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

4-

Not my favorite kinks record but it was fun

Has alot of charm, witty lyrics, a fun listen. Instrumentally lacking, it doesn't ever feel particularly interesting even if it's always enjoyable. I think back in the day this woulda slapped tho. Fav track: Victoria Solid 3.5

My favourite of the British invasion concept albums we've had so far - always liked The Kinks songwriting style and while this is not as catchy as their straight pop rock work I appreciated the theme. Three and a half. Fave track: Shangri-La

Really enjoyed this album, shangrila was a good song!

I liked this one, a nice slice of craziness loaded into a solid album.

Decent

Enjoyable. Was neat hearing bits and pieces of other bands they've influenced in these songs. 3/5

Great album, loved the theme and will definitely listen again.

Vou ser sincero que não prestei atenção nas letras, talvez em uma segunda escutada depois de ler as letras, se torne um álbum 5 estrelas

expected to enjoy this more than I did, just a 3

The vocals took me a minute to get into, but once they did I started to like the singing style. My biggest gripe is that some of the songs are aimless and go in varied directions, but despite that parts of this sound super modern and seems like this influenced groups like the White Stripes and others.

I wasn't familiar with this album, but I liked it a lot. I don't know why The Kinks weren't as big in the US as other British Invasion bands. Apart from the handful of songs that do get radio play here, I'm not familiar with much of their work at all. Arthur appears to be a concept record about the working class in the UK. The songs and music sit somewhere between The Beatles and The Who, which is a pretty great place to be sitting. I liked this a lot. I'm going to track down a copy for myself.

Kind of wild amalgam of what the Kinks do and sound like. Weirder here though. Victoria I knew not much else. Brainwashed is A+ and the sheer British oddness of She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina is kind of great. There is so much Kinks and I've listened to a lot so I was surprised so much of this was new to me. Good, but not my favorite of theirs

Interesting album

I think I’m biased against concept albums. It was witty and thematically consistent, but I found myself getting annoyed with the heavy-handedness of it all. Not bad, just not the sort of thing that appeals to me.

Arthur was my first encounter with The Kinks outside of the hits, and it blew my mind that the gang behind 'You Really Got Me' could create such a marvelous well-crafted concept album!

I have rewarded The Kinks everything from 2 to 4 on this list so far. Arthur is the Kinks album that finally makes them deserving of the highest rating available … and then some. It’s easy to compare 60’s-artists to The Beatles, so I will do just that, as Arthur is as good as anything the Fab Four released - it’s a quintessential 60’s release deserving of all the praise you can thrown in its direction.

Good

Solid 60s rock

High 2

Not a fan...I listened to majority of album, could not get it.

Ive always enjoyed The Kinks, but have only ever had greatest hits CDs. I took this to be a concept album about the damage of war, and the abuse of the poor by those in authority. The songs were balanced well, and the whole thing was fairly easy to listen to, although I think someone from an older generation would have more references to take more in-depth meanings behind the lyrics (then I).

This is good. Liked the commentary about modern life, feel like that still holds up today. I think a couple of songs stood out more along those lines, maybe the rest blends together a bit, but overall is decent. It's hard not to feel the Beatles influence here, and at the same time wish the songwriting was as grabbing and interesting as the Beatles.

7.5/10

perfectly written songs and a really well executed concept album. the last third or so is slightly weaker but i think it still deserves a 5.

What a fantastic album! Creative, fun, stylish, exciting. Great discovery. Brainwashed, Australia, Nothing to Say are gonna be in my rotations for a long time.

I dig it

It sounds like the beatles but better

The state of the British Empire is just a ceaseless venture into the thoughts and minds of whomever wishes to inquire about it. The Brothers Davies were no exception, they've made it their life's mission. It was as if they've become completely out of step with the times and, yet, they got really great around that. The Kinks' album Arthur is one of those examples. Based around an ordinary carpet-layer, we are summoned to almost fifty minutes of richly layered, opaque, grandiose rock and roll; the kind that would make contemporaries look lightweight in contrast to The Kinks' quaint and retrospective disposition. Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) is the kind of music that makes one think they've learned a thing or two from as we become ensconced with the band's voluminous and admittedly convoluted backstory. Yet another fine chapter in The Kinks' discography. Favorites: Victoria, Yes Sir No Sir, Some Mother's Son, Drivin', Australia, Shangri-la, She's Brought a Hat Like Princess Marina, Arthur.

Very kinks. Just a classic album by them

Enjoyed a lot more than expected. Really fun album

Excellent record, very Kinks but also very modern and complex sounding, almost like a mid-period Beatles sound. I really liked it and will listen again (already listened to it twice). Five stars.

Was expecting to enjoy more. Soft 2 on a good day

The Kinks have a lot of better songs but none of them are on this album.

Hell yes this is a bangin' album. One of the few Kinks albums I've listened to all the way through. I don't remember what led me to it in college, but I'm happy whenever one of the songs comes on. In particular, "Victoria", "Australia", and "Shangri-La" are total jams. I'll have to check out more of their albums at some point.

This one is hard to rate for me, some songs are good and I really don't like others. Many sounded like Beatles songs which is fine but this released the same year as abbey road which just doesn't match up. A lot of the songs just didn't sound very full, like they were missing elements to make everything flow better. I do like some of The Kinks' hits but none are on this album. Favorite Song: Shangri-la 6/10

Interesting mix of vibes. Liked a lot of songs others were meh. Could be pretty goofy but I liked that. Top songs: Some mothers son Shangri-la

Victoria, Drivin, and Shang rala are great. I love that they wanted to make their own style of music.

I hope this is my last Kinks album. They're fine I guess, but severely overrated and overexposed on this list. Yes, there's some good songs but there's a lot of shruggable stuff too.

