Something Else By The Kinks

Respect the band but not for me.

Yeah pretty much like every band at that time

Very twee

Enjoyed this album a lot, it really cements the Kinks as great songwriters. There are a couple duds though (wtf is a Harry Rag?) and only a few of the songs are real standouts. Some really cool sounds on here though for the time - I thought Lazy Old Sun even had shades of Black Sabbath.

Well damn, I was looking forward to hearing some Kinks and I heard the Beatles. Death of a Clown was alright, but really it just made me laugh a little bit. If I didn't know any better, I would say this song was written for or by Luke Sienko. That's all I got for these guys. Nothing terrible but sounded like they were trying to copy the Beatles. No excitement and kinds boring. 2

2.5 The Kinks have a handful of tracks that I really enjoy, such as Lola, You Really Got Me, All Day and All of the Night, and Destroyer - and none of those are here. In fact, there wasn’t really anything here that I overly enjoyed - the songs on this album just seem to lack a certain edge that the above songs have. Like, I really thought these guys were more of a garage rock group, but it seems that at this point in their career they were more interested in trying to emulate The Beatles, to the point that I could be convinced that some of these are genuines outtakes from the Fab Four. In doing so, I feel like they kind of backed themselves into a corner because, if you like The Beatles, you’re probably going to think this album is a second-rate knockoff, and if you don’t like The Beatles, then you’re probably not going to like this. The only notable song here is the closer, Waterloo Sunset, which is a really solid, sunny day feelgood kind of track, but once again, it wouldn’t feel out of place on a Beatles album. As for the rest of this - inoffensive, but forgettable. Give me back my proto-punk Kinks!

nothing less than the Beatles

Solid album. I was a little distracted while listening and missed the last track but I enjoyed it.

Don't think this album needs to be here. Waterloo Sunset is a nice track but for the rest of the album I found myself impressed at The Kinks ability to know one song from another as they're all so similar.

Pretty decent album. Waterloo Sunset is a goodie

It’sssssssss okay. Iiiiiiiii don’t really care about it. But it’s notttttttt bad.

The music hall influences I could leave, I don't get the fascination with it, but the rest is great. 3.5*

I assume a slice of english life. Not overproduced by any means. A little oompah - ish. I suppose that is the "music hall" influence, whatever the hell that is. Still death of a clown, fantastic, and situation vacant, love me til the sun shines go hard like some of that protometal kinks of yore. This is the one with waterloo sunset, a should be universally acknowledged banger.

An easy to listen to album but not enough familiar song for me.

bad

Fun and provocative. Real songwriters.

Kinda hokey. Wtf is a Harry rag.

This is pretty good, but other than the last track most of it doesn't feel essential. I wish the production or mixing was a bit better. At times it's quite a dark, even dissonant album though. And I always find it interesting when the biggest song is the last one. Standouts: Death of a Clown, Tin Soldier Man, Afternoon Tea & of course Waterloo Sunset, which is worth *** on its own.

I'm so glad to not be burned out by the Kinks like I'm burned out by the Beatles, it means there's still fresh high quality rock music from the 60s I can enjoy. Solid 3 stars for this album.

Trying to be the Beatles. Not my favorite. Their later work is my favorite.

3.4

Well that's answered the question I didn't know I asked, as to "how would the Beatles sound if they had less talent". Most of that pretty skippable/forgettable. First and last tracks the only one worth a second listen. Even switched over to the stereo version as the mono sounded awful. Not a winner in my book. 2.5*

A bit of a goofy sound to it. Meh.

Melodies are catchy but overall the record is a bit boring.

I thought I liked The Kinks. But based on the two albums (so far?) on this 1001 Albums compendium, I have learned that I surprisingly only enjoy their radio hits.

Bastante bien. Setentero. Pone baroque pop ... no sé. Un rock suave setentero. Como The Clash

Of all of the British invasion regularly brought up and celebrated by Big Important Music Critics™, I've always had the hardest times with The Kinks. Up until now I've never exactly had a grasp on why, but I think I've finally managed to come to a answer—simply, they're the most British. No other big British invasion group (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who) are as British as The Kinks. It's in the tone, the riffs, the melodies, the lyrics... It's **British**. Not a lick of American skiffle, blues or hard rock in there. It's partly why, I'm sure, they're as regarded as they are. For my money, though... Mm, I'unno. Here, on The Kinks albums we've heard so far, it just really hasn't clicked with me. Hell, I'm not sure I click with extremely British music in general until Britpop in the 90's. Y'know, there there's bombast, bigness. On something like this album, meanwhile, it's a lot smaller, restrained... And I don't wanna say it's "simpler" given that this is some premo psychedelic music hall stuff, but it just feels that way to me. Of course every now and then there's something I can fully get behind. "Waterloo Sunset" is regularly highlighted as the best song on the album and for damn good reason. That's the one where the riffs and all work for me. But for the majority, it's good stuff, but not anything I'm really clamoring to get back to. And I don't think they should've had more American influence like the Beatles, Stones and Who just to appeal to my dumb ass, but... I mean, since they don't, I'll tend more towards who does.

