Reviews (page 8 of 13)
The Kinks are always a fun time and this album was no exception. Great, upbeat songs
Yeah, I really enjoyed this album. I think the only song on the album that I have heard previously was Victoria but there are plenty of others that come close to that track. Definitely worth more listens in the future.
Fröhlicher alter Pop-Rock. Können die nicht besser singen?
reallly liked it so british the hard hitting rock is great and the switch to smoother pop/RnB works so well big fan
Solid rock album
Really dig Australia
Each Kinks album tells it's own stories and spins more tales than the average soap opera and should be rightly rewarded for such
Delightful tunes throughout. Victoria, followed by Yes Sir No Sir is a great start to the album. It is a bit loooong for the lack of significant change-ups, though.
Nice! Arthur Morgan ... lives in a London suburb in a house called Shangri-La, with a garden and a car and a wife called Rose and a son called Derek who's married to Liz, and they have these two very nice kids, Terry and Marilyn. Derek and Liz and Terry and Marilyn are emigrating to Australia. Arthur did have another son, called Eddie. He was named after Arthur's brother, who was killed in the battle of the Somme. Arthur's Eddie was killed, too—in Korea.
Happy acoustic gitarrieros
2.5
Solid sixties rock album som har sina moments och highlights. Kräver noggrannare bekantskap
Sends off early goofy Beatles vibes, but shallower somehow. Mellow easy listening, absolutely no standouts. 2.5 stars.
Solid late 60s war protest and more general Rock N Roll. I enjoyed "Victoria" and the guitar solo in "Australia" the most, the band sounds really good. Not really a record I would probably go back to regularly but a pleasant listening experience.
great album I had never heard before. highlights include "Victoria" "Drivin'" "Shangri-La" "Mr. Churchill Says" "She's Bough a Hat Like Princess Marina" "Nothing to Say" "Arthur"
I'm ashamed to admit I have not familiarized myself with The Kinks discography like I should have. I assumed they'd be more hard rock, less pop. I also wasn't aware they were comparable to The Beatles, which is silly of me - now I know, and I feel there is room for all on the scene. This was a great listen. Whimsy, playful, catchy British rock n roll. It's fun, I was engaged. This is another one I'll have to keep on repeat for a while.
Not my favorite Kinks, but still a great record.
Fantastic songwriting, social commentary with a touch of nice drumming
3/5
Pretty good. Not a regular repeat though.
Great music, I especially enjoyed the songwriting on this one. This is a very underrated rock opera album, in my opinion. It's easily up there with the ones most people consider best, but I don't hear music nerds gushing about it. 4/5
2nd best album....
This was pretty good. But maybe not good enough for me to relisten to the whole album
Some parts are quite nice, but I'm on the fence about a lot of other parts.
Another interesting british art exposition in music. Likely some type of play interpolation in music. It is fun, light hearted with some engaging good music. I liked the varied types of sounds that came through. I heard some Grateful Dead and Van Morrison type sounds on the composition side of things.
Not my favorite type of music. can see why it was popular. The sort of music I wouldn't mind hearing at a summer barbecue, but not something I would put on my own playlist.
I liked this a fair bit, it has some very vibes and I can easily find myself tapping my foot along with most of the album, but also feels like there is more to it than just a good beat.
Kinks. What’s not to like.
Okay, not something I want to listen to the entire album of all at once.
I need to listen to more of The Kinks
Ei mitään kiinnostavaa sisältöä tällä lätyllä.
It's VERY British.
Ugh. Started out 3* but then got weird
Besides Victoria, nothing else was interesting
3.3 2x
***An ok album
An album that's grown on me since first listen. I'm already familiar with Village Green, and this is another concept album in the same vein. And the theme's writ large on the cover. What I love about the Kinks is that they can perfectly ride the line between pining for a past that's long gone, and having a laugh at people who spending their time pining for a past that's long gone. On first listen, the vocals on the two opening tracks I found to be quite grating. But I didn't realize he was singing in character as a nostalgic, rather dopey Victorian. There also seems to be a bit of musical development here, too. There are a lot more jammy sections here. Though they don't go quite as far as the psychedelic contemporaries, it's still interesting to see. Fav tracks: Yes Sir No Sir, Some Mother's Son, Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La
Bra groove 7/10
I’m excited for this one, I don’t know any songs on this album but I do like the kinks. Plus if we’re talking about the decline of the British Empire….ha. So I read the quick Wikipedia and it looks like this is a concept album for a film that was never made. The first three opening tracks are great so far. Complex instrumentation and 60s pop vocals. “Some Mother’s Son” and “Yes Sir, No Sir” reminds me of a British version of “Find the Cost of Freedom.” I wonder if this version of the British Empire is as shitty for the Brits as it is for its subjects…ha. “Australia” is great, a bit long, but reminds me of what would have been had they made a “Blue Hawaii”-esque movie sponsored by the Australian tourist authority. Man, listening some of the crunchy guitar at the end of “Australia” how was this record not a hit?! “Shangri-La” is a working class ode to not having too much, you’re working hard and life can be tough, but that your little home with your slippers and your favorite chair is a little piece of heaven. Unlike the songs “Yes, sir, no sir” and “some mother’s son” the song “Mr. Churchill says” is a more positive song about the military, and how tough Brits were during WWII and even features an air raid siren! “She’s bought a hat like princess marina” is about post-war poverty and struggling, in a way it reminds me of pygmalion and the DRUMMING on this track is so good. Combined with “young and innocent days” I can hear some of the Beatles inspiration here…almost like “For the Benefit of Mr. Kite” territory, had that record come out yet? Is he pining for his youth here because it really was a better time, or is it stained by the nostalgia we all feel for the times right on the cusp of adulthood. It’s interesting, I sort of feel like a lot of these songs are like couplets of the immediately preceding track…is that the word I’m thinking of? “Nothing to say” the protagonist grew up a little bit, the world has changed, maybe he has kids and a little gray hair. Okay this record is a keeper for me, I love it from beginning to end. “Arthur” is the character study of the guy who this record is about, and continues the themes of the other songs. If the show ended up getting made, “Arthur” could be the theme song. There’s something about it that reminds me of sitcoms from the 70s? There’s not a single song I’d keep off the record and I love the story it tells. It’s quintessentially working class, it’s complex instrumentation, and really fucking fun (most of the tracks are fun anyway).
