporaries would pursue. Ray Davies has always delved into British culture in such a meaningful yet punctual way. The band sounds like they are having way more fun than they did on "Village Green." Favorite tracks: Shangri-la, Victoria, Arthur, Mr. Churchill Says
I feel like the recording quality is kinda ass, even for 1969. Maybe it sounds better on vinyl, idk, but it sounds super dated. Honestly I’m not in love with it, it’s very art rocky, maybe even rock opera-y, almost proggy? But it’s not gripping me, might need another listen.
Ambitious for any year, and it's frankly embarrassing I've never heard of it until now.
Would be some good road tripping music to bring you a little taste of nostalgia each time you return to the car after a pee break in Taco Bell. Consistently has a spunky beat that keeps you bouncing in your seat. I would also listen to this while sitting on a beach wall in the late 90s. People are around you smoking cigs while kids play with beach balls that smell of warm plastic. The pavement distorts the air above it as heat rises and the temperature slowly cools as night settles in. Somewhere between The Strokes and The Beach Boys. I love the mono recording that gives off an old scratchy, vinyl album feel. Not surprisingly, this sounds exactly like of one of my favorite songs Sunny Afternoon, the Kinks certainly have a recognizable brand.
Expansive - victoria is a classic. Overall big fan of the Kinks in general
An interesting romp through British history as told by the seminal Kinks. Gets better with repeated listens; will be returning periodically to this one. 7/10
Quite progressive concept album. Full of catchy melodies and wit with a homage to England.
I enjoyed this album. In some places it sounds really dated, like they were trying to knock off the beatles, but the songs that didn't fall into that pattern were really good.
Underrated album & glad to enjoy it here. Always loved Victoria and Drivin
First time really listening to the Kinks - groovy stuff. Victoria, Australia, and Shangri-La were super catchy.
Ben ik de enige die opviel dat dat lied Victoria in de soundtrack zat van himym?? In die aflevering waarin hij Victoria weer tegenkomt op de architects ball??????? Xx
No particular song stuck out as being really good. The album was just a vibe, maybe like The Beatles but not as good.
Awesome. Such a flippin good band. Shangri-La is one of my all time top Kinks songs
Production: 13/20 Songwriting: 16/20 Bangers: 15/20 Innovation: 15/20 Emotional response:16/20 =75 Loved it
Really good album! Cannot rate it five as there are much more epic ones imho, though worth giving it a listen for sure
this is a lovely record. a bit twee sounding in places for my tastes but love the harpsichord in the back end of the album. great songwriting and lovely guitar sounds too.
Leuk album, maar wat lang waardoor het tegen het einde eentonig wordt. De eerste helft was wel heel leuk.
Interesting album. Thought it was really good. I haven't listened to the Kinks a lot, but I see their appeal. I really liked Australia and Victoria.
A good variety. Sounded like the Beatles A LOT in parts but definitely had its own thing going on.
The whole album is good and interesting, but songs 4-8 are all stand outs. Just start with Drivin and listen right through to Mr. Chruchill Says. Victoria was supposedly the hit, and I dont get why, its kinda boring. She Bought a Hat... was also an annoying song that mostly felt like filler. Really really good drums for the time (still standout to this day tbh) all throughout.
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Victoria; Yes Sir, No Sir; Some Mother's Son; Shangri-La; Nothing to Say; Arthur; This Man He Weeps Tonight*; Drivin' (Alternate Mix)* Cutting Edge: Mr. Churchill Says *: On the Deluxe Album Overall Notes: Very very strong 4. Love the lyrics on this album, and each song has at least one good musical/lyrical moment. A lot also had moments that I could've done without, but really enjoyed this album as a whole.
Pop de guitarras, cercano a la psicodelia a veces, con riffs pegadizos y limpieza vocal. Conceptual.
Had never listened to this before. I love The Kinks and some of the songs are ones I will definitely be adding to playlists. Will absolutely listen to again. Not as good as Lola vs. Powerman 5000 but still great.
pohodová hudba na styl The beatles, některé písničky uspávací ale dokážu si představit že to poslouchám na cestě v autě nebo doma při relaxaci.
I enjoyed this one all the way through. Consistently great from song to song despite variety in style, complexity, subject matter... Each song is also it's own experience without taking away from the overall album. Definitely worth another spin!
Not as potent as their previous work or following work, but definitely a staple of classic rock that inspired herd rock and heavy metal in years to come.
Great early psychedelic/rock! I will need to listen to more of their music.
A tad McCartney and Beatles-esque, but really good guitar work and string arrangements.