Kinda standard stuff from these guys, but Waterloo Station definitely elevates this to a 4 for me.

I kinda wish I could leave this right at a 3.5, but I’ll be nice and round it up to a 4. Really, the only thing holding this album back, at least to me, is the technology of its time; there’s some really fun concepts in here, but the execution comes up just short on a few on them, not at the fault of The Kinks, but simply at what was available to them at the time. Lazy Old Sun is a prime example of this; I thought it felt really unique for 1967, and I imagine if they had the technology of even a decade later, they would’ve really made that song pop more than it already does. I feel good about bumping it up to a 4 because I don’t think there are any bad tracks, just some safe ones that don’t really bring down the mood or the energy, though End of the Season sure tries. Overall, a little too early for its time without feeling out of place. Pretty good album regardless, though. 7/10, if we went by 10.

Very 67. David Watts, Death of a clown, Situation vacant, Lazy old sun

Something Else By The Kinks by The Kinks kicks off with the peppy energy of David Watts, closes with the divine Waterloo Sunset, and ranges from baroque pop to garage rock in between. Probably my favourite The Kinks album, and just a really lovely way to spend half an hour

Some great tracks on this one, The Kinks are awesome! Lazy Old Sun is a standout

Boring not my jam.

Niet suuuper bijzonder, terwijl ik the links toch altijd wel nice vind

Leuk album, wel veel muziek zo leuk vond het ook weer niet, maar staan zeker bangers op en opzich the kinks, altijd wel leuk

Old school kool Waterloo Sunset blijft schitterend

A really fun listen! Beatles-esque but not a heartless rip-off of them. Each song had its own unique feeling, super catchy and hooky! Smiles to this album!

Because I've only ever heard "You Really Got Me" by the Kinks before (a song that I'm admittedly not a big fan of), I was expecting something sort of hard rocky out of this album. Boy, how wrong I was. There's an undeniable charm to the simplicity of both the lyrics and instrumentals here, something common among pop-rock groups in the 60s; it reminded me a lot of earlier Beatles records. My enjoyability here varied from song to song, I'll start with the ones I really liked. Early on, I love the song "Death of a Clown" with this almost surreal backing vocal melody over Ray's metaphorical depictions of the soul-sucking aspects of show business, likening it to the shallow one-trick routines of a clown. The following "Two Sisters" might be the most striking song here, I wish more songs sounded like it. For one, I like the hypnotic harpsichord paired with one of the most haunting vocal melodies on the album. I'd say it's unsettling if it weren't for the wholesome message here; a story of two sisters (paralleling Dave and Ray's brother dynamic) learning to be content with themselves and their differences. I also really liked the song "Situation Vacant". Over a more straightforward rock groove, this song tells the story of a man handicapping himself to keep his mother-in-law satisfied, digging himself into a deep, irredeemable hole after a divorce by the end. I love the fact that this otherwise depressing song sounds super cheerful. Quite a few songs near the beginning are quite enjoyable, like "Harry Rag" and "Tin Foil Man". It's really in the second half where this album begins to lose me. I found the more straightforward production on a song like "End of the Season" for example to be very drab. For how short it is, I do feel like this album's ideas and variance is limited. Not to say the songs are bad, it's just that I won't be revisiting the more conventional pop-rock songs in the second half of this album. The very obvious exception to this is "Waterloo Sunset", a serene closer and maybe one of the best 60s pop-rock songs I've ever heard. I'm eager to check out more The Kinks records because I'm sure they still have a lot more of these infectious and ambition-sounding songs in their catalog. And while I do enjoy the psychedelic edge and insightful lyrics here, I can't say everything I heard on this album blew me away.

pretty good, Beatle-esque. Enjoyed it a lot.

I like this for sweet gentle Kinks tunes.

A bit long, a bit dull. Album felt a bit all over the place

I found this hard to judge as some of it is very good, some is stuff the Beatles might have let Ringo sing for a laugh, and then Waterloo Sunset which might be one of the best songs ever written. Confusing

bored my tits off tbh- only awoke for waterloo sunset.