Prima popmuziek. Goed te luisteren.
Very fun songs, especially Victoria. Love the instrumentals across the record.
I enjoyed it
I can see how it was influential. An album from 1969 that sounded way ahead of it's time and definitely more modern than 56 years old. That being said, it didn't do much for me. Solidly mediocre.
It's fine, there's some interesting parts and I like the concept, but it's a style of music I just don't care about no matter how hard I try.
Chad. Ez 4.5
Very chad 4.5
Australia is one extra ordinary song of a super balanced, strongly composed album.
A pretty good album, I liked Victoria, Australia and Shangri-La the most.
The Kinks are really important. A bit overlooked for reasons I’ll get into. But they are one of the great 60s UK bands. This is a solid album though similar themes are found in the superior village green society. This is well regarded but I think it a bit long. Skippable tracks and nothing of the compel of Dead End Street, Lola, You Really Got Me, the Village Green Preservation Society, etc. Ray has been a bit Brexit supporting (ok a lot) with a tinge of racism, which is possibly why the Kinks have fallen a bit behind their contemporaries such as the Who, the Stones, the Animals or the Yardbirds. Also they got a dud deal which meant they stopped touring for long stretches. Not essential. But pretty good.
Yet another white boy rock critic cult classic... an overlooked gem of 1960s pop / rock opera, just like soooo many others we have reviewed as part of 1001 albums. I mean, it's pleasant enough (by design), but part of Dimery's obsessions with the (1960s) Kinks. I have not enjoyed any of the other Kinks studio albums on the list so far. I find the album tracks. But I hit a patch in the middle of this record where I really started diggin' the listening experience (especially the run of Brainwashed / Australia / Shangri-La). They were pumping out some recent 60s rock there. Great tunes and muscular performance. This cottage-scale rock opera is less ambitious than, say, Tommy, but it is also far less pompous and batshit crazy then most rock operas, which is something of a relief. There are too many 60s Kinks albums on this list, but this is the one most to my taste. That said, as an Australian living in the 21st century, I find Ray Davies' wistful nostalgia for a bygone England just a bit irrelevant and hard to connect to, so it's a bit of a non-committal shrug from me. I would still tend to recommend to any new listener to track down a compilation of the Kinks' 60s singles rather than any individual album. Now, _that's_ a great listen.
Not bad but a bit boring honestly, mad respect
I always get The Kinks, The Smiths, and The Shins mixed up. I really like The Smiths and The Shins, and The Kinks are fine. I wish I could keep that straight.
Lemppari: Shangri-La
"Australia" is such a banger. Loved the way all these tracks transform into something else halfway through.
Kinda beetles like but political, very cool.
I usually like the kinks, but this was not it..
Not what I expected from the Kinks at all, but I dug it! Fun album.
Another solid album from The Kinks. I really enjoyed this one. The more I get exposed to their stuff I feel like they were a really talented band that just couldn’t keep up with their contemporaries. After all, I’m sure it wasn’t easy to compete with the like of The Beatles, the Stones, Zeppelin, The Who… the list goes on. But definitely a quality album here.
Quite good. Monty Python would describe it a good woody album, not tinny at all
One of my favorite classic rock albums I have heard in a minute. Entirely unpretentious. Just good fun tongue in cheek type songs.
Genuinely enjoyable all the way through. Classic British Invasion pop. Has the later Beatles instrumentals but more grounded lyrics of their early and mid days.
Kinda psychedelic which I did not expect from the Kinks
It’s a mix of catchy and thoughtful. The songs feel connected, telling little stories that are nostalgic without being too heavy. It’s mellow but smart, with a sense of humor running through it. Everything feels like it fits, even if it’s not trying to be groundbreaking.
Now this is what I like! The damn-you England rant couched in deceptively upbeat and catchy tunes. I listened twice in relief after so many duds on this generator. Man, they can't sing so well, but they are so distinctive. I keep returning to the Kinks because they keep innovating. Great album.
I'd probably give it a 3.5 rather than a 3 but halves are not possible. Enjoyed a lot but not as much as other Kinks stuff I know.
A great listen, kinks should get more appreciation, enjoyed this more than some Beatles albums.
Good lyrics, good variety... Overall, I enjoyed this album, but it's not my cup of tea.
The sound is a bit old-fashioned and folksy at times, but rythms and the occasional guitar solo keep it interesting. It has a punk edge from its lyrics that have aged surprisingly well.
Jetzt hani scho gmeint mer loset The Fetish, aber es sind ja zum glück nur The Kinks. The Kinks - DIE Indie Band vode 60er, 70er jahr. fast scho uf Beatles-Niveau wenn mer so wott. Aber irgendwie flashed die mich mit ihrne kinky tricklis ned so fest. Qualitativ und mit em Wüsse, dass das eini vo dene Bands gsi isch wo so viel anderi Bands inspiriert, prägt und ufgeilt het, müssti ihne fast drü sexy peitsche hieb geh. Aber wenni uf de hottness-Faktor mun lose woni wärend dem Album verspührt han, muni wider chli Härter (hehe) bewerte. Darum gits nur zwei Füess is Gsicht. Aber uf e hotti Art und defür en Linke und en Rechte.
Eröffnets eifach mit ere queen victory lobeshymne und england homeland song. Okkkk dudes. Hender gwüsst das d queen victoria (1819-1901) 63 jahr regiert hed, krass oder? Es ganzes ziitalter prägt hed. Mir fiirt si generel scho sehr ab, au cool dass dazumals scho e starchi frau regiert hed. Aaaaaber isch au s kolonialziitalter gsi, das gid ihrer regierziit ganze doch e meh als e fahde biigschmack. Since vici is back in the club, hope you enjoyed your name patrons song :) Zrugg zu the kinks. Denked ihr die hend nach ihrere musikkarriere e wechsel gmacht, sind uf berlin usgwanderet und hend de kinky party trend gstarted und sind ez na guet verschrumplet im kinky business. Nenned mich verschwörigstheoretiker, aber Ich denkes scho. Han na nie vo ihne ghört aber es chömed da extrem grossi beatles vibes übere. Si hend eich scho sehr coole sound, aber bin au nöd würki in 60/70ies stimmig. Darum nur 3 kinky kings and queens für the kinks.