Not sure I like the mixing on this album... feels very flat and tinny. Lyrics are fun! I enjoyed Shangri-La and had never heard it before listening through the album

ССУКООО ЧТО ЗА МУЗЫКА ДЛЯ ТЕАТРА, очень аристократично, вальяжно. провинциалы не поймут. своя атмосферко. 9/10, такое слушаемссс Это было заебато. Я даже несколько прихуел и кайфанул. Давненько подобного не слушал. Музыкантам респект! Театральный альбомчик. 4/5

Great, listened a couple times and enjoyed it thouroughly

Ok, Guitar grooves that remind me of my favorite Beatles period. Has some good moments, but the off-key vocals don't quite work for me. Highlights: she's bought a hat, shangrila, australia

Unremarkable, doing what the Beatles had been doing for the 5 years prior and not as well

Good

A bouncy, Brit-pop fun album. Great guitar riffs and the addition of a horns section from time to time really pops! Replayable, especially for sunny backyard afternoons. High 4.

Any album the begins with a tune as great as "Victoria" deserves five stars almost no matter what comes after. In this case, a damn fine Kinks album all the way to the end, and a great redemption of the frequently cringe-y rock opera format.

While I'd heard some of this album's songs (thanks to "Chronicles"), I haven't heard this album as an album before, and it sounds like it's really meant to be a whole album/concept experience. I'll admit that without reading the Wikipedia entry for this album, I would never have realized this was either a musical or that there's a whole storyline involved (although knowing it now makes the whole Shangri-La/Australia thing a lot more understandable). It's odd that it got a fairly tepid reception in the UK, but a glowing one in the US, and in some ways probably doesn't belong as one of their best albums (despite favorable comparisons to "Tommy" at the time). But a fun listen nonetheless.

I usually listen to the Kink Kronikles which are great but this was a wonderful reminder of what you miss when you listen to a compilation. Great album with the usual mix of highs and low but they stay on theme and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

god i wish there were half stars. 2.5 is exactly what this is. 2 implies its bad and 3 implies its good. this just is.

Tight

I remember my dad talking about how great The Kinks were, and I knew some of their singles, but wasn't that interested compared to Dylan and the Beatles etc. So in a way they've been the great revelation for me from this list. Village Green and this are fantastic albums.

The Kinks, perhaps not so well known for being the social commentary band of the 60's. This is yet another album that I have known about for a long time, but never bought or listened to. A long one for it's time but with some really great tracks, some I knew some I didn't. As an album it's not exceptional but it is good. I'm torn here, from it's reputation it should be at least a 4. But for me personally its a 3.6, 3.7. So to be consistent I can only give it a 3

Chas and Dave attempt Sargent Pepper? There were some moments where some decent music attempted to break through the crap. Sadly, not often enough. A high 1 star.

The concept album appeared to be a big thing at that point in time. Interesting how us Brits panned it and the Americans loved it. Well I thought it was very good, I've never listen to it before. But I was aware of the song 'Victoria' which was covered by The Fall. It fills a sort of cultural gap between 'Ogden's Nut Gone Flake' and 'Tommy'. It will get another listen. A high 3.

Never heard an album by this group. Very 60s. A couple of good songs, rest pretty decent.

Great album. I never rally listened to it and I thank this generator for opening my ears to it. A lot of bands clearly were influenced by The Kinks or influenced by bands that were influenced by The Kinks.

Boomer rock.

man this starts off great but what a sharp drop off. I get its indicative of the times, but it feels like too much message and not enough music. its just storytelling put to music and I'm not for it.

I was going to give this a 4 but other than the first track nothing stuck out to me. War sucks and the military sucks yeah yeah yeah we know. I wonder if this is an album where you should read the lyrics while listening to get the full picture.

Feels like one long, quirky song. Nothing particularly stood out. While I appreciate the uniqueness, it wasn't for me - quirky in an annoying way. Fav tracks: N/A

Zeitreise Teil 3 - Highlight! 5/5

A couple of quaint (yet actually charming) "novelty" cuts here and there. But most of all, a lot of deftly pop-rock songs that miraculously sound like they could have been recorded in the 19th century somehow--in keeping with the album's sarcastic thematic program, explained in its title. Probably those lush horn and piano arrangements messing up with the "rock" template. Lots of gems in this record, including three "essential" micro-epics pivotal for anyone who's ever got interested in The Kinks--all ending with the letter 'a', oddly enough: good old sixties rocker and opener "Victoria" ; "Australia" and its insane jam during its soaring conclusion ; and tight and harmonically gripping "Shangri-La", also full of unexpected surprises during its "progression". Ray Davies really was an unsung hero of those times, on an near-equal footing with his more commercially succesful peers, like Paul McCartney or John Lennon. Too bad that weird psychedelic film whose script inspired those songs never got made. The artwork here suggests a Monty-Python-like, Terry Gilliam-animated kind of fantasy. To which I would add some steampunk elements for good measure. But maybe it's good that Kinks fans can all make their own private version of that movie in their heads... 4/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential records. Which translates to a 9/10 grade for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: 234 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 331 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 195 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 247

Mi primer acercamiento a The Kinks. Quedé muy sorprendido por las habilidades de composición y letras de Ray Davies. El concepto del álbum es conciso y bien ejecutado. Solido LP, sólo me falta darle más escuchas. FAVTRAXS: Some Mother's Son, Australia, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, Young and Innocent Days LEASTFAV: Drivin' 3.5/5

Another middle of the road rock album

The Kinks are a bit of a Greatest Hits band for me despite them being quite pioneering and relentless at concept albums. I like 'Something Else' as an album but not spent too much time listening to the others and certainly not this one. And it's OK. Always loved 'Victoria' and 'Shangri-la' and those really stand out, the rest does seem to be treading familiar ground, complainy nostalgic lyrics with strummed guitars and a clumping rhythm section. Also I really don't know why The Kinks were always so behind the times with sound quality, sounds like it was recorded in a shipping container. Compared to other 1969 albums it sounds horrible, in the same year we had 'Hot Buttered Soul', 'In the Court of the Crimson King' and even the folky 'Five leaves left' from Nick Drake is miles ahead of this. Not amazing and the arch snarkiness seems ill aimed and just a little bitter.