Bastante kinky if u ask me Nah solfamidos pero en british, uns flapaos que degueren pillar coohcie a cabaçaes en la seua epoca cantant fent veuetes

I don't like The Kinks.

Intriguing how much similarities in sound the Kinks have to some Beatles songs of the similar era, while the Kinks clearly stayed in only that area, at least for this album. Cool vibes, amusing lyrics and tone, but a little too much of the same.

4 stars, rocking good time.

I love the Kinks. Their songs are so interesting and have so much personality. Most of these are all little, self-contained stories which I really like. There's a lot of great songs in here, including some all-timers. Waterloo Sunset on its own is one of the greatest songs of all time. As I said on the last review, the song-writing and compositions are really diverse, and they do lots of different things sonically here too. Overall, it's a really good album, but not a great one for me, despite some brilliant songs. There's just too many so-so songs in-between which bring the score down.

A few notes. One, I feel like I already had this album, or at least one with Waterloo Sunset on it. Two, I'm starting to believe the Kinks were the original Oasis. Or the Davies brothers were the original Gallagher brothers. And three, are we sure The Kinks weren't just a great singles band? Their albums are good, but aside from one in particular, none really resonate overall. That said, the aforementioned Waterloo Sunset is an all-timer.

Lembra os beatles

I've always liked the Kinks. Even outside of their hits, they have a quirky humor and unique perspective to their music. You would do well to look past the greatest hits selections and dig a little deeper into their catalog. Goodness awaits there.

4 - The album name is cute. A solid album by The Kinks, as expected. I was impressed by a couple songs on here, mainly Waterloo Sunset and Lazy Old Sun, but the other songs I liked were very good too. Even the songs I didn't like as much are pleasant. I'd put it above Arthur and below Village Green Preservation Society.

Full of bangers. Tin soldier man is great, so are the obv ones waterloo sunset and death of a clown

Meh to the max

Not a big kinks guy. love Waterloo Sunset but otherwise boring.

3-4

Not bad but I think 1 Kinks record on the list should've been enough, this one ain't it

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Two sisters, Harry Rag, Situation vacant, Love me till the sun shines, Waterloo sunset

solid. up and down. some great tracks and some dodgy ones.

Had never heard that album before. I enjoyed it, but it's not something that I'm going to actively seek out to put on; but I'll keep it in the archive for random play

The Kinks have some great songs; You Really Got Me, Lola, Destroyer. However NONE of them are on this bland AF album. Hippy dippy bologna.

The Kinks do better.

Really good, but dated. The sound just doesn't fit in today's music.... still great to listen to. 3.5

Charming and cock-er-nee, but also dated. Waterloo Sunset is still great though.

A real pleasure. The Kinks have better albums, but there is something really charming about this one. It's musically eclectic with engaging lyrics, but also lacking in the experimental excesses the weigh down a lot of albums from this era. Smart and elegant, but crafted with a light touch, which is a hard thing to do, especially for a band with as much talent as the Kinks. Fave Songs: Waterloo Sunset, Situation Vacant, Tin Soldier Man, Afternoon Tea, Harry Rag, David Watts

This was cool, made me feel like i was shooting dope in someones living room in the 60s. At the end of the day though, not my thing.

Never been a fan of the Kinks or this album.

I thought this was pretty good, not as good the the Village Green one, but still decent

Feel like it says good things ab an album if it’s long ish and I enjoy the whole thing, pretty solid 8/10

Not super amazing but a fairly pleasant listen. I was content sitting and working to this for an hour. 7/10

5/10 - Not as good as the other kinks album but still pretty good.

Kinda just boring, not terrible though 6/10

I think I’m becoming a Kinks fan. Also, this is one of those times again where I feel like this album is probably not as “good” as yesterday’s, but I still prefer this one. I’m a sucker for this kind of chilled out jangly sound. This is super close to a 5 for me. 8/10

This band always just feels like a cheap knockoff Beatles to me.

umyes

Niet mijn smaak

I like the Kinks but wasn't very familiar with this one. I think I'd have to give it another listen to see how I really like it.

