Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)

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

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.

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!

This is glorious. Biting social commentary with uplifting tunes.

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.

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.

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.

Could we please have The Kinks every week?

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".

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!

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.

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.

What a fucking tune Victoria is.

At some point, it becomes hard to judge these early, folksy-sounding white guy rock albums because there's just so many of them. They all start to sound the same at some point so it begs the question - was this sound so instrumental to the formation of music that they have to appear on this list more than almost any other genre? Also, I guess I've had a different impression of The Kinks all these years because I thought more of their music would sound like You Really Got Me & Lola. Anyway, the record is fine. There are some good songs, like Australia and Some Mother's Son. But there's far too many albums like this on the list.

A few classics but a not as magnificent as Village Green. Probably unfair as it's great but just not perfect [EDIT - easily upgraded to a 5* at the second opportunity. Hundreds of albums into this project, you can't be quibbling over the quality of something like this. Arthur has grown to be one of my favorite Kinks songs, and Ray Davies is undisputedly a genius blending the best qualities of Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan while entirely original and fucking hard as nails. England's finest songwriter? Dave Davies is up there with its finest guitarists to boot]

“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.

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*

I wish this had been generated on the weekend, I’d throw my original pressing of this record on my turntable, sit back, relax and write a lengthy and more in depth review. I’d probably follow up Arthur with Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround or Muswell Hillbillies and maybe some select tracks from Preservation. The point is, there are very few bands who had a run of albums as strong The Kinks did from 1966 to 1971. That they don’t get the same level of recognition as some of the other greats from their era is a disappointment to me, so I have no problem preaching the gospel of Ray and Dave Davies when given the opportunity. Maybe it’s because their songs weren’t quite as immediate or polished as their peers in the Beatles and the Stones, or because they didn’t have the same cultural impact in the US, but The Kinks’ well is deep. Much deeper, in fact, and worth returning to over and over. Some of their absolute greatest songs were only released as singles and didn’t appear on proper albums. Songs like “I’m Not like Everybody Else”, “Mindless Child of Motherhood”, “King Kong”, “Preservation”, “This Man, He Weeps Tonight”….like I said, the well is deep and exploring the bonus tracks on Arthur or picking up The Kink Kronikles or The Great Lost Kinks Album compilation albums on vinyl are more than worth your time if you like what you heard here. “Arthur” is probably their best record, though I am quite partial to “Lola…”. It goes toe-to-toe with anything The Beatles or Stones ever put out. You can be mad about that if you want, I don’t know what to tell you…it’s true.

Right off the bat, I love this album from first listen. As a The Kinks album, it’s amazing. As a part of 60’s British Invasion, it’s amazing. As a part of music as a whole and regarding its influence on future artists and records, it’s amazing. Everything about this record, from the silly tunes to the introspective lyrics, is amazing. The last record that made me genuinely feel this much emotion was In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. I started to realize what this album was all about during Yes Sir, No Sir, and it hit hard. Some Mother’s Son then really drove the point forward, offering some truly heartbreaking and poetic lyricism. The rest of the record continued to provide deep, clever words with easily digestible and lovable tunes. I also love almost any concept album, if it’s done right. It’s usually so creative and daring and offers true meaning to the record and what the artist is trying to convey. The Kinks have proven themselves not only remarkable in the landscape of British rock but also capable of doing their own thing and being even more daring and creative than their contemporaries.

I've owned and loved this record for 25 years. Hopefully I will get something I can explore soon.

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

Novo clássico. Álbum conceitual e história muito interessante. Destaque para Drivin' e Australia

Concept Albums are my favourite concept!

As usual, I start an unfamiliar The Kinks excited and ready to rave, and I end it wondering what has eluded me. I enjoyed this, the opening is a banger and Australia’s outright is godly, yet I’m still not in love. There’ll surely be more opportunities in this list: I’ll try again.

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

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.

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

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It was pretty sweet even though I didn't really think any song stood out

bit twee

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. 

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.

This sounds like a real classic. No matter who you are, these songs are all very recognizable to anyone. Great album.

Not as good as Preservation Society, but some fun songs nonetheless. Davies LOVES TROMBONES

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.

Great album in the great class of ‘69.

Вполне себе

Victoria is a HIT! Album is a masterpiece! I like it very much. Every track is perfect! Thank you!