Man könnte meinen Sir James Paul McCartney raus zu hören: aber nein. Das Album hat durchaus seine längen.

Un disco que comienza con un temazo como Victoria ha de ser de escucha obligatoria. Una de las mejores obras de los fundamentales The Kinks, mucho más apreciada fuera que dentro del Reino Unido (un disco demasiado British hasta para ellos...). Se escucha perfectamente del tirón, por partes o por temas sueltos y el resultado es el mismo: un gustazo inigualable. Editado en 1969 año de otros discazos como Abbey Road, Tommy, Five Leaves Left, Nashville Skyline, Let it Bleed, The Stooges, dos de la CCR, dos de MC5, otros dos de Led Zeppelin, Hot Rats, In the Court of the Crimson King, Hot Rats, Trout Mask Replica, Ummagumma, Stand, Hot Buttered Soul, The Gilded Palace of Sin, el 3º de la VU, Dusty in Memphis, Elvis in Memphis, Odessa, otros debuts como los de Van der Graag Generator o Can... Su influencia se palpa a lo largo de las décadas, no hace falta mencionar a toda la pléyade de bandas del Britpop que tomaron este y otros discos de los Kinks como manual de instrucciones.

It was alright

3rd album of The Kinks from the list. They still remind me a lot of The Beatles. And I'm not really sure if it's a good or a bad thing. 3.5/5.

Wow, I really wasn't sure what to expect but this was fucking superb. There were several tracks I already knew but other than one or two lulls the whole album rocked.

I like othe Kinks albums better

Not only is the music standardly great from the Kinks, but also the lyrics raise some great criticisms of things like war, poverty, and the economy. Basically, an easy 5.

I wonder if I would like this more if I was from the UK. The jams where fine, but not really for me. I probably won't come back to this again

this one was a'ight. Nothing earth shattering to write home about...

Fun.

Nice lyrics, maybe I miss some more strength in the music

Big fan of the kinks now

I enjoyed this

this is another album i cannot be unbiased about. this album is in my top 10 of all time and it ain't 10. one of the middle points of a stretch of albums by the kinks that i think are perfect albums, this album employs a narrative that the others do not. songs focusing on the affects of war and british society and austerity, all through the lens of the titular character, arthur. ray davies knocks it out of the park with this one! i suspect this isn't everyone's cuppa tea because it is very twee, like much of ray davies' work, but it truly is a brilliant effort and album.

Not bad, but typical of the era

Kinks are always fine -- but I definitely prefer early, angsty Kinks to later, quirky Kinks

Really good

I have tried with other Links music, but just cannot get into it. Too british

Compared to what I've heard from the Kinks in the past, this was great. It wasn't so great that I'd say I love this album, but it's real close. But it's really good, not what I was expecting from the Kinks.

They took some notes from the Beatles.

Beatles-esque. Didn’t move me.

First listen Saved 9/12 Top track: Shangri-La

Always wondered why the kinks never got to the level as the other British Invasion groups. When you put out amazing albums like this one it’s hard to see. The album is so very British, from the theme and title to the many different tracks including British colloquialisms and humor.

New to me, enjoyed most of it a fair bit. Not my typical listen, but it's a solid record. Australia was a great track. I think I can forgive Muswell Hill for producing Wetherspoons now.

Still wishing for some \"Lola\" like punch that just doesn't emerge. Nothing special, just old-school storyteller rock.

Never delved into the Kinks. Fun and uplifting.

This is not what I thought The Kinks were - very war focused, Beatles-ish Brit Pop Rock. But also had this like hippy/renaissance fair vibe. Didn't hate it. Definitely some catchy tunes but very different from other Kinks songs I know like Lola or You Really Got Me. 3.5

5 start concept stuff, super fun listen and a slice of late 60s british pop rock.

good

The kinks were definitely ahead of their time.

Agressively british, I don't hate the lyricism but the long voice pulls aren't great, they're grating. 4/10

Fantastic, inventive quintessentially working class meditation on what it meant to be "British" in the 20th Century. Poignant, snarky, topical and weirdly ahistorical demonstration of the brothers' genius

Good stuff

I love the Kinks and at his best, Ray Davies is as good a songwriter as Lennon/McCartney. But this is an album I have always struggled to enjoy. Sure it does contain at least two undisputed Kinks classics (Victoria and Shangri-la) and both are outstanding. Driving is also catchy but much of the remaining material is lyrically mundane. The music is an interesting period piece, with brass and harpsichords mingling with rock. It's not terrible and some even rate it above TVGPS, but I personally wouldn't select this as a starting point for the Kinks. Ps the non-album King Kong single is another outstanding example of Davies' songwriting.

It was ok. Victoria a classic

Intersting, never realised that that Fall song was a cover! Usual eccentric album I enjoyed this one more than the garden party larky. Got lost a few times but a bit of energy here and there. Think the Kinks are best when they have a bit of energy. Is that Terry Gillingham artwork I see?

Ok, but apart from 'Victoria' nothing really stood out

Jolly music with amusing lyrics. I feel like this style has been emulated many times since, so I have it an extra star for innovation (although I am just guessing).

Our fourth (and final) Kinks album on the 1001 list. I never really got into The Kinks, dunno why its good music, and this album is pretty decent, but if I was going to recommend a Kinks album, I'd go with "Something Else".