Ray Davies' muscial hall sensibilities begin to make themselves more obvious on this album, but his rock/pop bona fides can't quite be covered yet. Like most Kinks' albums a real mix of classics and throwaways. However, the classics are CLASSICS. Best Tracks: David Watts; Death of a Clown; Waterloo Sunset

A lot like Village Green, except instead of the bad songs being at the end, they are in the middle. And boy are some of these songs here annoying. But there are also some very strong tracks. I'd say it's about on par with Village Green if a bit more inconsistant with quality

Really enjoyed this even though some songs felt like they were from an entirely different genre. Unlike the last Kinks album I was given this felt more like the band I love. Ending an album with Waterloo Sunset automatically makes it good. 4/5

If they would've called their album before this one 'Something', then I would've given this one 4 stars.

Waterloo Sunset

similar sounds to the Beatles

Oh, man... this doesn't have any of the good ones on it. "Something Else" is like if "Revolver" or "Sgt. Peppers" were all Ringo tracks. This isn't bad, I guess, but I don't like anything about it.

Tin Soldier Man // Waterloo Sunset //

S'écoute mais sans plus.

Not in my sweet spot but I still enjoy it.

Furthering my comment from the previous day. The shortcoming of this album a day is you listen to a record once and then move on (in general). As I’ve done the RS500 and an NME500 I’ve come across some of these before and on many cases I build a better appreciation the second time around. I’ve really noticed that with The Kinks records. This is a good record.

Man, I just cannot enjoy bands that were clearly trying to be The Beatles but aren't The Beatles. 2/5

A fun collection of 60’s songs

I like The Kinks. I had never heard this early album before. I enjoyed it. Thanks!

I’m not a big fan

Not bad, a few good tracks but nothing super memorable outside of maybe Waterloo Sunset.

I still love the Kinks.

Flott 60's 3.5 og waterloo sunset gefur þessu auka 0.5 = 4. Kinksararnir klikka ekki.

Önnur Kinks plata. Alltaf skemmtilegir. Waterloo sunset geggjað lag og neglir henni beint í 4. David Watts og Death of a clown líka mjög skemmtileg.

Such a talented, under-rated, ahead-of-their-time band. Though, this album is so-so.

bom

nteresting. Seems like a parallel to Sgt. Pepper's in some respects.

What to say about this album? The Kinks in the 60s are very 60s. The music is great - also for later generations - but also somehow "simple". Short songs (who would wirte a song like Two Sisters or No Return today?), instrumentations, etc. But then they have some great highlights like Waterloo Sunset (on this album) or Lola (not on this album), which turn them into a classic band, which "everybody" knows. This album - certainly worth sitting down and listening to - even if you're not into 60s music.

All the songs were solid and enjoyable. No great hits but no bad songs either.

Ahh, the Kinks. Sometimes good, sometimes great. This time, it's forgettable.

Haven’t listened yet but want to badly

Recognize David Watts from The Jam, didn't know it was a Kinks song. Otherwise, this didn't interest me much

4.25

Very nice, I can hear the influence of this on the late 90s/early 00s neo-psychedelia scene. Not exactly mind blowing or anything to me, but a very nice listen none the less.

Super fun listen! This was my first Kinks album and these were all new songs for me. Based in this, I've developed a sort of understanding that the Kinks are to the Beatles as Devo is to Talking Heads. Similar sounds and songwriting, they're just a little goofier! I'm digging it! Important question: which came first, "Lazy Old Sun" or "Strawberry Fields Forever"? Both released in 1967 and have a lot of the same psychedelic sounds going on.

What a treat to hear after yesterday's debacle. Loved this album...I like to think I'm up on rock n roll trivia...but had no idea the Kinks went back to the mid 60s. This album sounded well ahead of it's time. Great lyrics and songs that made you feel good...and quirky enough to question them!

Lovely mix of children’s sing-a-long songs and straight up pop rock. Some of them have a Yellow Submarine vibe, but I don’t mind. Definitely worth a listen.

Pretty good

It's a bit cutesy, but I really dig it. I heard it referred to as baroque pop, and I can definitely see that (the use of a harpsichord just reinforces that.) On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd probably give it 7 1/2. I'll round up and convert to 4 stars. That's a little generous -- I don't think it's quite as good as most 4 star albums, but it's definitely better than most of the 3 star albums on here. Fun album.

Lacks a bit of the spark and danger of the Beatles, and they don’t sing nearly as well

Meh

A lil repetitive in places but a good time. Will be back.

Great album and Ray Davies shows himself to be a writer of some excellent enduring songs.

A pleasant experience overall. While some songs are a lull for me, there are enough songs with a catchy and comforting atmosphere that make up for it.

Five tracks in, somewhat unremarkable album. Nothing has really stood out to me at this point. Situation Vacant is fun, guitar in the chorus is a nice touch; love the piano in the background.

