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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
1969
Wikipedia
Reviews
Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!My 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I've owned and loved this record for 25 years. Hopefully I will get something I can explore soon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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".
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
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.
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
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.
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.
“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.
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
I’m not the biggest fan of British rock, this didn’t really click with me. The bass was pretty cool in some songs, and the vibe was kinda nice.
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.
Surprised by how much I enjoyed this aside from the jamming parts at the end of some songs. Will probably revisit. 3.5
I like the narrative of the album the most. Lyrics and music are alright but the story and compostion of it is what makes it good.
Öppnar starkt med Victoria, mkt bra, sen blir det mycket mer vanligt brittiskt 60-taligt, vilket är nice men känns framförallt som något man hört tidigare. Blir så orättvist när man är inbiten Beatles-fan och har svårt att tycka annat från samma tid i samma stil är lika bra. Samma lekfullhet som Beatles, men svårt att tycka det är lika bra musik. Men mysigt är det! hej hej
Slow but kind of fun. The instrumentals were great and had a very rock feel with some great solos ("Australia ") and the lyrics, though sounding more pop-y(similar to the beatles), we're very more light hearted and humorous at times. A combo that seems to work well together.
Easy to listen to, pretty easy to visualize the story. Not something I’d listen to much.
I’m sure it was revolutionary for its time and there were some good songs but it probably wouldn’t crack my top 100.
Un bon album rock fin des annees 60. Le concept est bon j’ai aime les chaonsons . 3.75. 1er alBums jecoute de the kinks
Not as good as Preservation Society, but some fun songs nonetheless. Davies LOVES TROMBONES
Victoria is a bop. Album so far has that Beatles/Turtles sound (60s and 70s sound). Background surrounding album is interesting (look up Arthur on Wikipedia). Lyrics definitely tell some kinda story of poor, down bad family in England looking to immigrate to somewhere with more opportunity.
Pues rock rock (?), suave, que fluye. De los Kinks creo que sólo ubicaba el hitazo You Really Got Me (y a partir de una anécdota cagada de la prepa). Fuera de eso, nunca me he interesado por ellos. El álbum me entretuvo, sin embargo, creo que de repente tiene buenas letras, pero sobre todo lo chido está en la música. Es decir, como álbum según conceptual, se me hace equis. "Brainwashed" y "Plastic Man" fueron mis favs. 7.5/10
This sounds like a real classic. No matter who you are, these songs are all very recognizable to anyone. Great album.
This is my first new one! Woohoo! Pretty fun album, I was missing a bit of the larger concepts but this was an enjoyable pop rock listen. I like this more than lots of Beatles and similar stuff from this era. This honestly goes!
Moeilijke om te beoordelen. Staat wel overeind als conceptalbum als je de achtergrond wat leest. Maar geen enkel nummer is een uitgesproken goed lied.
Kinda fun. Was written as a soundtrack originally which makes sense, sounds like a little story
A run of the mill 3 for me. Not terribly memorable and kind of a weird in-between sound of the decades.
I don’t mind the kinks the album has one or two alright songs other than that the album for me is nothing special neither love nor hate 3/5
Good old rock music. Not the most amazing I have heard, but just solid good music. I don't really have much to say about it.
I think this album is super witty and fun. The production sorta sounds rough, but it's liveable. I wish this sound resonated with me more. I appreciate it for what it is, but It's not something that is for me I think. It was a decent listen, not mad at all that I had the experience. Might one day try it again and see if my tastes have changed. But currently, it's not my thing.
Sounds like a spawn of its era. Nothing really particular about it, nothing really wrong either. Makes for relaxing background music. Some nice melodies, may listen again.
Was exciting to learn it’s a concept album. Strong opening with Victoria. Another Brit-Rock album, maybe we’ll get lucky and won’t get a Brit-rock album for our next one.
I didn’t really love it or hate it I thought the first one was really cool some of them got really repetitive but none of them stuck out to me in a good or a bad way
Decent album. It starts off good with Victoria. Their sound has a modern feel to it sometimes which shows their ability to influence. It felt like a pretty standard Brit rock album to me. 5.9/10
I mean, it’s “good”, but the sheer amount of incredible art and music being churned out in 1969 gives this a run for its money
Very much of its time but nevertheless a pretty good commentary. Enjoyable but unlikely to get many visits.
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.