The Kinks were always seen in the US as being behind The Beatles and the Stones, as far as the first wave British Invasion bands. And they were certainly less successful over here. But they're also the most "English" of the three. That said, they are consistently good. I own 8x Kinks albums. from 1964's Kinda Kinks, through 1980's One For The Road. But somehow, I missed this one. Part of an impressive 4 album streak (US releases): Village Green, Arthur, Lola, Muswell Hillbillies... quite a streak. The only songs I knew going in were the brilliant "Victoria" and the only great "Shangri La". But this is a very solid album. Very much in the mood of Village Green, that very slice-of-English-life feel. Solid, but lags a bit behind those other albums mentioned above, but certainly worthy. 4/5

God damn it I love the kinks

This is fabulous, quirky, English, and at time rocking album. Thoroughly enjoyed Dave Davies' great guitar work and several licks throughout the album. The slow builds of several songs are just phenomenal. I've only previously known the big hits from The Kinks, but very glad to listen to this great work. Favorite tracks: Victoria, Yes Sir, No Sir, Some Mother's Sin, Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, Nothing to Say, Arthur.

Amazing pop rock opera. A concept album that tells a very broad story. This album was very fun from start to finish. Engaging melodies at all times, I was never bored. Some of these songs gave me the same sort of whimsical feeling that Paul and Linda McCartney's "Ram" does. Where it's clear these musicians were having a good time, enjoying the music they were making. I just straight up had a really good time while listening to this album, not just because it was good. I listen to a lot of albums that I consider just as good as this one, but not all of them make me feel as good as Arthur does. It's something special. Classic, duh. I have to revisit, not for a second opinion but because I just want to listen again. 4.5/5

Really really like this, solid 60s energy that has aged amazingly and still sounds great today. It's diverse, dynamic, and interesting all the way through. I found the song "Australia" to drag on a bit, nothing too major but the second half of that song does feel a bit unnecessary. Other than that, there is absolutely everything to love about this album.

The theme was interesting

Probably good but couldn't be arsed listening.

I ended up really liking this album. I guess I had a totally wrong idea of what The Kinks sounded like. I thought they were punk. This reminds me a lot of the Beatles at times but has its own flair.

The singer sounds like how I'd sing in the shower if I was trying to make myself laugh

Decent, some great songs mixed in with some not so great ones.

Fun album, but not one I see myself listening to often in the future. Probably would’ve been listening to this regularly 50 years ago

Very enjoyable classic late 60s rock. Driving is very Beatles-y. She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina is VERY Beatles-y.

Such a great album!

A surprisingly entertaining and engaging set of tunes. Meaningful lyrics and catchy melodies. Great stuff.

Pretty good

Kinda like The Beatles later years. The Beatles are not a favorite of mine.

The Beatles at home. This did have some nice production techniques and personality later in the album. Still, the title promised far more than it delivered.

Right off the bat this is much crisper and refined than the other (admittedly limited) Kinks records I’ve listened to. The vocal work isn’t the most dynamic, but it’s suitable and any harmonization sections really shine. Guitar work is consistent and elevates to strong when brought to the foreground, easily meshing with pianos, brass, bass, or whatever else is playing partner. Listened to: walking to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace NHS site. Favorite tracks: Victoria, Australia

Third Kinks album this week

Nice 4/5

Þetta er fínasta tónlist. Ég þekki náttúrulega Kinks en hef aldrei hlustað á þessa tilteknu plötu áður eða lögin á henni. Ég gæti alveg hugsað mér að spila hana aftur en í hreinskilni sagt mun ég líklegast bara gleyma henni

The Kinks just don’t grab the way I would have expected and I fine the lyrics kind of condescending towards the peopk being written about bur idk maybe I’m missing the point or something

nice

Way better than I expected - lots of mental concept album stuff going on here, and a properly mental backstory

Very good, I knew very little of the Kinks beyond the usual hits like Lola. I was very surprised by how openly political this album is.

Beatles circa 1965 rip off except this was released in 1969. One of the most overrated bands of all time.

I will never love it as much as the album that preceded it but it's still Kinks at the top of their game. Victoria is particularly a delight.

Just want to sit in my shangri la.

This album was fun. Not their best but I enjoyed it.

Nice...very Beatles

Gut aber nixht ganz meins

Everything the Beatles should be

I didn't really like any of their music. Even their more famous song like "Victoria" are pretty lame. I wouldn't care if I ever heard this again.

Loved these. Not all are great, but most of them are.

Sounds a lot more like the Beatles than other Kinks songs I'm familiar with. There's elements like in Shangri-la that sound like the Kinks I enjoy. Other bits sound like bad Beatles imitation.

A solid 3/5

I’d never really listened to The Kinks before and had mixed expectations because they influenced a lot of bands I love but also a lot of bands I don’t care for. As it turns out I find this album delightful. It has an intellectual streak that sets it apart from other similar offerings of the time, similarly to Talking Heads vs the rest of the classic punk scene. The irreverent satire and social commentary is top notch.

Okay

another classic

For some reason, I can’t help but think of the kinks as some alternate universe band of what Paul McCartney would sound like if he never met John. The songs are usually so tight, focused on catchiness and can often have a quirky, “granny” -ness to them. This was a fun album, not my favourite listen I found it a bit repetitive but a good listen.

i like the kinks and this is a solid one

eh

Loved it

Sounds a bit like mid-period Beatles. The influence by the Kinks on Parquet Courts was obvious.

New to this. And really pretty fresh to the Kinks in general outside of a few classic tracks. This has been stuck in my head with a vengeance since I listened to it. I've gone back to it again and again. I've told people about it too. Asked them if they've heard of it? Jacob's spot on; this album undeniably has its context, but it also exists wholly in its own world. And it paints such a wonderfully, comically, heartbreakingly kaleidescopic picture of post-war Britain, it can't help but bounce around in my head in more ways than a catchy song simply would. I need room to grow with this; see how it fits into the Kink's discography. But I'm optimistically going 5/5 here.