oioi lads wasmer ah dem album bsunders gfalle hett isch, dasmer de songtitel au ohni aneluege immer usegfunde hett wellsen als refrain au immer 20x gseit hend shangri laaaaaaa shangri laaaaaaa chömed doch uf au stra liaaaaaa au strai liaaaaa es isch so schön daaaaa schalalala oder de klassiker wie victooooooria victoooooriaaah und natürlich isches immer toll wemmer sich wie imene wes anderson film fühlt, das git no en bonus druf ufs hütige rating merci sinder alli cho, han mega freud so viel bekannti gsichter zgseh de negsti song kenneder alli scho, drum singed doch gern mit eis, zwei, drü ... drü drü drüüü pünkt das album hett drüüü pünkt
VICTOOOOORIAAAA riese banger, ahschlüssend isch die allgemeini stossrichtig tendenziell aber eher talwärts gsi das chan aber au mit minere momentane bereits erwähnte vorliebi zu "spuck der is gsicht dütschrap" z'tue ha fun story time: woni d' victoria lola dated han, hani weg de lieder "Victoria" & "Lola" d'theorie ih mim chopf ufgstellt, dass sie en ziitreisendi isch wo id 60er jahr zruggreist isch und es bandmitglied vo the kinks dated hed ui, fun story time isch scho over, recht churz usgfalle trotz uf und ab und trotz de tatsach dass mini lieblingslieder vo dere band nöd uf dem album sind muessi uf mis buchgfühl lose darum gids hüt wiedermal 4 abgleckti zeche vom noah "nettester boy" hertzog fun joke time: wenn öpper das album schlecht bewertet, isch das denn kink shaming? ui, fun joke time isch scho over, no vill chürzer usgfalle
Great listen
Not for me. 1/5
Some mother’s son - wow. This album must have been on the mood board for the early seasons of Black Mirror. Or maybe it’s the accents.
Quite a decent outfit
Meh not for me
This one is GREAT. Has to be among one of my favorite discoveries since starting to use the generator. I think I’ve read that it has a recurrent theme and could be considered a rock opera, though I’m not quite sure about that. Fav tracks: Yes Sir No Sir, Some Mother’s Son, Shangri-La, Mr Churchill Says, She Bought A Hat…. 4.5/5
What self-respecting Britpop fan would I be if I didn't fuck with The Kinks? Perfect band, perfect songwriting, invented music. Not my favorite Kinks album but still great
surprisingly cool and modern sounding
First? 3/5 Again? 2/5
3.5★. Liked some songs (Brainwashed, Australia) a lot. But something kept this from sounding more than Beatles-lite.
I bought this album at time of release. I remember that I had earlier bought Tommy by The Who and was fascinated by concept albums. It was because of that fact that I bought it rather than hearing many tracks prior. Comparing it with Tommy is unfair as that was a much more polished album and destined for the mega status it later got. Arthur never really got the same appreciation even though there were some good songs on it. A very British sounding album as was most of The Kinks output was. Haven’t played the album in ages so it was good to hear it and become acquainted again. It is very much of its time which is (can I believe it?) 55 years ago but despite its age has stood test of time. Special mention for the album cover which I still have. A gatefold with a Queen Victoria cardboard insert with lyrics. Very nice packaging and one of the first of its type. 4/5 20/1/25
Brilliant album, great concept and great music. I'm a sucker for a concept album, especially ones about British culture so this is right up my street. Love it.
Ois kolmonen mut -1 ku saanut kuulla ihan tarpeeksi monta kinksiä
Nope. Don't like this.
My first Kinks album. It's a good one.
Meh
I appreciate the Kinks, but they never seem to put it all together on one album...
Really nice
49 minutes of meh. Decent background music 1001 album worthy: No - 33/59
Ein paar Songs catchy
eh british
The most 60s British album I’ve ever heard, and I like it? They’re not all winners.. Drivin just came on. Nothing really stood out. Victoria is catchy, but probably nothing I’ll return to.
Well, I just had my final R.E.M. album this week, and now it's time for my final Kinks album. I was pretty underwhelmed by Face to Face and Something Else, but I enjoyed The Village Green Preservation Society, so maybe I'll enjoy this later entry as well. Arthur was outstanding, and easily the best Kinks album that I got to review. I didn't think they'd outdo The Village Green Preservation Society with me, but this album was incredible. The songwriting on Aurthur is outstanding. The social commentary is incredibly biting, and I love the way that the whole album has a feeling of "hey, we can say these things because we're English." The lyrics had such a sense of place to them, and they really transported me to England in the sixties, with the use of some great visual imagery. Musically, I really enjoyed this album as well. Arthur was some solid sixties guitar rock, with a really unique sound. It felt like The Kinks didn't try to do anything weird or avant gardé, opting to use more traditional rock sounds that helped further establish the sense of place established by the lyrics. The accessible arrangements really lured me in as a listener, making the sharp social critiques of the lyrics pack that much more punch due to the contrast. Arthur was a brilliant album, and I'm delighted that my last Kinks album to review wound up being my favorite of the bunch.
Australia is not at all accurate, and much like a flight to Australia, too long.
Still so beatles-like and I'm not a huge beatles fan.
It's a little bored, but has Chill Vibes, Even its old. Could be better.
I'm going to have a proper Kinks phase one of these days I tells you.
Fun. A nice combo of a classic US-rootsy sound with localized UK subject matter. Quite melodic.
When this started I wasn’t super into it. I like some stuff by the kinks, but the first few songs on here are not their best work. Then Australia happened and Shangri-La folllowed. Those two songs are worth listening to the rest of the album. After that the rest of the album is really good, but those two songs in the middle are the focal point of the album for me.
This is the second kinks album I’ve listened to, and even though I haven’t listened to the ‘big one’ I’m not sure I’m ever going to be one of the kinks biggest fans. I enjoyed this album, even if I think its a bit overwrought with the lyrics and arrangements on most of the songs, but again I wasn’t wowed. 3/5
Suena mucho a The Beatles y no a the kinks
Love the kinks. This was meh.
Mostly tripe
This seems like the album The Divine Comedy wre trying to make but failed. This was a lot better than their attempt. Some interesting sounds in this one. I can’t quite work out if it’s any good or not but there’s some of it I liked and it certainly raised a smile in places which marks it up in my book.