OK fick precis reda på att king kong inte är en del av originalskivan, dvs den bästa låten på albumet. hashtag besviken. Tycker det var ett bra album men har också svårt med tema-album så det drar ned det lite.
Victoria is by far my favorite Kinks song that I've heard thus far. The last Kinks album that came up left me wondering what the hell the big deal is with this band. I knew people loved them, but I just didn't get it, except for maybe 'Nothin in the world can stop me worryin bout that girl' or 'Waterloo Sunset," but this album sounds much more produced, cohesive, and interesting. There are touches of the Who, the Beatles, and just their own thing. 3.4/5, rounds down to a 3.
Eigentlich ganz nett, geht gut ins ohr, auch ganz schöne instrumentalteile. Müssen sich halt immer den Vergleich mit den Beatles gefallen lassen, und der ist hart. Top Song: Shangrila
Not my favorite Kinks album so far though I liked a lot of it (Victoria is a particularly strong start) and didn’t dislike any of it. The heavy leaning on the “whatever happened to good old Britain” angle gave a lot of the lyrics the character of a tract though.
Not my preference, but wasn't bad. Felt like I was listening to a soundtrack of a satirical tv show. Clever lyrics, a lot of reference to political setting at the time. Tbh didn't focus ll the way through , got distracted
this album was pretty good, i just kind of played it in the background. it was nice to listen to but didn't stand out particularly.
Good album. I dunno if it's "great" but it's definitely super listenable. Reminds me musically of early The Beatles and Beach Boys. And they're all contemporaries, so this makes sense.
My first Kinks album. It was fine but I was a bit underwhelmed, it didn't feel to have any classic songs on there.
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.
Un rock "classico" quello di 'Victoria', la prima canzone dell'album. Mi ricordano i Beatles, ma meno spensierati. Un po' però più easy e rilassato.
Pretty okay album. Songs seem more influential that historic. Nothing too memorable but some cool things done in the instrumentation and production.
This is cool as a museum piece. Like looking at a fossil of rock and picking out elements in it that would be refined over and over. The songs themselves are fine but I'm pretty full of this kind of sound. the fact that its in mono is also a bummer. Shangri-La is a good track. This would be a fun concert.
Listened to on 3/21/22 3/5 Favorite song: Victoria Some of those songs were great and the commentary on growing up in England was so fun but the album as a whole felt chaotic - could have been better or worse if the TV show was made
Very pleasant listen with some high points, but not going to change my overall view of the Kinks as the fourth-best British band of the sixties. Which is not a bad position to be in.
Sometimes the goofy little guy energy that reminded me of parts of the white album worked and sometimes it didn't. Plastic man definitely didn't work, but there were a few songs that did.
Victoria is fantastic but starting on a high means the rest of the album suffers somewhat.
Another album I'm familiar with. Listened to it through again. I've never thought of Arthur as a true standout (compared to Lola, Village Green, even Muswell Hillbillies), so was surprised to see it on the list. However, upon reading a bit more about it, it is a much higher reviewed album (both nowadays and upon release) then I realized. Where I think it falls down is from a modern point of view; although there are great songs on this album, and good songs throughout it now, these songs are great because they prescribe to the formula so well used by Ray Davies and the Kinks. A formula is great because it allows you to extend your one idea hugely. Just that volume isn't all we look for in a band. That said, I'm a fan.
Eh. This probably horrible to write…but are The Kinks the lesser Beatles? I was kind of bored.
I loved the Village Green Preservation Society, and Arthur has something of the same wistfulness, at least lyrically, but with less rose tinted glasses. if anything there is quite an anti-establishment, anti-war theme to the album. Victoria is a strong opener, Some Mother's Son is poignant and Drivin is quintessential Kinks whimsy (and sounds as if it may have been left over from Village Green; see also Young and Innocent Days). The Australian tourist board missed a trick if they didn't use Australia to promote the land of Oz, but otherwise an unremarkable track. Apart from that, the remaining tracks aren't - with the exception of Arthur - that much to write home about. Arthur has its moments, but not one of their best
Some solid rock tracks on here with interesting arrangement but dragged down by some ho-hum filler in between.
Some songs are catchy because they’re so repetitive, but overall I can’t picture myself going back to this album
Too 60's for me. Just reasonably dull. couple of decent songs, but a lot of boring on it. Good songs don't make up for the boring. Definitely a change from 50's music, so can see why it was so new.