I kind of think this album is brilliant. And this is coming from someone who has been mostly underwhelmed by the Kinks. On this album they take a BIG swing, and I think it pays off. They pull off this commentary on all things British. I picture them sitting in the cheap seats, heckling, middle fingers to all forms of power, all the adults. With this dry, acerbic, cheeky, and with touches of real sadness and despair. They touch on the real costs of war, the sons who aren't coming home, and the dispassionate people who put them there. I was thinking about it, and honestly, this is the first album (by date) that deals with topics from WWII in a way that I can actually understand, that makes sense to me. Digging up a few feet under the earth to loose a bit of the trauma and disaffections of war. What other album is actually seriously (or... un-seriously?) doing that? In the 60's? Other than the Pete Seegers... really, nobody. Comparisons to the Beatles are so obvious as to not be even worth mentioning, as with all records by the Kinks, but these are topics that I just cannot imagine Lennon or McCartney touching with a 12-foot pole. Colonialism, war, the promised suburban lifestyle and its eventual letdown. There are NO Beatles songs like this. I think this is my first Kinks that stands alone. And it's a real treasure. It helps me understand more of the turbulent scene of English society from that time, warts and all, and it's FUN! Well deserved, boys. 5/5

Not my cup of tea

The Kinks are the coolest. And this album was a lot of fun.

Excellent balance of the elements, quintessentially Kinks Bangers: "Victoria", "Australia", and "Mr. Churchill Says"

meh. this sounds so 60s.

Sew sew gewd.

A fun little album. Bonus points for Australia (straya) Fav tracks - Victoria - Australia

Interesting to hear the difference between this and the other album I heard.

Malo predugo pjesme traju, ali sve u svemu dosta dobro

Back to back Kinks is not what I wanted. This one was marginally less twee than the last so I loathed it a bit less. Thats the only reason they aren’t getting another 1

Didn't have much of a chance to listen closely to this in one sitting. It was pretty good. Didn't get very into it but also have no criticisms. Favorite song: Yes Sir, No Sir?

Lot better than I expected. Classic late 60's English lyrical pop.

none of the classics on here (i don't like 'victoria') but some great guitar riffs and tones, its the kinks alright, british british oh my god we're the kinks and we're british standouts: some mothers son australia

thots: SOOOO BRITISH. I could smell the must of missing teeth and poor gum health from across the Atlantic with this one. It's interesting because the Kinks were banned from touring in the US due to unions or some shit (I don't know I believe in Capitalism?). Nothing felt particularly awesome about this album, probably because we hear it all the time. Lyrics were mid and lacking. Just talked about England or Australia (?) or the queen or war. But the war in a silly way that I can't comprehend because the WW's definitely left some people traumatized...amirite??? Weiners: Brainwashed - so real. so real. omg we are so totally brainwashed omg Young and Innocent Days - this is kinda just sweet and fun and whimsy Nothing to Say - Fun trumpets in this one. Doesn't STANK of straight Brit so I liked it Shangri-La was also Ok but kind of long. Losers: Australia- fucking bore of a song She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina - again so effing boring.

Best songs: Some Mother's Son Drivin'

Brilliant anti-establishment lyrics. I've slept on The Kinks. Knowing only their standards. This is an amazing example of pushing the envelope without rage or obvious anger. Mom & Dad beware. To borrow from The Who, the kids are not all right. They are fed up and want more.

01) Victoria - 8,0 02) Yes Sir, No Sir - 7,5 03) Some Mother's Son - 7,5 04) Drivin' - 7,5 05) Brainwashed - 7,0 06) Australia - 7,5 07) Shangri-La - 7,5 08) Mr. Churchill Says - 7,0 09) She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina - 6,5 10) Young and Innocent Days - 7,5 11) Nothing to Say - 7,0 12) Arthur - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,33 (73/100) Nice sixties rock, but nothing special or memorable. The album didn't even chart in UK. Weren't they like a big thing back than? Only few months after this album their single "Lola" came second in the UK charts.

Music for depressive pixie boys. Quirky and fun but somehow also boring??? Not the kinkies at their best 3.3

I like Some Mother's Son and there's a nice distorted riff on Brainwashed. The longer more complex songs like Australia and Shangri-La are my favorites. Goes in a more psychedelic direction on She's Bought a Hat... Overall good but not great.

Some Mother’s Son is a great song. The rest is OK.

It’s fine. I like the kinks, but I am really so tired of this list feeding me 60s rock. It all starts sounding the same, and it’s getting hard to take individual albums on their own merit. This is easily the third kinks album I’ve had already out of like 130 albums. On top of that moby grape, cream, deep purple x 3, traffic, etc. It’s too damn much.

Aika Beatles tyyppistä, mutta mielenkiintoisempaa. Välillä aika meemi. Parhaat: Yes Sir No Sir, Shangri-La, Arthur

The Kinks - Arthur or the decline and the fall of the British Empire I love The Kinks, but I'd never listened to this album. Upon my research I discovered that this is a concept album for a television program that was never made in England. Ray Davies based the story on his brother in law and his sister that moved to Australia. I don't feel that there is anything that stands out on this album, but you can tell that it is a Kinks album. Victoria and Shangri-La were songs I knew about from their compilation Kink Kronikles. 4/5

Probably should listen more. Had an ethereal indie pop vibe I would liken to the Beatles, but it wasn't that kinda vibe last night.

Shallallallalla

Victoria is a strong opener. The switch in the middle of Yes Sir, No Sir is interesting. Brainwashed is very catchy. Started off pretty strong but got a bit boring.