I like the Kinks, I feel like I’d have enjoyed this more if I’d paid more attention but it was perfectly pleasant to have in the background
I liked this album. I was very surprised by the number of songs that I knew. Although the production value may not be that good. Often times saturating microphones with sound, it just adds to the raw rock sound of the kinks.
#4 Awesome!! Never thought saying the same word so many times in a row could sound so cool!
This was a really solid concept album. It has excellent writing and each song felt like it contributed to the themes of the album. There are also some great guitars on here too. Fav songs: shangri-la, Churchill says, drivin
When I was 9 our local library had records available to borrow. Since The Who's "Tommy" was rudely already checked-out, I knew of The Kinks and saw "Sleepwalker" so grabbed it. I remember trying so hard to like it but didn't get them at all so sort of forgot about the band. Looking back, their hard rock phase was mostly pretty lame. Also around that time my older cousin for some reason had some serious hate for the band - "worst band ever!" so at that age you take that stuff seriously. Anyways I've never heard this album before so what the hell, let's give it a go... "Victoria" is just a great single - funny that I thought it was released much later than 1969; I must be familiar with the later live version. This has a very British sound to it (shocking, that, being that they're...you know.....). Being a huge fan of The Who I started hearing some similarities to the early Who period and ... um, this is better? Like...much better?? "Shangri-La" would sit comfortably as one of the best cuts on "Tommy" - easily. As hard as I've tried over the years to really like "Sell Out" by The Who (and if I'm honest most of their pre-Tommy albums), even just upon first listen of this album it's far superior in songwriting and recording. Concise, excellent variety not only between songs but often times within a song - the instrumentation is also endlessly interesting...e.g. harpsichord on "She's Bought a Hat..." and "Young and Innocent Days" ... the heavy "Brainwashed" which rocks with horns ... another song that sounds like The Who but better than The Who (if only the Kinks had sold this song to the Who it would have killed with those musicians) Upon second listen I'm understanding why Pete Townshend always praised this band. This is great. ...reeling, I am currently re-evaluating all my priorities and potential misconceptions in life. 8/10 4 stars
A solid rock opera. It reminds me a bit of Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' as it deals with themes of British class and identity especially in the wake of the wars. The instrumentation was simple but effective. I was not aware that the Kinks made any more conceptual work and I was pleasantly surprised to find a textured album full of social commentary.
Also classify in section Roadtripping 101 - great album through and through
Perhaps one of their best concept albums, could not contrast more starkly with the pomposity of The Who's Tommy. (7/10) Favourite Tracks: Shangri-La, Victoria
This is my first Kinks album, before this I've only known a few of their songs (Lola, You Really Got Me, Sunny Afternoon, etc.) It's a really great album and I love the political commentary of the lyrics.
Classic British Invasion sound. Apparently they were banned from touring in the USA? Did not know this.
Really enjoyed this. Catchy songs, interesting lyrics and a connecting theme. Apparently this was recorded as a companion to a TV play that never got made, about a carpet fitter based on Ray Davies brother-in-law. Glad the album didn't get buried along with the TV show. 4/5.
Whimsical, dense and very enjoyable. I like the trick where they write two songs and put it into one
This was yet another weird one. Seems to be pretty ambitious conceptually, lyrically and also in terms of song-structure. But I honestly just didn't pay attention to the lyrics at all as I listened while working. Perhaps that means I didn't do it justice. But it is what it is. There were some things I really liked. The aforementioned ambition in song-structure in particular. The instrumentation was generally really good too. But I didn't like the vocals and the album was just a bit too psychedelic and a bit too weird to merit a 5.
A twee, but endearing album. The full on pop songs are great and they're lots of invention going on, but just a few too many song that could be themes to a kids TV show.
Never listened to this album before it was really good. Gotta love the kinks, when they go rock and roll theres nothing like them. 4.5, almost a 5
Jävla pangplatta, alla låtar har 'klassikersound' härlig range på låtarna och lyckas ändå pricka alla sound snygg utan att något sticker ut som speciellt dåligt eller bra. Rolig galghumor(?). Bra ljud också. Fattar inte hur Arcade Fire lyckades fucka upp det så mycket när detta album släpptes 1969. Mer eller mindre ett perfekt album i sin genre, saknar dock någon magi som jag inte kan sätta fingret på....
For years I'd wondered why The Kinks were so lauded, but it turns out this is it. Their legacy echoes through the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. The album itself paints a picture of Britain at a particular point in time, where things didn't feel so great, to the point where a young hopeful Brit might uproot their entire life and move to the other side of the world, in search of a better existence. Arthur is about what's left behind and also the things that you can't ever leave behind. Well crafted pop, including the scorching opening track "Victoria".