Started off meh, fairly strong in the middle with Brainwashed, Australia and Mr Churchill Says all being good then descended back into meh for the finish.
I really didn't like this album as much as I should have done, I found the music immature and uncollected, actually felt chlostrophobic at times, yes the guitar riffs are cool, but not much else.
Meant to be a concept album but I didn't really get the themes other than war is bad and the empire isn't great either. Maybe that's cause I only listened once, but idk
Average 60s 70s music which didn't actually really stuck in any way. Easy to listen and even enjoyable background music, which is sadly also really easy to forget.
not unpleasant but i wasnt into this at all.. no stand out tracks, MAYBE king kong if i must choose an okay song. but its pretty generic as everything else.
This one is a tough sell for me. I appreciate their musical talents and there are some really great rock songs here. But the content is SO political, and so British, that it becomes inaccessible fairly quickly. I'm all for politics in music, but it's been done much more powerfully and subtly in the decades since by other groups. While I appreciate their bravery and forthrightness, I much prefer their later hit music. I would likely not listen to this album again.
just not feeling it - totally hit and miss band for me. Shangrli la is a good tune though. 2
there was some sick guitar riffs for some of the songs. it did give off sitting in the round table vibes so that’s pretty sick.
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) by The Kinks (1969) The Kinks get on board the ‘concept album’ train with this interesting piece of work, sort of a Broadway musical soundtrack. It has coherence, but it doesn’t say much. This ain’t Der Ring des Nibelungen. Nor is it Tommy by The Who (1969) or Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967). Bob Dylan did this much better in the last verse of “Black Diamond Bay” (Desire [1976]). But then, Bob Dylan does everything much better. It was the late 1960s, and this little piece of aspiring avant-garde artistry by The Kinks illustrates the disconnect between peace and prosperity on the one hand, and fashionable ennui and acedia on the other. For the mainstream middle class, times seemed so bad, but history shows times were really quite good. So the mockery (in “Mr. Churchill Says”) of Churchill’s WWII leadership of thirty years prior is more than a little obtuse. The same could be said for the politics of nearly every song on the album. Dramatically, then, this playlet lacks depth, compactness, engagement, power, and resolution (Have I left anything out?). But musically, it is modestly interesting, coming as it does between “You Really Got Me” (1964) and “Lola” (1970), the two songs for which The Kinks are most famous. There is a nice extended jam in “Australia” (the song, not the country). With this recording, containing painful vocals (e.g., “Some Mother’s Son” [!]) but colorful compositions and horn-flavored instrumentals, the listener can, with slight determination, make it through the twelve tracks before moving on to something that is more productive, meaningful, edifying, and/or otherwise of interest. 2/5
man this seemed like it had a lot of potential before it fell into the same trap that all concept albums of the era had where it's a bunch of unfinished songs presented as suites or something and hey look you do you ok but i know what you're doing
I tried. I like a small number of Kinks' songs, but listening to this album all the way through, in all honesty I didn't hear any tracks I liked. Some bored me, others annoyed me.
It did actually grow on me a little bit and there were one or two good songs but I think I expected better.
Best Song: Australia. Kind of catchy and fun lyrics. Worst Song: Yes Sir, No Sir. Lyrically cliche, slow and plodding. Overall: I can feel the influences that this album must have had, but it feels REAL dated.
hmm... some 1960s brit pop. There are some great lyrics and themes but the music is all just so saccharine.
Klassikkobändi ja suunnannäyttäjä, mutta hirveästi ei enää kanna tähän päivään biisit. Joitain aivan huippuja löytyy bändiltä, mut tälle levylle ei niitä ollu eksyny. Pitää kyllä kuunnella vielä levy uudestaan
Vähän jo unohtunut mitä tuntemuksia herätti kun kuuntelusta on jo muutama päivä aikaa. Levy jäi ainakin kesken joten kertonee riittävän paljon.
This is the seventh album from the British rock band the Kinks. It was made as the soundtrack to a never produced tv play about family of the band. Being that this was a soundtrack, the album plays as a rock opera and has great music production. The album was praised at release and paved the way for the band's comeback years later. But I don't see what all the praise is about though, because the music from the album did not stick out to me. Sure did feel like background music to a story, and not a complete or standalone album imo.
What a struggle this was to listen to. Just plain bad singing, forgettable songs, and instruments. 3/10.
Similar to The Beatles and Stones.