I'm generally here for The Kinks. And I enjoyed this album... on balance. Sure, some of the songs felt EXACTLY like Monty Python joke songs (I'm looking at you, "She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina") but they were balanced out by some really solid Beatles-esque rock songs. I'd like to have given this a higher score. No, scratch that. I'd like for this album to have earned a higher score. But it didn't.

First time I didn’t get too excited, but on the second listening I started liking the album

Meh.

This album was just ok. None of their hits I am familiar with were on this album.

This is a really good concept album. The songs are good, the lyrics worth paying attention to, and delivery excellent. The Kinks at their intelligent best. It's not the You Really Got Me or All Day and All Night Kinks; it's a thoughtful, satirical Kinks... Different, but very listenable.

LOVEEE the kinks this album is perfect

What a pleasant surprise. I was only familiar with you really got me and was expecting more of the same. Instead I was greeted by some beatles-esque yes-infused proto-prog masterpiece.

Has its moments but kinda dull

Kinks rarely miss

nice to listen to. I like the music and the musical concept of the album but I dig it down one star because I don´t like the vocals.

Absolutely loved the album. Fun, driving, and a very easy listen. Also will never not love a concept album Top tracks: Victoria, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, Arthur

I enjoyed this album a lot, though some parts are kinda niche in terms of overall likability. I’m not sure some of these tracks have replay value for me. I will say the creativity is top notch. Shout out to the kinks for puttin it out there

Not really a big Kinks fan but this album was pretty good. Liked the concept of the waning British Empire through the eyes of a hard lucked everyman. Not of al the music hits but enough to rate it higher than the previous Kinks albums I've listened to on this list.

Paar easy listening nummertjes, verder niet zo bijzonder

Beetje oubollig en begon snel te vervelen

Tja, wat kan ik hier weer over zeggen. Wel weer oké, maar er waren geen nummers bij die er voor mij echt uit sprongen. Niet super, maar ook niet slecht

Got hints of 2000s indie rock which was unexpected. I guess this is an influential album and I enjoyed it a bit more than I expected (having not enjoyed a previous Kinks recommendation).

Right up my alley. Musical excellence, brilliant composition, clever lyrics, super catchy.

Not bad, not great. It's like Punk Beatles

I like the Kinks. But this was not my favorite. I am not sure why it is on the list when there are so many other better ones.

This was ok

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts here. No single song was catchy or stood out, but the overall atmosphere of this whole album is really sticking with me.

This whole era of The Kinks is great - everything from Something Else up to Lola is a super enjoyable listen. This one doesn’t really have a standout song like the others, but as a whole conceptual record it works incredibly well

A pleasant enough listen with plenty of politics women throughout. This is one of the few Kinks albums I've listened to straight through -- and it's certainly inferior to Village Green, in my estimation. That's not to say it's bad. It's just not great. Unexpected banger: Brainwashed, I guess...

Oh boy no thanks

Early Kinks resembles early Beatles, except with more of an edge thanks to the Davies brothers. Good album!

Pretty good Beatles-y rock. Nothing that really grabbed me but it was good and I'll keep it around for a couple more listens. It's hard when The Beatles did all this first and so very well, raises the bar to ridiculous standards and now with all the benefit of hindsight, it's hard to judge them fairly hearing them all together. Still, I enjoyed it and will listen to it again.

Album #18 The Beatles, Van Morrison with a touch of The Banana Splits all the while still The Kinks. The music tracks have stood the test of time after all they are The Kinks. It would be awesome to go back in time and listen to the album with fresh ears during that specific era of time without the infusion of musical genre's over the past 50 years.

Favs: Victoria Australia Shangri-La Arthur Feels really grand and very British. Response to Sgt. Peppers?

Kind of average…

4.5

So this may be the first non-compilation Kinks album I’ve listened to. Absolutely extraordinary. Victoria is an all-time album opener, lyrically it may be my favorite Rock album we’ve had yet, and in an age of concept albums reaching popularity this storyline is engaging and unobtrusive. Loved it! Top tracks: Victoria, Yes Sir No Sir, Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, Nothing To Say, Arthur

Great album, sounds so modern. I’m not sure I can even pick a favorite

One to give more listens, I wasn't paying 100% attention and there were little hints of lyrics peeking through that made me want to look into it more. Some great tunes though, 'Shangri-La' and the closer especially, though 'Australia' feels like it goes on for about 3 or 4 minutes too long.

Eh

Liked it alot although once again the music was so loud making understanding the lyrics problematic.

I was underwhelmed. It was clever, but didn't light my fire.

Bright and jangly up-tempo songs that channels the Beatles and, with a tad harder edge, lays the ground for power pop to come. Great lightly crunchy guitar sound. There's a near constant backing vocal part that takes on the function an organ might have of giving some bedding/continuity alongside the more stochastic guitar/drums parts in addition to being a harmonic counterpoint. A few songs (Mr Churchill, Australia) get a lot looser, delving into a trancey psych jam that has an almost Can feel to it.

Les Kinks se démènent toujours avec la même vigueur pour remonter ne serait-ce qu'un tout petit peu dans mon estime avant la fin du générateur mais c'est malheureusement peine perdue. Désolé les Kinks.

Contrairement a mon camarade d'écoute robenlierre, je suis assez fan du travail des Kinks. Le manque de reconnaissance de rob est d'ailleurs assez décevant, ce dernier semble en effet oublier que les Kinks ont lancé sa carrière en l'invitant sur leur titre phare "All Of My Friends Were There"...

Definite similarities with other English bands, like the Beatles or Hermans Hermits. Didn’t know any songs on the album but in searching I did know several other Kinks songs. Fun use of different sounds (horns, kazoo) throughout. I enjoyed every entry on this album, favorite was ‘Shangri-La’ but not a bad choice to be made.

Absolutely love this one, a timeless classic full of brilliant tracks. It’s not by accident that they’re one of the most influential rock bands of that time. [0134/1001]

A few songs went on too long but overall good

Hat mir gut gefallen.