Kinks rule. This might be their peak. Wonderful rock opera. Favorite tracks: Victoria, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, Nothing to Say

The Kinks were on terrific form in this period. Many great songs here.

In my mind pure Punk in the sound of the Beatles. Genious.

I have yet to meet a concept album I don’t like.

Dit is het beste album van the Kinks, misschien samen met Something Else. Begint met Victoria, mogelijks het beste nummer van the Kinks. Yes Sir, No Sir is bijna even goed. Maar de rest ook echt. Mr. Churchill says, Australia, Some Mother's Son ... Heerlijk album en minstens een 4.6 waard.

Great album by The Kinks I had never heard before, outside of Victoria. Shangri-La is my favorite song on the album easily.

5/5. There are some really great and unique pop songs on here and the lyrics are funny and yet very relatable even today. Politics is politics and the only winners are the ones at the top and who say do as I say not as I do. I've heard every concept album from this time and yet never listened to the Kinks. The instrumentation, especially the drumming, is excellent And the production is full of sound. Maybe the vocals could be a little more at the forefront but otherwise, still beautiful to listen to. It is a very re-listenable album and I just ran it again once it finished. Best Song: Shangri-La, Victoria, Some Mother's Son

The King sure one of my favorite of all time especially these early albums they were just so creative. The music was great. The lyrics were great good humor.

Dave Davies guitar solo 🥴🥵 This one I like :)

Great kinks. Again another unique band

What a wonderful surprise. I love the Kinks, but I haven’t listened to their entire discography. This album is amazing. Solid themes, tight lyrics with biting commentary, and almost epic poetry. I don’t hear singles. This album should be enjoyed as a whole!

Really good, almost Beatles-level 4.6

These kinks fellas sure love a good concept album

I love The Kinks, perhaps especially their weird stuff, and it doesn't get much odder than a concept soundtrack to a TV play (that didn't get made) in which hardly anything exciting was to happen. Ray and Dave spun gold out of the idea though, and made a lovely collection of songs which also work really well together

They're so COOL. So far ahead of their time. Love it.

We just don’t get this on a public scale anymore.

I will never not love The Kinks. I actually bounced around for a while when I saw this was my album today.

This was my highest album for a long time.

What a masterpiece, catchy songs with excellent lyrics.

Incredible

The first song made me cry. Played at the funeral of a close friend - I had no idea it was the kinks. I really I have no idea who the Kinks are. I can see their back catalogue goes back further and lasts longer than I expected. I really like it. I will be investigating more Kinks.

I like the Kinks. This was fun. Smart and well constructed. Will definitely be listening again.

Second best british pop group in history

The Kinks but can’t help but be excellent.

wow was definitely not expecting this from the 'you really got me' guys. it started strong with Victoria and then fell a bit, but at Brainwashed I was so into it and the rest was a great ride! surprised by the quality of this album vs the number of streams on spotify (yea its from 69 but come on, its better than Revolver IMO, though I think I was a bit of a hater giving it a 4) amazing and underrated album.

4.5/5

Oooh! I listened to this last year for the first time... It was an instant fiver! (10) ★★★★★

My favourite Kinks album! And "Victoria" is at least a top 5 Kinks song!

I liked the 60s and early 70s Kinks

Fully conceived concept album. Serious and silly, complex and garage sounding, as only the Kinks could do.

One of the many reasons I love David is that he introduced me to The Kinks and this album. Am I biased in my rating? Perhaps, but after countless listens together on many car rides, I still find it a great album from start to finish.

Excellent. Been a fan of the Kinks since I was a teen. Still fresh and pointed satire.

If Victoria was the only good song on the album it would still be a 5 Star album

It's the Kinks, it's amazing

Unbelievable concept album with writing that’ll make your skin crawl and a perfectly polished sound

Another brilliant record by the most British band of the British Invasion. The Stones and The Beatles made their bones reinterpreting American R&B, but The Kinks drew their water from a much different well, and their records, and Arthur emblematically, delight and charm like no Beatles or Stones record.

I should really listen to the Kinks more. Every time I listen to them I am positively surprised. This album is really great too, great album that rocks surprisingly hard. Shangri-La is my favorite here.