Nothing to set the pulse racing, but I enjoyed it. An interesting concept album that seemed to flow well. I am guessing we will have more of these guys later on to include some of their hits.
All the classic upbeat whimsy of The Kinks, but somehow amplified more powerfully and in multitude of styles (often within songs) in the middle section. Lots of invention and style. For me this could have been a contender to Ogden’s in the UK 60s psych concept album stakes, but came up short.
I have decided the kinks are slightly annoying and most of their sing as haven't aged well. This one is just too apple and pears for me.
Great songwriter
Has a distinctly modern feeling to it that I don't get from other albums from this era which I thought was nice. Other than that, not much to really say for this record.
Cool chord progression in some songs, but didnt find too many songs i liked. i liked yes sir no sir
Mostly notable as an early Kinks album, but no standout songs
нормалек, но ни одна песня сильно не зацепила. типа битлз, очень похоже по звучанию + из того же времени примерно, но раньше особо про них не слышал.
Mostly sounds the same. Appreciated the historic referencing throughout the albumn
2 yndlingssange Australia Mr. Churchill says Jeg tror genren er en form for klassisk rock med sådan noget tadala ekstravagant sang. Stor fokus på lyrics, som er et produkt af dens tid og man derfor virkelig først værdsætter det derigennem. Tror det har inspireret en del kunstnere ind i 80’erne. Ikke min smag. Ligger på en høj 2’er
Starts strong with 'Victoria"... and then you see why that is the only song that is familiar. Kinks were instrumental, so for fans and historians, give it a listen. Ray and Dave actually play like they don't hate each other...
some very good songs, will listen for a second time defo
Colour me surprised, for up until about halfway through this, I thought it was just going to be run-of-the-mill 1960s/70s Britishness. And for the most part, it is. But crucially, it’s not just that. It’s fantastically produced, whimsical, witty, et cetera. It’s all you could hope for from a ‘rock opera’. And here I was expecting some over-the-top Queen-esque sludge. Certain tracks are that sort of silly British ditty that I’m not sure I like (see She’s Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina), but quite a fair few of them are genuinely explorative and brilliant (see Australia and Shangri-La). So, it’s as I was expecting in that it’s a ‘fun’ album. But it’s not as I was expecting as it’s an enjoyable ‘fun’ album.
Never would have listened to this otherwise. Not a huge fan of the music but like the concept of the album.
Decent!
this is my kink it makes me proud as an English citizen, and then the album ends and i remembered that I'm NOT BRITISH at all. i missed the days that I spend in the UK. 4/5
British psychedelia tended to look back, toward childhood, or, like here, someone else's childhood. The guitar work is fantastic, but I'm not a fan of the brass. Still, I can see how the Kinks might be considered "the foremost band" as one of my friends claimed. Still, Beatles and Stones and Floyd before this. But they desperately deserve to have a landmark place in the history of rock. "Austailia" and "Shangri-la" are two of the greatest songs of the 60s.
Kinky fun
Not bad
This might have been a four but I've heard way too much Kinks by now, it all sounds the same. People in the reviews compare the song writing to Lenon/McCartney a lot, but at least the production and sound of the Beatles material grew and changed to give the albums unique indentity. The Kinks sound never seems to mature, by which I mean it remains uninteresting to me. Happy new year by the way.
could i write poetry to this? y
I had an interesting conversation recently about The Kinks and how their legal troubles prevented them from touring outside the U.K. during a particularly important time in their career. We agreed that this lack of exposure limited their popularity in the United States. I think we missed another important point about this. I believe that they also missed being exposed to American culture and this kept their songwriting in a very British mindset. While the Stones explored Country Music, The Who both courted and mocked the Hippies, and Led Zeppelin amplified The Blues, The Kinks stayed home and made music about the mundanity of life in postwar England. This does not translate well to American ears. London may have been swinging at the time, but you'd never be able to tell from this. I like (early and later) Kinks just fine, but this album and the others from this period just don't land with me.
This was an instant 5 for me.
-this was good! wasn’t expecting it to be so unique and interesting, I guess. I really like some of the concepts and instrumentation -the little guitar riff in the middle of Mr. Churchill Says is absolutely undefeated -the middle section of the album was probably my favorite part interestingly -Favorites are Brainwashed, Australia, and Mr. Churchill Says
60’s Brit rock
Very British 60’s rock album
Pretty chill, liked it. Nothing standout, but overall not too bad.
Mostly nice bouncy very British folk pop. Some dated songs that are still okay
I have a love/hate relationship with Britain (particularly England) which I think is mirrored in the content of this album. I really liked this and wish I’d had the chance to listen to it a few more times. I feel like calling it a concept album is kinda facile. Like, is really a concept album about the human condition, right?
I'm a sucker for The Kinks, and I loved listening to this. Interesting songs with distinctive lyrics. Solid 4 stars.
This was completely not the sound I expected from the kinks
One of my all time favorite albums
kende er niet zoveel van... maar alles toch van Kinks-allooi, dus was zekers niet slecht
I feel they’re in the same league as the Beatles, it’s interesting that their music didn’t travel the same way. Lots of great political commentary, silly lyrics, and great guitar riffs happening here.
Decent classic rock album with some neat ideas.
Not all of these older albums hold up in my opinion, but I really liked the sound of this one
The Kinks are the 13th most played artist since I first played Face to Face in November 2022. Equal with Nirvana. But I guess that's not surprising since I've mostly been listening to this list over that time as well. Anyway, I don't really see the appeal of this band, this album is certainly an interesting concept but it's just as mediocre as the rest of the albums. Fave: Australia
I do love a bit of Kinks - I'm not as familiar with this album as some of their others, so this isn't quite a 5 yet, but on two play throughs it was definitely growing on me a lot, so more listens would probably bump it up. Seems very coherent, concept-album-wise. Fave tracks - "Yes Sir, No Sir", "Shangri La" and of course, with the Kinks you also have to look at what non-album singles they were putting out at the same time. "Plastic Man"! That's a tune too!
Teniendo una canción que se llame Arthur, cómo no voy a darle un 5.
Shit singer....like all their stuff hence won't listen again....I hope
This is a fun concept album with a few real bangers on it. I didn't really know this album before, aside from the hits, but it further reinforces my love for the Kinks.