So much better than so many of their contemporaries, The Kinks drive a dagger through the heart of the English establishment with this opus.

these guys always hit. loved the use of horns throughout this one

This seems to be a precursor for a to other music, yet to come. There's a spirit here, an ode. A few misses, but otherwise, really good, even though not a bunch of "hits".

I've been a huge fan of this since I first heard it in the 80's. Shangri-La is one of my all time favorite songs, and I love the lyrical wit and heavy Britishness of it all. I love the album from start to finish. Smart, classic, rock.

That's a good album, super iconic.

Crikey, was unsure of what to expect but from what I've heard of the Kinks had fairly high hopes. What you get is sharp social commentary on the classism in British society with some good music to go with it. I don't think the Beatles ever wrote anything which depicts British life so well.

It's ok. I thought I'd really like it, but it's a bit slow.

What an album. Brilliant example of late 60s Brit rock. Guitars are instantly recognisable as that of the kinks, alongside the vocals. Lyrics are a mix of those quirky Kinks lyrics and heartfelt deep ones. Great album

Proper 60s jam, loved it!

Basslines in Victoria are to die for. Sounds much more modern than it is, you can hear the influence the kinks have had on music immediately. The riff at the start of Brainwashed reminds me of Bad Guy by Billie Eilish

Not my favorite Kinks album but still great.

Brilliant; Wonderful.

Kinky ;)

Fun album. Especially knowing how many bands they influenced.

Niet helemaal mijn ding maar best prima voor op de achtergrond. Ga het niet snel nog een keer luisteren denk ik

Can I recognize this was great and also dislike it today? favorite tracks: Shangri-La

3.5 It’s got its ups and downs. Very much an artifact of ‘wall of sound’ British era. Not my jam but I can see others rating it higher.

Like the idea of them but not this album in particular.

Needs more Lola

Their seventh album in five years, "Arthur: The Decline and Fall of the British Empire" seals the Kinks' transformation from rock-and-roll beatniks into high-concept baroque pop extraordinaires. The only song I'd heard before from here, and the only one that gets within a whiff of most Kinks Greatest Hits compilations, is the brilliant pomp and glory of "Victoria". The rest lies hidden just out of sight: a treasure trove of hidden gems and eclectic diversions. Ray Davies crafted "Arthur" as a concept album, basing it loosely on the story of his brother-in-law, Arthur Anning who emigrated to Australia. It barely holds together, but really it works because the songs underpinning it succeed on their own terms. There's no filler for the sake of serving the concept (a la "The Wall"), no getting bogged down in the ambition of the whole piece (a la "Tommy"). And above all, the band are clearly having a lot of fun. This album is less folksy and foppish than I'd anticipated: there are lashings of brittle, driving rock, and multiple twists and turns in the arrangements to keep us guessing. Take the harder rock bridges in "Shangri-La" and "Mr. Churchill Says", or the three-minute coda to "Australia" featuring guitar, sax and wobbleboard: they aren't standout moments, but it is nice to hear the band let loose. Oh, and I have to mention "She's Bought a Hat with Princess Marina": tight, intricate and schizophrenic, it fuses glib social commentary with a ludicrous and brilliant kazoo breakdown in the end, as we suddenly collapse into knees-up skiffle. When Davies doesn't want to pull punches in his songwriting, we're hit with the scathing anti-war sentiment of "Yes Sir, No Sir" and "Mr. Churchill Says", the breathtaking majesty of "Shangri-La", and the morbid "Some Mother's Son" (the ultimate end-point: "head blown up by some soldier's gun"). Finally, the title track serves as a motivational love letter to the protagonist (though also reads as an address to the nation personified, with its repeated insistence that "somebody loves you, don't you know it"). Most of "Arthur" is absolutely first class: it's only slightly let down by a couple of more standard fare tracks. "Drivin'" and "Brainwashed" feel a little like cast-offs from earlier albums, boasting a decent chorus without reaching the same heights or thematic weight as some of the other songs here. All in all, though, this is tremendous fun: somebody loves it, don't you know it.

9/10

I like Village Green better, but this was a fun album

This may be sacrilegious in the world of rock-n-roll aficionados, but this just feels like an extension of The Beatles.

Why Tommy is considered a masterpiece is beyond me... this is a great warm sounding and forward sounding effort - rock opera without trying to sound like a broadway wanna be. It is both fun and critical I will definitely listen again.

I love this record. The arrangements are dynamic, melodies catchy without being overly simple, and overall theme cohesive. I'll absolutely listen again. Highlights: Victoria, Brainwashed, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina, Nothing to Say, Arthur

this list loves itself a concept album. and this guy loves himself the kinks

Solid album, will have to listen to it many more times!

well would score higher than 5 if I could, massive sucker for that nostalgia but with an edge. it's more folk than rock at times and speaks directly to middle England with stories that are still valid all this time later, plus its a rocking record.

Me gustaron The Kinks pero ahora me turraba un poco

Really impressive stuff. The guitar licks rip, and the lyrics are sharp. The music has very strong composition with many layers strewn about. I’m really into the almost funky like breaks with the bass lines and drum beats, and every time I think it’s going to be a boring song, the best kicks in and I’m bobbing along.

Different. In a good way.

Will listen to it again when I have time to just listen.

Decent album, more experimental and conceptual stuff is always interesting.

victoria - was ok until he just repeats the title 20 times yes sir, no sir - ok some mother's son - grating brainwashed - neat australia - starts nice but ends up overbearing

Kinks have been a band that has consistently impressed me in this voyage.

Not for me.

I am familiar with the Kinks, but I can't help but think that the studio tried to enlist the beatles, got scammed and got some sort of beatles rip off. Still OK though

Kinda boring

Quite nice, not exceptional

Has it's moments but overall it's just a tad dull.