Super Stimmung, Stil. Keine Ahnung, kanns nicht beschreiben. Aber taugt mir
This curious concept album sees Ray Davies imagine the life of a carpet layer called Arthur. As such, catchy album opener aside, there’s no real hits to be found here, but it is a solid album which showcases Davies’ song writing skills and is a jaunty, smart and engaging curiosity.
Great energy, unique melodies and beats, a truly good album. Good positive vibes I dig it overall.
Witty social commentary over a unique and unpredictable sound. Each song has an uplifting sound, but still one of a kind with the degree of experimentation. Even the melancholic songs like Some Mother’s Son have fun instrumentation. Good album overall.
A lot of awesome Melodies throughout. Good instrumental tones throughout as well. Remains fun and memorable throughout its run time
Solid songs with enough variety to be interesting despite how long it is. Very 1969.
First Kinks album I've actually listened to straight through. I actually quite liked it.
wistful, melancholic, Ray Davies reflections on suburbia and and Englishman's place in the world
I'm guessing this is British... Of course I'm familiar with the hits but I've never taken a deeper dive into The Kinks, especially not this far back. I'm certainly game. The first song, Victoria, has already completely won me over. Old-timey British Invasion style rock'n'roll. I've never heard any of these songs before but I love this whole album immediately. Cohesive but also varied. Fun, catchy, super clever, occasionally silly, definitely with a point of view. Brings to mind the Beatles at their best. I'm planning to listen a few more times to more fully absorb the concept/story. I can already tell the more I listen to it the more I will like it. Two thumbs up!
You know... we really don't get a lot of concept albums anymore. I feel like this album at least deserves a bit of love for that. Narrative aside - the album is a fun and harmonious listen. The tunes are fun. Almost Brian Wilson-esque at points (wonder if there is some cross-seas inspiration going on here?) All that and the Python-esque art makes for a fun and interesting concept album that I enjoyed having on in the background. Doubt I'll take any of the songs with me going forward, but enjoyed meeting them once.
Frábær plata. Leiðinlegt að þeir hafi verið á sama tíma og bítlarnir. Mikil áhrif greinilega, sérstaklega á brit pop en líka harðara rokk.
Sounded like a beatles record tbh. No skips, but nothing really stuck either.
The Kinks, ik word er altijd wel blij van. Leuke, gekke nummers die ook nog eens goed in elkaar zitten. Misschien wel de leukste band uit die tijd..
Another classic! This is an excellent intro to the kinks for those who only remember "You Really Got Me."
The Kinks have a lot in common with The Who. Started out as a garage rock member of the British invasion, represented the 60s mod culture in Britain, and shifted their focus in the late 60s to more pop-like rock. When I think of 90s Britpop, it is these two bands that I hear the strongest comparison. Arthur is a member of a string of fantastic late 60s Kinks album. A concept album centeres on Arthur and his life during and following WWII, acting as a commentary on war and the promises Britain made. Its operatic sound and style of storytelling is eerily reminiscent of Tommy. Even elements like the instrumental of "Mr Churchill Says" reminds me of some instrumental tracks on Tommy. Most of the tracks don't take themselves seriously. I couldn't see myself liking "Drivin" for example, but it's goofy and fits in well with the rest of the album. Maybe it's a reaction to being kicked out of United States, but there is an inherently British sound that I'm not sure how to describe. For example, "Yes Sir No Sir" has a marching band sound that just screams Britain to me, not sure why. The harpsichord too in several songs, like "She's Bought a Hat like Princess Marina." Either way, it's very accessible and works well as a pop album, with a bright mood and engaging subject matter. Lacks any hits beside "Victoria" which explains the lack of commercial success, but then again Tommy suffered to same with "Pinball Wizard." Favorites: Victoria, Australia, Shangri-La
Definitely one to revisit, and pay more attention to, especially the lyrics. A harder Beatles basically, with a cool concept. Catchy enough here and there
Got some strong Beatles vibes from some of these tracks. Quite liked it on the whole.
This is not the Kinks album I was expecting, and indeed it was a nice surprise! This album gets off to a rocking start with 'Victoria' and carries through with an interesting story. Not my favorite Kinks album but an enjoyable listen nonetheless.
Overall pretty good, there were a few tracks that I liked, and a few that I wasn't such a huge fan of. I think I would listen to this album again, but probably not until I ran out of albums that I liked better. My favorite track was probably Mr. Churchill Says, but I also liked Plastic Man, Shangri-La, and Yes Sir, No Sir.