What? My kink? Feet. What’s up with british history tho?
Enjoyed this album. I think the Kinks are great. This has mixed energy - something for everyone, some recognisable songs too. I think it's good
the very likely peak of ray davies as a songwriter, yet also where he chafes the most against the limits of his worldview. the fact that he DOES have a distinct and constantly articulated worldview is one of the most interesting things about the kinks, certainly sets them apart from their contemporaries, and i find a lot of resonance with it on village green because we suffer from many of the same anxieties and unreasonable idealizations. but his metaphorical tale of the british empire where the ultimate tragedy is its eventual slumping over into pathetic powerlessness...where the victims are the unfullfilled middle class surrounded by wealth that doesnt make them happy...its a little fundamentally wrongheaded lol. thats a p big complaint but its the only main one i can raise...while its deffo not a hard rock album or anything, the kinks shed their current (lovely) Wussy Pop Style to something that feels more connected to their earlier experiments in heaviness, a bunch of propulsive and extremely melodic pop rock songs with a powerfully anchoring guitar sound...lots of convincing Physicality to the sound here. and for whatever my hangups with the concept, its constructed extremely well...not a hyper-linear rock opera, but a collection of meaningful and illustrative moments arranged with real dramatic momentum. ill repeat what i said about village green ages ago...thats the more fundamentally likeable project for me, but i might prefer this one song-for-song
I've only been doing this generator challenge for four months, and this is the third album from The Kinks. Again, just like the other ones, it's a mediocre classic rock album, and there is very little else to say. Favorite Song: "Shangri-La"
I found this weirdly bland. I get that there is a narrative arc but when the arc is prioritised over the actual tunes then im not keen
Man, I'm stupid bummed I didn't listen to them more growing up. They are f*cking underrated with how cool and fun and inventive they are.
Fun album. This is definitely a band I knew about but really hadn't listened to much of their music. Glad this popped up. 3/5
This is rad af. Wild, trippy, silly, inventive and influential. Like The Beatles mixed with Monty Python.
Very much the Kinks.
I came into this album already really liking what I’ve heard of The Kinks. They were a favorite band of my dad’s and I loved individual songs like “State of Confusion” and “Come Dancing.” But I’d never sat and listened through an entire album of theirs. The further I got into this album, the more I became convinced that The Kinks should have been as big as, if not bigger than, The Beatles. They have a penchant for unusual but catchy melodies, used a lot of experimental techniques (never forget that Dave Davies essentially invented distortion), and they have that distinctive British flavor (flavour?) that I really enjoy in music. “Victoria” was one of the strongest standout tracks for me and one hell of an album opener. It’s horrendously catchy and tended to get stuck in my head the entire day after I listened to it. The harpsichord-driven “She’s Bought a Hat…” was a really fun and quirky track, and “Young and Innocent Days” came with a kind of warm, somber nostalgia due to the lyrical content, but the real star, to me, was the epic “Australia.” Hearing “Australia” was what it took to launch Dave Davies into my top five guitarists of all time. I’m in love with the tone of his guitar on this track, and his lengthy solo goes way harder than anything else I’ve heard in a while. The other songs were great in their own ways, and no two tracks sounded similar or interchangeable. Every track had its own unique sound to it, and while I do value a little bit of cohesiveness in albums, as a musician myself I know how hard it is to make each song stand out on their own. The Kinks succeeded with flying colors at just that. Honestly, I’m tempted to give this album five stars for that solo alone (and for the infectious “Victoria”), but this is only my second day and I don’t want to be too generous with my five star ratings until I’ve heard some other albums for comparison’s sake. So Arthur is a solid four for me at this time, but it may just rank higher in the end. Overall though, I was very impressed. The Davies bros did it again.
pretty good, but for a rock opera the vocals are pretty underwhelming. still very enjoyable
I love the Kinks but this album is just too british to get any better than 3 stars. 3/5
I recently described Beck's album Sea Change as the soundtrack to a Paul Thomas Anderson movie that doesn't exist as a way of describing its emotional arc. Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire), on the other hand, quite literally *is* a soundtrack to a movie that doesn't exist. As the Kinks' ban from the United States wore on - this was their last album before they regularly toured the US again - Ray Davies collaborated with a British filmmaker on a story, and this album was to roughly mirror that production. Only, to paraphrase Jonathan Frakes: It never happened. What was left was an intensely personal album that lacked the shield the movie would have provided. It's a concept album, about the Davies family, growing up in England during the war, conflictual feelings about national pride, and loss. It's a really strong set of songs, though I could live without Princess Marina.
Excellent album. Love it.
not my cup of tea ☕️
Kinks are fun as hell. Really good enerygy.
Great album in the great class of ‘69.
My first time listening this band. I find their quirk intriguing.
I would be just fine without listening to this album before I die.
knietief durch die 60er .. eher zäh und verkrampft der erste teil des albums, nachher etwas sehr lieblich säuselnd .. mir gefällt es wenig.
Für eine Platte aus den 70er sehr hörenswert.
Вполне себе
I really like this album. I'm a big Kinks fan, seeing how much they influenced later music and rock music in general. So underrated for their contributions. 4/5
The Kinks go experimental and prog rock here. Very into it.
Stabilt! Några riktigt bra låtar och några riktigt snygga gitarrljud!
Victoria is a HIT! Album is a masterpiece! I like it very much. Every track is perfect! Thank you!
7/10…guter britischer Pop/Rpck
Kinks rule. This might be their peak. Wonderful rock opera. Favorite tracks: Victoria, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, Nothing to Say
Kinks huoh
A definitive Kinks album well produced and performed. The only issue for was that none of the songs stood out and there was nothing impress the listener.
Pretty good, used it as work music so I wasn't paying a lot of attention but solid 3.5/5
The Kinks were on terrific form in this period. Many great songs here.
Not really digging it
Enjoyed that! Very English
In my mind pure Punk in the sound of the Beatles. Genious.