Enjoyed this one. It’s a fun album with an overarching commentary, some quite sad. It’s a solid 5 for me. There are a few songs with a chamber music background that really carries the issues of class that reoccur throughout the album. I really liked Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, and Yes Sir No Sir.

Man, I am vibing with these songs!

It was ok. Lots of blues influences and a good listen. Personally, I would most likely not listen to this again.

Definitely my vibe. This album slaps

I really enjoyed this. Nothing really stuck out as truly special except this is miles above the other 'rock operas' we've listened to on this project so far (Tommy and Bat Out Of Hell which were both pretty universally hated in our group)

Was okay. Not really my thing.

Victoria is a great track. The rest is uneven. A lot of it sounds like a Beatles cover band.

Fun bright and fresh throughout. Opening song is the best and really sets up the album. Great album to start the day. 7

Good album, nice length for the content. I liked the subject matter/tone combo, good juxtaposition. Strong 7

Very Bri'ish. Not directly my style of music.

This was a good late-60s psychedelic rock album. Many tracks were memorable and I highly recommend a listen! Favorite Song(s): "Victoria", "Shangri-La", "Mr. Churchill Says", "Nothing to Say", "Arthur"

Decent album

Meh...

I'm

A couple songs were great.

Would never throw on The Kinks myself but this album is pretty solid. Very much a product of its time but for the variety of sounds this mid-60s pop rocknroll record provides, you'd be as well just playing The Beatles or Beach Boys. 7/10

Glorious. I gave it a listen, and then another, and then another. That sweet spot of proto punk and English invasion couldn't have been struck any better. The flow of the album took me on a ride, each song felt arranged perfectly to follow the last and a harmony of themes told a wonderful story. The stand outs for me were Drivin' and Australia, both for their tongue in cheek messages and just overall ear pleasing. Songs laced with messages that both hit on topics today and back in the 60's when they were first recorded are all throughout the album and have definitely placed in my regular rotation. A great timeless album to enjoy any time!

I ran through this whole album without stopping. It certainly felt like a journey. I was working, so I’ve made second stop on my favorite songs to discuss them a bit more. Yes sir, no sir. Permission to speak sir? That song stands out for its two different tones when the narrator switches between an infantryman to a general. I really liked it. I could relate with feelings of helplessness, overwhelming odds, and dreams of games we played when we were young in Some Mother’s Son. Breaks my heart how relevant it is. My favorite song is Shangri-La. Speaks to me. Maybe they were talking about the people who have it all, but I feel like the little man with a mortgage over my head. Except, there’s no train to catch, I’m already in Shangri-La. Maybe that’s the point. He’s in Shangri-La too. Where things are as good or as crap as you make them. Life ain’t so happy in your little Shangri-La. I feel that. Mr. Churchill brings out the happy naked dance in me.

Liked the first song. The rest wasn’t very good. I like the punk vibes

A definitive 60-s CLASSIC! The witty-liryc-ed britishmen The Kinks doing their social critique bit in form of a concept album. Great playing, great songwriting, top-notch arrangements, clever packaging. Great to the tip of its' toes. I would say no more.

Nice listening. classic British rock

liked it, saved a few songs. not my favorite kinks album but would definitely listen again.

I am already a fan of The Kinks, but I had only heard on or two of the songs on this album. But I really enjoyed all the new-to-me songs - they’re a band that’s just a lot of fun!

Not my cup of tea

Very Beatles-esque. Love the first track and love The Kinks in general but they’ve got better albums I would say…

I really like The Kinks but never find myself loving them

It's going ok.

I liked the album. I'm very aware of The Kinks but apparently their later stuff. This was a very cool album and I liked the story it told throughout. Could definitely hear the sound of The Kinks in this early work for sure.

On the one hand, I can see why people like them. But I can't stand the lead singers voice. It's such a well made album with brilliant instrumentals and thought-provoking lyrics, but I just can't deal with his voice. I want to like it, but I just can't. However, I can't give it less then a 3, because it's clear its good music.

Very Beetleish.

Such a splendid, perfectly realized album. I've listened to this album a lot, but never read about the concept until today. But no matter, Ray Davies crafted this album with such clarity and care that you get a strong feel for the story even knowing nothing about it. That's incredibly difficult to achieve on a concept album without sounding overwrought, and the band handles it masterfully. The subject matter is bread and butter for the Kinks - a sardonic view of England through the lens of nostalgia; the broad sweep of history viewed through the life of one man and his family. All of this is presented with humor, pathos and irony. Musically, the album swings deftly from grandiose baroque pop to a folksy skiffle with everything in between, but it all flows together flawlessly. It's melodic, quirky , sharply satirical, and surprisingly moving at times. A truly satisfying listen. Fave songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Victoria; Shangri-La; Brainwashed; Drivin'; Mr. Churchill Says; Arthur; Yes Sir, No Sir; Some Mother's Son; Australia; Nothing to Say; She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina; Young and Innocent Days

Downloaded 1 song.

Overall I don't really have any complaints about this album. I liked it and would probably listen to it again.

I like it love it I want some more of it!

Some really fun songs!

I can imagine a time in my life where I would like this, but it is not this time. Psychedelic, Magical Mystery Tour sound, very pretty and competent but Meh for today

Strong concept album, doesn’t drag on too long in any of the songs except maybe victoria. Lyrics are incredible and tell such a story. Kept me engaged and will definitely be back to listen again. Favs: mr churchill says, shanrgi-la, brainwashed

Gear: Focal Clear Mische (2019 Remaster): insgesamt doch arg dünn. Drums von "Yes Sir, No Sir" strikt links recht spannend. "Shangri-La" mit beeindruckender Soundstage - aber alles kracht bei höherer Dynamik. Schade. Mugge: All Filler No Killer Wertung: 2/5

pica