Yeah its good. The kinks are the sad depressing beatles but also still upbeat
amo álbums de virada de década como esse: uma mistura de ref q soa mt bem
It was a very fun listen all the way through. Different songs felt like the Beatles and others felt like Bob Dylan and others felt like something completely different. Would listen to the album again.
I really like but don't love the Kinks. They tend to get lost in some space between the Stones and the Beatles. Village green is there best but this a good listen.
Probably one of the better concept albums out there. Great 60s rock, a very fun listen that I see myself visiting again.
24th May 2022 Listened while packing up the flat for the big move back to painswick! Really enjoyed this, mix of country and sunny funny lyrics
It works overall as a concept, even though I was hoping it was based on, or inspired by, the Dudley Moore comedy of the same name and featured a guest appearance by Christopher Cross. It's still a pretty good album to listen to whenever you find yourself caught between the moon and New York City.
Got a soft spot for the Kinks. Lovely album, not quite a 5 stars but right up my street.
I think this was a solid display from the Kinks. I enjoyed the album and would listen again, but nothing staggeringly awesome.
My old boss used to say that, if the Kinks hadn't been banned in America, they would've been as big as the Beatles. I think this album does a good job backing that claim up. Hooks for days. Maybe not as progressive as the Beatles were at the time, but you can tell there's a non-zero chance that they could find their way there. Favorite tracks: "Yes Sir, No Sir", "Brainwashed", "Young And Innocent Days"
Victoria - what a tune - added straight to the playlist. However - immediately followed by 'Yes sir, No sir' - which is one of those type of songs I roll my eyes at - a 'novelty' song. Featuring lyrics from a nursery rhymes, whimsical melodies, and even interjected 'laughter'. These type of songs just don't stand up to the test of time in my view - which is a shame, as it could have been seriously thoughtful song. 'Princess Marina' also falls foul of this also - just a silly topic that might be funny on first listen but just seems a bit childish all these decades later. 'Some Mothers Son' has a very contradictory tone . It's a serious lyrical subject played to a tune that could have been a Beach Boys song. I'm not convinced it totally works. Australia shows where it does work though - some great sounds - with a wonderful outro that goes on for a couple of minutes. Listening to more of the songs, they all come across as fun sounding, catchy tunes - very upbeat, lots of harmonising and bouncy melodies - it's pretty good stuff. The Kinks have a really good tone, at points you can see their musical intelligence shine through - yet, the album is spoilt by just a couple of what a term 'novelty' songs. 7/10
Impressive. A band I only listen to their hits. Prejudiced I suppose by their reputation as jerks, I never choose to listen to them. However, this was an enjoyable album.
Enjoyed this on the drive to Grace's Hag Do. Great for Exmor scenery. wish I could give a 3.5 as although this has a rightful place on the list and my favourite Kinks song appears (Victoria) towards the end I didn't like them so much. Will vote up for good measure
seems cool, enjoyable so far VICTOOOOORRRRIIAAAAA wow this part is Awesome! :D sounds like smth out of a unreleased beatles album, im rlly enjoying this actually WTF The Kinks (Hahaha! Get It? It's Because I Have a Domination Kink! Hahaha!) Not All Heroes Wear Capes... Mine Like To Drive IDK if the 2019 remasters mixing is any different from the original HELL YEA I FUCKIN LOVE AUSTRALIA (the only thing she knows about australia is Sniper TF2) I Am Hitting The Griddy To This Song oh shit i forgot its fred durst Friday!! Rollin' Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'!!! shangri-laAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Is this song a reference to Winston Churchill? That's fucking epic. Mr. Churchill Says You Get No Mr Incredible Becoming Uncanny Memes For A Week! 😭 WHAT!? This Sound Like Gorillaz! IS THIS A SAMPLE? this goes hard! Crazy Ass Moments In Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) History that piano part sounded like smth fatboy slim would sample, honestly i wouldnt be surprised if he already did ohh the uncanny days we'd spend together.... this album is really fun to listen to actually LAST SONG guitar sounds cool in this im HITTING that Whip and Nae Nae Decent Album. 7/10
The Kinks are cool. They were like a little more "punk" version of the Beatles. Really enjoyed this one.
"Give the scum a gun and make the bugger fight. And be sure to have deserters shot on sight. If he dies we’ll send a medal to his wife.”
Very classic rock, reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix and other music from this era. Very openly anti-war. Familiar twangy guitar and straight drum beats. Favourite track so far: Mr Churchill Says.