I wasn’t expecting this album from a band I’m most familiar with from the song “You Really Got Me.” It’s like a political Sgt Pepper. It doesn’t sound punk rock, but the message is hella punk rock. It’s kind of hard to understand the lyrics sometimes, but this is one of those albums where you should probably pull up the lyrics anyway. It’s a concept album that follows the storyline of a Brit named Arthur as he attempts to move up in the strict hierarchy of British life (and eventually does so by emigrating to Australia). It’s a biting criticism of classism and how the rulers/privileged classes in the UK don’t care about anything but themselves and are happy to send the lower classes (who continue to dream about moving up into the higher class) to their deaths to maintain their status and lifestyle. It’s actually pretty ballsy for an album that came out in 1969 — almost a decade before the Sex Pistols took the piss out of the monarchy. Rock operas seemed to be a thing in the late 60s/early 70s, and though they’re always ambitious, they don’t always land. This one does. It might be my favorite rock opera (followed by Tommy by The Who). I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this so much, but it’s cohesive and enjoyable to listen to all the way through. Best songs: Some Mother’s Son, Brainwashed, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says (the guitar solo is fantastic) 5/5

I loved it! I have never sat down and listened to a kinks record but I am so glad I did! It’s odd, funny, biting, ironic and just a whole lot of fun! Great social commentary for the time and creative instrumentation! In a way I prefer something like this over some Beatles records (could just be because the Beatles are so played out lol) A cool listen and I am looking forward to check out more of their stuff later!

The thing I love about the Kinks is the dissonance between the lyrics and music, which are pastoral slices of life of average British people in the 1960s and 1970s, and the theme, which is overwhelming, crushing existential dread. Some great grooves on the second half of a lot of the songs here too, like the Winson Churchill one.

Circus-like whimsy, a happy-go-lucky feel, A la classic rock

I adored this album, so inventive with some fantastic tunes. I can't believe I didn't know this record. Has to be 5/5.

Ambitious and fully realised ‘concept’ album with songs themed around uniquely British experiences of the war, end of empire, and encroaching American culture. In lesser hands it might have been too cerebral, weighty and depressing but the songcraft crackles with exuberance and humour and the melodies are stellar. An album of its time and yet one which will never grow old.

I had heard of The Kinks, but never listened to them. Really enjoyed this, it has social commentary but feels very uplifting. Stand out track for me was Victoria.

This is a brilliant concept album and the lyrics are insightful into social surroundings. Quintessentially very British and representative of the 60's era. The Kinks highlighted this so well throughout their music. Dedicated follower of fashion, Waterloo sunset etc. They were a very influential band and the songwriting talent of Ray and Dave Davies deserves recognition. Good listen

Peak Davies.

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.

Album 465 of 1001 The Kinks - Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) Rating : 5 / 5 Great album. I've come to really enjoy The Kinks more than I had before starting this list. Some is better than the other but I haven't ran across anything from them that just straight out sucks. This one could use a few more listens.

I’m sure the Kinks aren’t infallible, but they’ve got a run of several unimpeachable classic albums, and this is one of them. Do I like Village Green or Something Else or Lola or Muswell Hillbillies better? Honestly I think they’re all equally great.

Very Kinsky, very good. I had never listened to this one before and I think I might have loved it.

This was such a contrast from the previous kinks album I got a few weeks ago - that was so empty and just plain boring, I was very disappointed. This was interesting in all ways.

Bluesy as hell.

Fantastic album. First time listening to The Kinks, I love a good concept album. No real misses either, just an all around great album.

Odd naming convention for an album, but it reminds me of the movie Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation ^^ That is probably the most words I have written before even listening to a second of the album This album has the GROOVE! It started out as a very solid first half, and only got better from there. Similar sounds to The Beatles which makes sense. Australia was one of my favorites and I liked the use of the harpsichord all around. Around the halfway point of the album I was trying to figure out if this just *felt* like a 5 compared to a lot of our recent catalog. Now that I'm at the finish I can confidently say this is a 5. I could listen to this album just about any day.

Fun Kinks album with some hits. Loved it.

Amazing music and awesome album! Great journey.

victoria yes sir, no sir brainwashed australia mr. churchill says she's bought a hat like princess marina nothing to say arthur

I found this one fun to listen to. They sound so cute...

I can't tell what this is adding to the other 4 records by The Kinks that we've already listened to but I am still just as charmed.

Wow! This is up there with Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Tommy’s The Who. This concept album would make a great movie! Super cool!

absolutely masterpiece, six stars