It's fine. Good, but not riding my socks off.

Definitely a 67 rock album. Sounds like they just started taking acid and can't wait to tell you about it.

Can't go wrong with kinks

J: 3 N:4

Just my opinion.

Waterloo sunset is a good song. The rest is forgettable

This is Wes Anderson's wet dream. It's a good album with slightly memorable tracks. David Watts and Harry Rag stick out most to me.

In the shadow of The Beatles, but just as innovative, provocative and generative. “David Watt”,, “Death of a Clown”, “Waterloo Sunset”. WOW!

Not my favorite Kinks album, but a solid one filled with a couple great tracks

I like the Kinks but they pale a bit against their contemporaries. They seem to think they are super clever and naughty, but it's not much, and I'd rather listen to The Who, Rolling Stones or Beatles.

I enjoy later Kinks but this was bubble gum 1960s crap like early Beatles and Beach Boys. 2.75

8.5 Vacant situation, love me til the sunshine, afternoon tea. Beginning sound wasn't as catchy as the middle. Overall great album. Especially for 1967

Classic Kinks.

I enjoyed the faster songs on here, which surprised me because I struggle with a lot of 60's albums. Slower songs are the reason the rating is dragged down.

I love The Kinks! But this album is a departure from the standard Kinks' sound; it's almost as if the boys were experimenting with all the music swirling around the UK at the time. As a huge fan of Genesis, I imagine those boys taking a lick or two from this.

Nice album.

The deeper I get into this project, the more I truly realize how influential the Beatles really were. The Kinks are a very poor man’s Beatles. The music is fine, Death of a Clown is a good song, but The Kinks best is at best a mid Beatles song 5.3/10

Allright.

I like it.

2.5

It reminded me a lot about The Beatles. But The Beatles sang about love, peace, etc. In this album I heard about alcohol and fun times. 3.5/5.

Meh

I'm sure this was great in it's time but not for me now.

Easy to listen to. First song is cool

Waterloo Sunset - sofort wieder im Ohr!!

Very honkytonk-esque. Kinks really changed through the years too bad the brothers had to fight so much. Maybe that's why they varied musically so much?

Decent, Beatleishh

Een beekje dat voort aan het kabbelen is geeft me meer dan deze plaat

Groovy

Interesting listen. You can definitely hear how much of an influence they had as a band. It was a good album although I probably won't listen to it again.

All the expected 60s British hallmarks had me thinking it would just be Beatle esque but I was drawn in quickly and enjoyed very much. If only familiar with Lola like me, then much to discover. A definitive 60s sound now added to my references for the period. Well mixed and recorded as well. Holds up well with modern recordings.

+1 Star for the death of a clown

Favourite songs: Harry Rag, Autumn Almanac, Love Me Till The Sun Shines, Waterloo Sunset, Act Nice and Gentle, Death of a Clown, Tin Soldier Man, Afternoon Tea, Lincoln County Least favourite songs: Lazy Old Sun, No Return 3/5

“This is fine” was all I kept thinking as I listened to this. Sixties’ Britpop has mostly worn out its welcome for me. I’m sure this is a good album and deserves to be here, but it didn’t do much for me.

Good start, weak middle strong end but wow does it sound like a album of Beatles b sides

Kind of just sounds like a watered down version of the Beatles

Another 3 stars, but probably my favourite so far.

Much enjoyed it. Some great songs on there. Waterloo Road is a 10/10 song. But the middle of the album reall had some stinkers on it. But I think overall when considering the state of the music landscape aroudn the time of release, it's an impactful album.

Three great songs. Waterloo sunset, David Watts and Death of a clown. Then filler. This album highlights the weakness of the concept. How can you not have Waterloo sunset, but when most of the album is dull ….

Honestly not an album for sitting and listening.bit too old and folky for me. I am more into their hits. Cover art interesting if you look at it carefully.

Waterloo Sunset is one of the great 60’s pop songs. Terry(Stamp) & Julie(Christie) immortalised in a way I’m sure they never expected to be. It takes me back to being on a school bus travelling from Fox Hills golfcourse to Parramatta Marist on a sports afternoon in 1967. One of those magic moments. But, for me it’s the only real standout on this album. The album stiffed worldwide. My vinyl copy was a reissue on the cheapie Australian label, Summit, with the title changed to Waterloo Sunset. I mean, okay David Watts & Death Of A Clown were both good singles, although neither charted in Sydney. I love Harry Rag, but mainly remember it as a staple of Sydney jug-band The 69’ers. I saw them perform it at Sunbury in 1973 - it’s on the triple album Mushroom Records released of the festival highlights. I’m sure Ray Davies lyrics shine on a lot of the other tracks, but I don’t find them that engaging. Still, Waterloo Sunset - outstanding.