Not the best by them, but a few solid tracks and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole album. Would have liked a but more range, but The Kinks are never a disappointment. 4/5
I don’t usually think of the Kinks and the Beatles in the same category. Maybe I haven’t ever paid attention, or maybe in 1969 everybody tried to sound like the Beatles. In any case, this was okay. But I didn’t love it. I even went back to focus on the lyrics and the social commentary, but, meh. I’m not British and not an Anglophile, don’t drool over Monty Python etc, so it’s just not my jam. This is the first Kinks album I’ve gotten in this project. I hear there are FOUR. Seems excessive. Hoping some of the others are more interesting, and justify their inclusion.
Cool music
Rating: 7 Best Song: Brainwashed
I have yet to meet a concept album I don’t like.
Even though all the childlike wonder and whimsy in the tunes gets tiresome sometimes, I cannot deny that it also is among the most consistently ?cute? 60s concept albums.
This was actually quite nice, but I still think this is not the best The Kinks album.
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.
Enjoyable album. Really liked “Victoria”. Everything else was good, just not as standoutish. 3/5 Might listen again
Pretty mid. Felt like they were just trying to keep up with the Beatles to be honest. Not sounding super fresh, but not terrible. 2.5*
A very intriguing album and another I can’t believe is not more widely known and appreciated! I had certainly never heard it before. Ray Davis is a song writin colossos.
Appriciated the album. Just felt a bit stale and samey towards the end
Great album by The Kinks I had never heard before, outside of Victoria. Shangri-La is my favorite song on the album easily.
Solid, well aged album. 3.5 stars but extra points for the consistency throughout all songs.
Late 60s early 70s british noise makers Not my thing
Mr Churchill says is. Great track
Not quite as whimsical (believe it or not) as my go-to Kinks album The Village Green Preservation Society, and not quite as rockin’ as Lola Versus Powerman, Arthur sits squarely in the middle for me. It has bangers like Victoria, Drivin’, Australia, and Shangri-La, but this isn’t an album I listen to straight through like the others bookending this one. I also can’t help but notice how similar Drivin’ sounds to Picture Book on VGPS.
Some very interesting and topical at the time issues in there. A bit monotonous towards the end but I still liked it. Highlights: Victoria Some Mother's Son
Background music for making supper. Nothing to report.
To me, when The Kinks got a little weird and quirky is when they excelled the most. Their run at the end of the 60s and into the early 70s is what cemented them as one of pop rock’s most essential and influential bands. The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society was no doubt surprisingly much better than I imagined. But I won’t pretend it was the greatest thing I’d ever heard. Ray Davies and his band mates were definitely a talented group of people though. Now, after hearing this album, I think my opinion of this band has actually grown considerably. I didn’t anticipate liking this so much. But from an objective standpoint, some of these songs are of the best that the decade has to offer. They were in their prime here, and like I mentioned at the beginning, the creative juices seemed to really be flowing. I feel like Australia is potentially an early example of blues rock, and it’s killer. This is also probably one of the earliest rock operas. But whatever concept or interpretation they were trying to push with this doesn’t come through all that clearly. Overall, I don’t know if I would say this is better than the album that preceded it, but I think I enjoy it more. Rating: 7/10
Quite good
Rating: 6.5/10
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.
omg, this is awesome!!!! AUSTRALIIIIIIIIIAAAAAA!
Pretty fun and witty album
This was boring. I'm sure I've heard good Kinks songs before but I guess they are from a different album.
I’ve always wanted to dig a little deeper into these kookie Brits’ back catalog. They could be one of the most under rated bands in history!
I am not familiar with the Kinks beyond their popular radio hits. This album was all new to me. It was not what I was expecting. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't something that hooked me.
Nothing memorable.
Fun album, better than the one of theirs I've rated previously It's a harsh 3 I enjoyed this one but not on the same level as the 4s
For the most part, I thought this was a pretty good album with some cool standouts like “Victoria” and “Australia”. Then I heard Shangri-La. Since I first heard the album, I have probably played Shangri-La 20 times. It is simply one of the greatest songs I have ever heard. I’m so happy I heard it.
Kinda mid. Has glimpses of greatness and bits and pieces of better artists. Fav Track: Yes Sir, No Sir
Giving very much Beatles vibes but I think that’s just the 60s vibe of it. Seems to be an ironic take on war and revolution and the oppression and death of it all based on the lyrics. The music and rhythm of it all is amazing as well. I like that it’s not exactly the same as everything else at the time but it’s still similar enough that you can call it catchy and you can dance to it easily. So far Drivin’ is the best song imo. Overall a great album and i will most likely listen to a lot of the songs again. Really love the vibe and it starts and ends amazingly.
Very English.
Yesterday I had an album named The United States of America so the next day getting one with the British Empire in the title I can't help but laugh a little bit. Especially because this was released a year after. Decent album overall, felt kinda repetitive at times and busy at others. I did enjoy my listen though!
Dave Davies guitar solo 🥴🥵 This one I like :)
I feel like this is so old that it's comfy listening even though it was probably pretty intense for the time.
It's ok. Wouldn't recommend nor would I be bothered if someone turned it on. 6/10
Kinda quirky, has a couple great singles.
A treat
Better than I had thought, rocky listen
The Kinks, it turns out, have many great songs. Unfortunately, none are on this album.
Um I thought I lowkey liked the Kinks… I guess I don’t.
I’m so glad I finally listened to the Kinks. I must have had an aural hallucination when I was younger because I always though of slightly out of tune, aggressively strummed chords and have just assumed they were annoyingly overhyped for as long as I can remember. It turns out I’m just an asshole and that these dudes are pretty groovy.
It’s alright
Was not exactly on this vibe yesterday
Great album, weird lyrics, bit boring, Beatlesque
Some albums are timeless but this really hasn't aged well. It comes off as a selection of show tunes. A "rock opera", supposedly. 2/5.
Great kinks. Again another unique band
reminds me of Paul songs, just more annoying
This is the first Kinks album I have ever heard all the way through. It looks like I will have three other albums that I need to listen to during this project. I have always been a Kinks Greatest Hits-type of person with an interest in the more popular album tracks. This is a concept album, which I generally don't really enjoy. There have been exceptions I have found through this project. I always find the Kinks to be one of the more interesting British invasion bands and feel they work hard to not write typical 60's rock songs. I have also found their music to be a bit more elusive for me. It's difficult to put into words but the some of all the music I enjoy (and there is quite a bit) never has added up to a band I tend to enjoy. I think part of this is their social commentary that feels very British niche (at least to me). Victoria, Drivin', Shangri-La and Australia are all really great songs. I loved the end of Australia with the guitar solo outro, horns and drums. It was a fun song to listen to. The music is good but I am not sure this is the album that would convince me to do more than listen to the Kinks greatest hits. Great (and underrated in some ways) band, perhaps not an album-oriented band for me. Three more chances and my mind could get changed. This is three "3-star" albums in a row for me.
