Something Else by the Kinks, often referred to simply as Something Else, is the fifth UK studio album by the Kinks, released in September 1967. It marks the final involvement of American producer Shel Talmy in the Kinks' 1960s studio recordings; henceforth Ray Davies would produce recordings. Many of the recordings feature the keyboard work of Nicky Hopkins and the backing vocals of Davies's wife, Rasa. Two hit singles are included: "Waterloo Sunset" and "Death of a Clown". The album was ranked No. 288 on Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. It was voted number 237 in Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums 3rd Edition (2000).
What am I missing? Really disappointing, was expecting more. Released the same year the Beatles released Revolver this sounds like an album made by children. Waterloo Sunset is the only really strong song. Everything else sounds like a collection of bad Beatles throwaways.
Very chill, great atmosphere and just a bit silly. Reminds me a bit of the Beatles, actually. I very much enjoyed it.
Prior to the 90s I think I was only aware of the Kinks from Lola (I knew You Really Got Me but I don't think I knew who it was by). I came to the whole 60s psychedelic rock/British invasion/folk revival in my college days. A fine album though I think Village Green is still my favorite
Perhaps the Kinks’ best album. Very sonically diverse
I love The Kinks. Especially on albums like this where they weave a tapestry of these down to earth musical short stories.
Kinks have some great songs, but this album is boring.
WHAT AN AWESOME BAND,
Whereas the rock bands of 1967 were submitting themselves to the bold, colorful psychedelic style of the Swinging Sixties, The Kinks were busy doing... Something Else. Remaining in their increasingly character driven world while others were exploring tantalizing terrains, The Kinks showed that they could still keep up with taut, often impressionistic compositions that highlighted the normal people that were left behind in the psychedelic boom. As the album cover suggests, they made quite the usage with the gray, drab lives led by those who were either idolized or sympathized and often wonders whether or not they deserved better. As an alternative to the much heralded Aquarian age, Something Else shines as an example of The Kinks' obvious greatness. Favorites: David Watts, Death of a Clown, Two Sisters, Harry Rag, Tin Soldier Man, Situation Vacant, Love Me Till the Sun Shines, Afternoon Tea, Waterloo Sunset.
So far I only new Lola by The Kinks. Nice to know not all of their songs are about a teenager losing his virginity to a middle-aged crossdresser. Nice album, a couple good songs, similarities to the trippier phases of The Beatles. Didn't know Waterloo Sunset was by them.
I really need to listen to this band more. Feels like a transitional record for them, but it’s still great.
A really solid album from The Kinks which showcases Ray Davies' song writing talent. He deserves to be spoken of in the same breath as Lennon and McCartney. And whilst the album isn't replete with hits, it's an enjoyable listen nevertheless, with Davies' eye for observational storytelling holding your attention. Add to that a solid rhythm section and the excellent, under-appreciated Dave Davies on lead guitar and this is one of the best albums of the sixties. And, as if that isn't enough, the album includes Waterloo Sunset - a masterpiece, not just a great sixties record but one of the greatest songs of all time. This is Davies' legacy - a piece of music that will be talked about by future generations.
The essential Kinks album. Will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, and Googling what a 'Harry Rag' is...
Second Kinks album in two weeks. Still not an album with hits, but I guess they don't have as many "hits" as I thought. Like the first, this is certainly fine music. I admire it a little more for committing to this old timey music bit. It's less 1960s rock, and more 1860s saloon music. But aside from that novelty, I wasn't too impressed. At this point, I think I'm good on the Kinks for at least a few months. Favorite tracks: No Return, Death of a Clown, Situation Vacant. Album art: Pretty simple design, but I give them credit for again committing to the old timey music bit. The ancient-looking photos and layout fits the aesthetic perfectly. 3/5
A lot of these songs sound like Beatles songs. I'm not saying they're knock offs necessarily, but they're like the Pibb Extra to the Beatles' Dr. Pepper. Overall passable I suppose. The low point was definitely No Return, which sounds generic and boring and has terrible mixing to boot. Suzanne's Still Alive, Harry Rag, and Tin Silver Man are probably the most notable and enjoyable tracks. I will probably not be listening to this album as a whole ever again, though.
I had to watch Yellow Submarine last week and it's a watered down version of that. Also, I'm not really a fan of the Beatles so overall: Kinda Butt
Meh. This one's pretty boring, honestly. There's nothing that stands out as particularly interesting or unique and a lot that just sounds like low-budget rip-offs of other bands.
The virgin Harry Rag vs. the chad David Watts
no more Kinks Please
Can't even remember listening to it.
It should be in every sensible human's best interests to hate on the British, for they are the British, but the Kinks are the only band in Britain that genuinely make one feel any sympathy for the country. It's quite a shame that the band is merely a national treasure but they're all the better for their uncompromising approach to music. While everyone was playing baby tunes, they were pumping out hard rock riffs and then when everyone went psychedelic, they retreated into beautiful nuanced and bittersweet pictures of pastoral life. On this record, you get genius melodies and you get simple things. As you should.