Yet another white boy rock critic cult classic... an overlooked gem of 1960s chamber pop, just like soooo many others we have reviewed as part of 1001 albums. I mean, it's pleasant enough (by design). This marks the Ray Davies’ shift from hit rock songs (in the American mould) to a more personal reflection on Britishness and growing infatuation with music hall. It’s highly influential on baroque chamber pop, and much beloved by critics and music snobs, but the Kinks became a cult act at this point, and I just don’t want to drink the Kool-Aid. Waterloo Sunset and David Watts are dead-set classic songs, and worth the price of admission. But the rest of the album is just a bit meh. I have no great nostalgia for the Britain of years past, so it's a bit of a non-committal shrug from me. Someone has a fondness for 60s Kinks, and felt the need to include something, so they put this down. I honestly feel like it was a waste of time listening to this album. 2.5 stars, rounding down. Get a Kinks singles compilation instead.

ehhhhhhh

Edgy beatles were just okay I'm coming to realize the song writing is not a deciding factor for me. I need a sound the moves me first and foremost. This album is seen to be praised by its lyrics, those things are relevant to me on my first listen and idk if i feel like giving it a second.

Kinda boring but still enjoyable

Not my vibe per se

High 3.5 rounded to a 4. The kinks will never be my favorite band but they occupy a niche and dammit they occupy it well

Before I started this project, I only knew a few songs by The Kinks, but I really liked the songs I knew, and I expected to really like their albums. This is the second album by The Kinks that I've gotten to review, and much like Face to Face, I thought this album was pretty middle of the road. The first three songs were easily the highlight of the album, especially "Two Sisters," but after that, the songs were at best, mildly interesting ("Love Me Till The Sun Shines" and "Situation Vacant") and at worst, boring ("Lazy Old Sun" and "Funny Face"). Thankfully, the album did close on a strong note with "Waterloo Sunset." They lyrics were the strongest aspect of this album, and "Two Sisters" and "David Watts" are the shining examples of that. Musically though, the album just didn't have much to offer, other than some decent organ and guitar playing. A year after Pet Sounds, and in the same year that we got Sgt. Pepper's, this album just doesn't really hold much of a candle to the things that The Kinks' peers were putting out.

I’m interested into why this was added to the list. The Kinks have many more albums that would’ve suited this list before this album. It feels like a bridge album between their pop/garage sound to their more psychedelic-influenced sound. It’s not very cohesive either. Nonetheless, I did enjoy this record.

Quintissentially English. The essence of the 60s

Didn’t really… just… not interesting to me. It felt like they were trying to recreate the Beatles sound and style but what a big swing and a miss. Didn’t really care for the music, and the lyrics seemed a little insignificant and superficial - something the Beatles were able to get away with because they were the Beatles.

It's quite quaint and stylised - it's a definite niche genre this kitchen sink songs about everyday life in London in the 60s. Some tracks really work (David Watts - which was later covered by the Jam) while others are a bit wishy-washy. Overall it's more of a historic piece of interest than something you listen to out of love.

Nice album full of psychedelic gems. The Kinks do an amazing job of providing trippy instrumentals, whether it be through their chord progressions or choices of instrumentation. 4.8/5 Favorite: “Death of a Clown” Least Favorite: I have none.

Bastante bien. Setentero. Pone baroque pop ... no sé. Un rock suave setentero. Como The Clash

First Kinks album I’ve heard all the way through and loved it. First half was stronger overall but end of the season and Waterloo sunset are probably my favorites. Rating: 4.7

pretty incredible tbh. funny and catchy and silly and weird and everything you want The Kinks to be

Pretty enjoyable

Had an above average time listening to this

I listened to the song Harry Rag twice. Not knowing what that is makes this song just insane. I found out later what it was but I'll let you enjoy the mystery yourself. I think I liked this album more than the previous Kinks album but maybe it's just because I'm more familiar with them now rather than actually thinking this album is better. They kinda remind me of The Strokes if they were in the 60s and I like The Strokes. Gotta imagine they are influenced by these guys in some form. Overall fun listen.

first listen god i love the 60s and 70s

Very influential band in the sixties, and very boring, outdated band nowadays. It wasn't a nice album, and I would like to just move on.

Passably pleasant pop.