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
It took me a long time to get through this album. It was ok. The first songs were good, the rest of it seemed to be more of the same type of music. Overall, not a bad experience, but not a great one either.
Did not sound much like the Kinks, hence I enjoyed this album more than normal. The guitar and drums were good. I enjoyed the British history lessons and perspective on the album.
I’m not a big fan of his voice but I think the instruments did their part as in they offset his voice to make it a 3 if his voice was slightly better it would be a 4
Nice little album. The Kinks are another one of those really famous and influential bands that I have never actually listened to until now. Quite liked it. Liked the lyrics a lot loved the critiques and the way Ray Davies presented them. Their overall sound on this album was also very enjoyable. Would not have guessed that this was made in '69 sounds much more clean cut and modern than that.
this was a pretty ok listen. however, several tracks really had a Sgt. Pepper's Beatles vibe (not my fav Beatles album)
Another thing that'll make me feel out of my depth several times on this list, pre-1970s rock. Though this barely makes the cut at 1969, and I generally like the Kinks, I'm not sure how much I like their melodic sound compared to the garage/frat style of their really early stuff. The Who are my touchstone standard for this era and the Kinks were always just a bit less interesting than them to me. I don't have many words for this one as a result, it's pleasant and the concept of tracing modern British history back through song is fun but it's not something I'd seek out. The coolest album I'll probably never listen to again. 6/10
Pretty non-descript - I remember liking a couple Kinks tunes, none on this collection. Nothing stands out - can't remember a single track that caught my attention.
These kinks fellas sure love a good concept album
Fun album. Didn't blow me away or anything, but definitely enjoyable. Could see this going up with more listens probably.
It was ok. Sounded very like the beetles in places.
De Kinks maken wel leuke, relaxte jarenzestigmuziek met een prettig ironische ondertoon, maar ik hoor op dit album toch weinig opmerkelijks voorbijkomen. Ja, een speech van Churchill op muziek, wat een lol. Wel een hilarische albumtitel, en op Wikipedia lees je dan wie Arthur eigenlijk is, welja.
Ik lees dat dit voor geen meter verkocht. 2 jaar later probeerden ze een derde single van het album. En ja! dat scoorde. Welgeteld nr 62 gehaald in de VS. En dat is wel het niveau van dit album. Het beste nummer heeft op het moment van uitkomen ongeveer 60 betere nummers voor zich te laten gaan. Het is simpelweg niet goed. Ze hebben wat Beatles-achtige klanken met minder creativiteit en ontzettend storende matige zang. Schande voor de lijst.
The Kinks was in de jaren 60 best wel een grote band volgens mij, die zich kon meten met de Beatles en de Stones. Maar (ook) hier beklijft bij mij het gevoel dat het toch meer huismerk Beatles is, dan een eigen geluid heeft. Ik ken het hele oeuvre van the Kinks niet, maar ik ken wel de greatest hits. En bij het vorige album schreef ik ook al dat je van the Kinks beter de greatest hits kan luisteren. Anders is het geheel te gezapig. Ik ken de losse albums van the Kinks niet goed genoeg om te oordelen of ze wel een album hebben, dat helemaal top is. Of ze een eigen Sgt Peppers hebben. Op dit album staan in ieder geval wel meerdere nummers die ik ken en die dus de greatest hits gehaald hebben. Daardoor vind ik het wel vermakelijk genoeg om 3,5 ster te geven. En laat ik het afronden naar een 4, want ik ben al zuur genoeg geweest de afgelopen 2 albums :-)
A few great kinks tracks.
Interesting historical themes and a delight to listen to!
It's a totally fine album. Very much sounds like it could be a Beatles album from the same year. Would I revisit it? Probably not. But that's not to say it's not a decent album with any songs that I would skip.
They sound way more like the Beatles on this one
Good 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
It is with great regret that (even with this being the second Kinks album this week) i say i like and appreciate this album. While there are too many like this record on the 1001 list, this one at least knows what it’s doing. There’s plenty of character, fun storytelling, catchy melodies. These guys really hate the idea of war, as did most rock bands in the late 60’s. Highlights on here for me are Yes Sir, No Sir as well as Shangri-La
bit repetitive near the end but overall really solid
They're so COOL. So far ahead of their time. Love it.
We just don’t get this on a public scale anymore.
Liked 1 song, rest forgettable.
Very Sgt. Pepper vibes...hippy dippy with some obvious recreational substances in the background ;) I liked most of the songs but then they kind of went off into weird trippy places. Australia started off cool but then the drugs kicked in. Mr. Churchill and Nothing to Say were probably my favs and Drivin' was a hit but I found it somewhat annoyingly repetitive.
The Kinks have a kooky fun vibe, and I dig their sound and their energy. Appreciate the conceptual aspect, though it made it feel a little more like a storybook than a music album. Good times though!
I had a great time listening to this album. I thought the tracks were fun and upbeat, and there was definitely a critique of society in the lyrics. I will have to give this one another go around at some point.
Concept Albums are my favourite concept!
Brainwashed sounded more like something from the White Stripes than I expected. Overall it's not a bad album but it's just alright.
no my style
Hovering between 3 and 4 stars for this one. Very English and quaint, a gentle rock opera. Has the quiet desperation of middle class English life down to a tee, but it's not mean-spirited, but very sympathetic. Musically sounds a bit like early Pink Floyd, with later Pink Floyd sounds from The Wall in there too. 4 stars, but only just.
Didn't really do it for me. Besides Victoria and Shangri-La the rest of the album doesn't sound as good and the songs sound like generic 1970 rock. 2.5/5, but I'll give it a 3 for convenience sake.
I love Ray Davies as a composer and this album confirms this feeling. I had only heard Victoria before, so it's nice for me to a hear a new Kinks album. I'll probably have to listen a few more times to actually get it, but I do like the concept here. Liked Songs Added: Victoria
It was pretty sweet even though I didn't really think any song stood out
Could be 4.5 stars
I like this, simple and catchy. The album had stereo and mono recordings intermixed seemingly randomly and I didn't realize I was relistening to parts.