4.5 stars, mostly brilliant
Have always loved this album
Very much enjoy the sound of the Kinks. Very cool 60s. I appreciate the familiarity of the sound, paired with the fact that I hadn't heard any of these songs before. Would listen again.
If you told me this was The Beatles I'd believe you.
Already loved The Kinks, it was fun to hear more songs from them!
At least two familiar songs.
Fun. First song made me dance. Good happy oldies. Good for work
(Y)
So great
Un obra de genialidad. Brillantes.
Great Album of 60's nostalgia.
Similar Artist: The Beatles
I’ve got this but was great hearing it again- I’ll need to dig out my Kinks CDs!
It sounds very much like the 1960s but has a uniquely calm and innovative charm. I was surprised that they had so much more range than I thought
Always love this kind of music
Second set of Kinks. No bad thing. Yep, it's The Kinks alright. Cannot complain even a little bit.
I liked this very much
Love the Kinks more and more everytime I listen to them. Not a bad song on here.
the best album. they have waterloo sunset
Interesting that this album was not as successful as some of the "Greatest Hits" albums released at the same time, this is the kinks changing their style from pop puppets to the brilliant masters of influential sardonically English pop/rock. Highlights include the great "David Watts" later recorded by Paul Weller and The Jam. The fraternal bickering that has unfortunately dogged the band through the years is writ large by the fact that, another highlight, "Death Of A Clown" so clearly written by David is credited as David/Ray because Ray added the La-Las into the refrain! Love this as a piece of musical history and also an important part of the Kinks journey to the "Village Greenary" that is as quintessentially English as Music Hall, Ian Drury and Only Fools and Horses! Great choice and of course has the classic "Waterloo Sunset" to boot! Rightfully on this list.
Can really hear the DNA of rock n roll in this. One of the rare Beatles contemporaries who, despite being in the same space, sound different and unique. The first time I heard Act Nice and Gentle was as a Black Keys cover, and it took me a while to even figure out that it was a cover, but it goes to show how much they have influenced subsequent generations. Excellent album.
I love the Kinks. They are so playful with their lyrics and theme. This album was a hoot. '60s Brit pop rock at its finest.
Damnnn
this is such a good album. i wanna say something goofy about it but it is so good. the songwriting is beatles-y but not in an annoying derivative way. i just love the kinks
A nice mix of psychedelic and silly.
Another great 60s album of the Kinks - I always rated it above Face to Face, which I gave 5 stars half a year ago or so. The two singles are evergreens of course but the majority of the other songs are equally good and some of them are just as known as well.
Understated, charming, grounded, enjoyed it a lot. 4.5
My eyes lit up when this appeared. It's from the mid sixties, when Ray Davies was at the peak of his songwriting, with whimsical ditties, stories of various characters loaded with period charm. Song titles like 'Afternoon Tea', 'End of the Season' and 'Lazy Old Sun' tells you this is a very British sounding album. The production is understated and typical of a 1967 UK Act with hints of vaudeville, psychedelia and a vast array musical instruments. It's an organic sounding record with lots of standout tracks like the insistent 'David Watts', Dylan-ish 'Death of a Clown', the striking 'Two Sisters' (featuring a harpsichord), the slightly humorous Cossack rhythm of 'Harry Rag' (rhyming slang in England for fag, as in cigarettes) before ending with the timeless 'Waterloo Sunset'. Fans of 'You Really Got Me' etc may possibly hate this but I love it.
Waterloo Sunset is amazing
Woah this album blew me off! It's so moody and cool! Typical nonsense childish lyrics of the summer of love (in a good way, I like 'em). I'd describe it as a Piper At The Gates Of Dawn lite in terms of weirdness. It's more commercial but atill enough weirdness. 5/5 it's soo fucking good! Fav. Song is Afternoon Tea.
Wonderful, unparalleled storytelling, varied sound, perfectly English.
Lovely tunes disguising acerbic social commentary. Fabulous
Waterloo Sunset is one my favorite songs
David Watts to Waterloo Sunset. Golden age Kinks.
Super solid. Great vibes.
Arguably The Kinks best album. This is the album where The Kinks could now be considered on a par with The Beatles. Each song is a little gem that paints a portrait as vivid and palpable as any band ever managed. This was The Kinks magic and when done well like on this album well there was very little on this level. 5 stars
So excited to get this one. Already listen to it fairly regularly and love this album and 60s Kinks in general. No Return such a beautiful little bossa nova. Harry Rag sounds almost like a sea shanty. Beautiful little snapshots of a the old guard English life that was quickly disappearing, but not delusionally nostalgic in the sense of "ah the good old days" but rather pointing out the small day to day, with it's good and bad and wondering if the societal changes would actually change everyday life very much. So much domesticity in this album which is really interesting in comparison to the "kids tell your parents to fuck off" rock of the times. This album totally makes sense for 1967 - with the return to Edwardian fashion and the likes of The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's. Wonderful album and I just love the whole feel of it. Takes me back to a place I didn't know, yet still somehow missed.