Very smooth album, pretty good start to finish. I wish I had the time to actually figure out what they're singing about half the time, but I don't think that I do. Some songs were easier to figure out than others.

This was fine, but forgettable.

Luckily it has "Waterloo Sunset", because the rest of this album is a like the Beatles having a hangover Monday.

A less likable Beatles I find.

Sadly this lives up to its name. It is topped and tailed with their best songs of this period, but this did feel like *A* Kinks album, rather than *THE* Kinks album. David Watts and Waterloo Sunset are two of Davies' best, but the stuff in-between feels a bit Kinks-by-numbers.

There's a jamboree sound to this record. It's a mixed bag with even some sea shanty songs - never a good sign. The Coral leaned heavy on this. It plodded along, apart from the singles. The three stars were for Waterloo Sunset alone.

Great

Generally good stuff with a couple of classics.

Listened to this while playing Aeon's End with my partner against Hollow Crown. We lost twice...again. Hmmm...I wanted to like this album...but it kinda just sounded like a handful of other albums I've heard on here. It was like another Beatles wannabe album. It wasn't bad, but there was nothing that struck me as original. Definitely will forget this listen in like a week...ha ha.

Not sure I’m a fan

Despite the dated sound, the album is overall pretty chill and a pleasant listen. Not much else to say, nothing really jumped out at me. Favorite tracks: Death of a Clown, Harry Rag

Pretty good

Good variety of styles / genres while still sounding fairly coherent as a whole. Fun tunes. It is a solid, enjoyable album. Situation Vacant, Love Me Till The Sun Shines and Waterloo Sunset are the standout tracks for me.

Not sure what I was expecting with this, knowing the Kinks only by their early big singles ... I didn't dislike it but it was kind of all over the place. Some songs seemed Beatles-y, some were Dylan-y, and some were these quirky very English songs that I understand they moved toward later in their career. Decent soundtrack for cooking dinner on a Sunday evening.

i have a generally positive opinion of the kinks from the singles i'm familiar with and their appearances on wes anderson soundtracks, but i hated this

Some of the panning made me a little uncomfortable, but otherwise, this album was fine? I’m running out of new things to say in these reviews.

i don't dislike the kinks, but i don't like this much the kinks back to back. a little the kinks (as a treat) is fine.

I thought I liked The Kinks but I didn't particularly like this album. It made me want to listen to The Violent Femmes?

I agree with the overall feeling that this may be the best Kinks album, and contains without doubt their best song, and one of the best ever written. 4.5 stars really.

Sounds very much like The Beatles. Lots of harmonizing and poppy sound. For me, it's not an appealing style of music, mostly due to vocals.

half killer half filler but there’s something lovable about the kinks no matter what they do

They sound right on point for the time

Overall good, no stand out songs

Very good

Oh wow more shit

I hear these guys compared to The Beatles sometimes and I just don't see it. Some of their songs are all right, others don't really hold up too well. Maybe you had to be there.

Fun and easy to digest album but a bit goofy and samey foe my tastes.

Were they the first twee pop band? Big Belle and Sebastian vibes here.

Feels like something I need more listens to Tin Soldier Man and Waterloo Sunset were very fun I enjoy Ray's vocals a lot 3? Stars? Maybe it will change

Fun album, I enjoyed experiencing the songs but would not listen again.

Nice, this was a easy to enjoy throwback, on par with some classic Beatles sounds of the era. The Kinks are a fantastic listen and this LP is top notch!

A little bland but not unpleasant.

Not my thing at all, but it's pretty decent for what it is.

Like their later work more.

My 3rd kinks album. Didn’t like this one as much as the others. I feel like this is only on the list because of Waterloo sunset

A classic. Emblematic of 1960s British music, feels like a audio time capsule. Waterloo Sunset is, of course, an absolute tune. Harry Rag another great song. Jaunty but cohesive, keeping you listening the whole way.

Waterloo sunset is a masterpiece. But among filler. Love The Kinks, just not this album so much.

Enjoyed, not quite the Beatles but will definitely listen again

Hot garbage

I’m not a huge Kinks fan, but I enjoyed the variety of song styles on the album. 3/5 after 3 listens.

Some catchy tunes overall!

This was a quick and fun album. The strained vocals kind of got annoying but I enjoyed the piano and the upbeat tempo.

Just a bunch of lightweight, same- sounding, twee bits of fluff. This from the band that is considered a progenitor of heavy rock/metal. Most disappointing.