Ik las dat dit album in eerste instantie moeilijk voeten in de aarde kreeg buiten de UK, en als je de op en top Brits historische thematiek bekijkt valt dat voor te stellen. En ook hun muziekstijl, die je voorafgaand aan dit album kon omschrijven als quirky, vluchtig en enorm catchy, maakt op deze plaat een flinke u-turn. In veel nummers neemt Sir Ray je mee in een verhaal, vaak met betrekking tot post-war Britain en het mentale concept 'Engelsman zijn' in die wereld. Het zijn daardoor langere songs dan waar ze bekend om staan. En alhoewel dát de vluchtige stijl is waarin alle charme zit van The Kinks, en waar mijn liefde voor de band vandaan komt, is dit wellicht toch mijn favoriete totaalwerk van ze. Het zijn toch die verhaallijnen, en de variatie daarin, die ''Arthur'' als conceptalbum gewoon een hele vermakelijke maakt. Ondanks dat sommige nummers wat langer duren, zijn de versnellingen als in 'Mr. Churchill Says' en de jams als in 'Australia' van die elementen die het geen moment saai maken. Daarnaast is het onmogelijk voor Ray Davies om een album te schrijven waarin geen quirky en catchy momenten te vinden zijn, met 'Victoria' en 'Drivin' als goede voorbeelden. De kracht van dit album ligt echter wel echt in de storywriting. 'Some Mother's Son' is een waanzinnig protestlied, hartverscheurend bijna. En 'Shangri-La' is één van de beste Kinks-songs wat mij betreft, en is thematisch ook nog steeds relevant. Het einde van het album is wat minder boeiend, waardoor hij de ultieme 5 sterren-score net misloopt. 8,5/10 Highlights: Victoria Some Mother's Son Shangri-La Mr. Churchill Says
Het beste gebundelde werk van the Kinks dat ik tot nu toe heb gehoord! Op een aantal aspecten kan dit concept-album bijna tippen aan Sgt. Peppers. Zeker nummers als Yes Sir, No Sir zouden daar zo op passen, mede door het gitaar geluid en het gebruik van blazers. Songs als Drivin' zijn echt lekker edgy en elk nummer tovert een glimlach op je gezicht. Het tempo is hoog en er gebeurd veel in de nummers. Sommige nummers evolueren heerlijk en brengen daarmee het gevoel over van het concept van dit album. Zoals bijvoorbeeld Australia, wat eindigt met een minutenlange chaotische solo met blazers. Shangri-La bouwt ook geleidelijk op tot een heerlijke hardrock-track, met ook hier een speciale shoutout naar het gebruik van blazers. Echt een hoogtepunt. Arthur gaat rechtstreeks op het LP-verlanglijstje! 8,5/10 Highlights Yes Sir, No Sir Australia Shangri-La Mr. Churchill Says
I will never not love The Kinks. I actually bounced around for a while when I saw this was my album today.
Kinky
Liked the album. Was pleasantly surprised by parts of it. The political commentary doesn’t take itself too seriously and is tasteful. Not too much to say besides that. Standouts: Some Mother’s Son, Drivin’, Shangri-La, Young and Innocent Days, and Nothing to Say.
Good
Veldig gøy
This was my highest album for a long time.
What a masterpiece, catchy songs with excellent lyrics.
Better than the other Kinks album, but pretty unmemorable.
Not their best album outside of about 2 songs
it was alright. liked australia and victoria but not really anything else.
I didn’t know as many songs on this particular album of theirs, but great Kinks vibe either way.
Pleasant enough arrangements with lots of instrumental flavors, but lacks the kind of strong hooks that were released in albums by fellow colleagues in the music industry during the year of 1969. I can see why it was not a commercial success that year. Also, a bit too self-loathing about British life in my opinion. I understand it is a tradition to take the piss, but after awhile the pessimism gets tiresome. As a fan of concept albums I do give them credit for holding the story together over the whole album. The theme is clear and consistent. In my opinion, by 1969 their best songs such as "All Day and All of the Night", "You Really Got Me", and "A Well Respected Man" are all behind them and it was middling albums from here on out. Favorite track: "Australia"
Victoria 4 Yes Sir, No Sir 3.8 Some Mother's Son 3.4 Drivin' 3 Brainwashed 3.2 Australia 3.4 Shangri-La 4 Mr. Churchill Says 3.3 She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina 3 Young and Innocent Days 3.1 Nothing to Say 3.2 Arthur 3.3 Score: 3.391666667
2 Stars (5/15)
Incredible
I think I'm getting tougher with my ratings. The 2s have been rolling out. Would I have made this a 4 in the past? Tbh, probably not. It's good, it has a lot more variety than a lot of rock, indie, punk, etc. Don't come at me and pretend like those 3 genres aren't insane overlapped. Anyway, ya, 3, will listen again, but didn't blow my mind.
I was a bit disappointed by this album. Maybe I wasn't in the mood to listen to "Arthur". That happens to me occasionally. One good thing is that the Kinks weren't trying to imitate the Beatles. This must be the third concept album from 1969 I didn't like. 2 stars for "Arthur".
Good album for its time. Some songs are a bit dated.
I had only ever heard the hit single Victoria before and it was at such a young age that I thought the song was just about a girl named Victoria; not the Victoria. Was very interesting album to listen to the theme was cool and I quite enjoyed it.
I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would, victoria is a gem
So late ‘60s, psychedelic Beatles ripoff with a heavy interest in Paul, All Over The Place So Let’s Call It A Concept Album™️, it hurts. I was so excited when I first heard The Kinks, but this list has really proven that they were just a lesser copycat band who chased trends and rarely did them well. Sure, they can play, and sometimes they stumble into something amazing, but most of the time, it’s derivative. Arthur especially is just overblown and insufferable ‘60s pop; a big idea with very little depth in practice. A huge step down from Village Green, and a huge let down for me, personally.
some good riff, but a bit sloppy
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.
Weird but enjoyable.
Pretty boring. I've always thought the Kinks were pretty dull for a 60's band but I was hoping this one would be different? Nope.
Style and vocals reminds me a lot of the Beatles White Album.