Storytelling and music hall mixed in this is pinnacle 60s brit pop
Fantastic album, love it
Lawd the Kinks were great! "Death of a Clown" and "Waterloo Sunset" are load-bearing songs in the English psyche. This is the album where they really hit their stride, right? Fave track - As well as the aforementioned, "Harry Rag" is infections AF - I had to look up what the dickens a harry rag, was though - apparently it’s rhyming slang! Harry rag -> fag -> cigarette! Makes a bit more sense why everyone in the song is crazy about them - I was assuming it was some sort of miraculous cleaning product! The Kinks also continue their somewhat bewildering habit of releasing some absolutely cracking singles that don't appear on the albums. "Autumn Almanac" and "Mr. Pleasant" are awesome...
Very odd, in that specific 60s way. Very good though, and touches on themes few other bands wrote about.
Great song writing
KK GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD. Gooovy, baby! Very Shagalicious!
Good
Can't go wrong with The Kinks.
Would listen to again.
I never knew how much I loved The Kinks until Village Green a few weeks ago and now this. They are awesome.
Really enjoyed this album
very cool
First of all, the Kinks are one of my favourite bands of all time and they have released a ton of good music, I would rank Something Else in my top 3 Kinks albums. This album began an amazing run of albums from the late 60's to early 70's (Arthur, Lola, Village Green and Muswell) which is a testament to the great songwriting and musicianship of the band. Something Else doesn't rely just on hit singles, though arguably Waterloo Sunset is one their best, it's a wonderful collection of eclectic songs filled with nostalgia, sentiment and humor. How many bands can use a harpsichord to good effect (Two sisters) in a "rock song? If you think of the Kinks only because of All Day and All Night, You Really Got Me and Lola, explore the depth and brilliance of these essential albums for the full Kinks experience.
THESE CATS WERE COOKING!!!! Sounded like the Beatles lowkey
Fantastic album. Feels like they were simply a step or two better than the Beatles in terms of this type of rock. Hard to dislike it at all
I LOVED this. Such good vocals and lyrics.
Own on Vinyl
I love this album. Waterloo, Sunset and death of a clown are some of my favorite songs. I could definitely lose no return. Otherwise, it’s a great British album that those sounding a little dated has plenty of melody and witty writing.
Cross between folk and rock - character driven music and so, so good. Comparisons to the Beatles are unfair - they are more than their own band.
love it!
Such a good album. I love the kinks. Memories of my dad's old Volvo!
The last album produced at least partly by Shel Talmy, this album is a sardonic observational album that discusses and skewers British society. Musically, this album is all over the place. There are moments of baroque pop, bossa nova, music hall, and flashes of the harder edged proto-punk that typified their earlier work. Here, we see the Kinks really leaning into the more heavily conceptual work that would come to fruition on 'The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society' and 'Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire).
"Nice and smooth." I love The Kinks. They have a kindness, a gentleness, a cuteness about them that makes them unique and endearing. David Watts and Waterloo Sunset are two of their best.
I am really not familiar with much of The Kinks. I enjoyed this album very much.
These songs are wonderfully told vignettes, each with a distinctive sound, old-timey and modern at the same time. This gives us three consecutive Kinks albums from the 1960s, but I'm okay with that, as long as we get to hear more.
Well, I already think Death of a Clown is one of the greatest tracks ever (show in for my funeral). But this album is a little bit of history, I mean it gave the world Waterloo Sunset. Sit back and enjoy...
Complete!
10/10 endlessly fun and creative these guys were *almost* on par with The Beatles and it sounds really damn good
Another baroque pop masterwork. I like how the two things people call it are just Something Else, which kind of makes it sound self-touting, all futuristic like, and the full title, which makes it sound ordinary, plain, just another release. But just another release by The Kinks still clearly makes a great album. Firstly, something I noticed was that as the album went on is that the first side feels less polished than the second. Of course, it doesn’t change the quality of the album; so many great songs; ‘David Watts’, ‘Death of a Clown’, ‘Two Sisters’, I’m really just listing the whole album here, aren’t I? The extremely obvious highlight is ‘Waterloo Sunset’; what a beautiful masterwork of a song. I also particularly like ‘Lazy Old Sun’ and its unique chord changes. What more can I say. The gods of baroque pop make a great baroque pop album.
Encore un classique du Rock 60's
Great
Beach boys vibes, pretty chill tunes
Dope, lot of really raw sounds. Love the vintage textures. Didn’t super blow me away though
If you don't like The Kinks you're a chump
Such a unique sound. I haven't heard many of these songs, but they are instantly recognizable.
This reminded me a lot of the Beatles, except one song that kind of reminded me of Bob Dylan. Good listen
Good vibes, enjoy
Sound molto alla Beatles, molto piacevoli e coerenti. Waterloo sunset e Wonderboy assolutamente memorabili.
Great album, Beatles-esque but a bit more alt. Would listen again and explore more
It’s good. Hard to understand the importance of albums like this. It was probably more “groundbreaking” back in the day but it still has some good pop rock 60s songs.
A great album but a little messy. I didn't get a signature in all songs like I saw in other albums of The kinks.
One of their worst of their first 7 years… which still means a very good record.
Bests memoriea from hearing theese songs.