Few catchy bits

3.6 actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would, just by the variety of songs there were without feeling disjointed. it's clear they were very inspired by the beatles but that's never a con for me. fave songs: waterloo sunset, david watts, funny face

not a big kinks listener but it was alright

Loved it, Not a kinks album I had listened to before, knew waterloo sunset of course but not many of the others. Need to listen to more music by the kinds. I used to live in North London and saw Ray Davies standing on a street corner waiting for something in Highgate Village once.

Waterloo Sunset is decent. Happy go lucky album.

First listen Saved 4/13 Top track: Waterloo Sunset

I feel like I should know The Kinks better than I actually do. I’ve yet to hear a bad song by them, yet I still wouldn’t consider myself overly familiar with them. It’s fair to say that I’m quite looking forward to this album today. Let’s listen! Songs I already knew: Lazy Old Sun, Waterloo Sunset Favourites: Waterloo Sunset, Afternoon Tea, Tin Soldier Man This was such a nice, pleasant listen. I always expect The Kinks to be a lot more rocky than they are. Perhaps I’ve listened too much to You Really Got Me by Van Halen and confusing it with The Kinks’ original version. This was very light, summery pop rock with very lovely vocals. That said, Tin Soldier Man is instrumental and is also frankly lovely. Overall, I loved this.

I don’t think this has aged well. It was released the same year as Sargent Pepper. They sound very similar.

I'm always happy to hear some Kinks but this album isn't their strongest. It feels somewhere in between Face to Face and Village Green, both of which are better albums. Apparently this is a cult favorite but I don't see it. Certainly not bad at all, but hardly their best work.

I genuinely have the feeling I'm missing something. It's good, but not great. Some songs are better than others. Would love for someone to explain some day why this album is so revered amongst its peers.

Quaint whimsy-pop with... is that a fucking harpsichord? I quite enjoy it in a dreary sort of way - but they go to far into the cockney music hall vibe with tracks like "Harry Rag". Then side B is a real surprise, because more of the tracks are "rock with a dash of whimsy" (instead of vice versa), and I remember why me and my friends used to listen to the Kinks as stoned teenagers in around 2004. Ending an album with a track like "Waterloo Sunset" is an absolute power move. Overall, it's a bit of an uneven album with a couple of misses - but I like it anyway. 4*

I just can't get into the Kinks. They might be too British for my North American tastes. That said, Situation Vacant is a good song. But overall, it's not my jam.

Good Album. Theres nothing really bad but also nothing that impressed me that much. Good Listen!

Some very good songs, some weaker songs that bring it down to 3 stars. Much better than the previous Kinks albums we've had on the list.

Still not into them

forgettable

Ihan kiva, paremmanlaatuista shalalaata, on taitoa. Mutta jää vain ihan kivaksi.

Death of a Clown, hmm, jotenkin mennyt minulta ohi. Kova biisi, vähän kuin esi-Mott the Hooplea. Osa levystä nyt heijastaa 60-lukua parodiana itsestään. Mutta antaisinko alle 3/5 levylle, jolla on Waterloo Sunset?

Wasn’t feeling this one

My nomination for most dated lyric in history: there's a song on here where they make fun of a rich man for having a 24 inch TV, lol

Quite silly 3 Pretty good 4

This album strikes me as quite sarcastic, as only a Brit can make it, but the last track, “Waterloo Sunset”, is just so beautiful and a nice turn of attitude. Just escape to the other side of the river, away from the teeming millions, and be in paradise as you watch the sunset with your true love. I’m more in the lovers’ camp than the melancholy observer’s, so I get what he’s only seeing.

Overall this was pretty boring and slow. I thought it was under produced.

Waterloo Sunset is great but the rest of the album is a little underwhelming, and I like The Jam's version of David Watts more.

I think it was actually better than I expected. the higher end of three but ultimately still unmemorable

Meh

"Something Else by the Kinks" is the fifth studio album by the Kinks. The album continues the trend towards eccentric baroque and music-hall influenced styles. The lyrics are observational and introspective. I guess it's week for interesting character sketches (see "Aqualung"). It was produced by American Shel Talmy although he left leaving leadsinger and guitarist Ray Davies to finish up. The album did poorly commercially, their lowest selling album up to that point, reaching #35 in the UK and #153 in the US. However, it had positive reviews and has since gained a cult status. People talking open "David Watts." It's a fast-paced song with the piano leading and a song about a schoolmate who lived a charmed life and based on a real life person who had a crush on Dave Davies. Speaking of Dave Davies, he takes over lead singer on "Death of a Clown." Chamber pop with some fantastic piano by Nicky Hopkins of Rolling Stones' fame. The decadent underbelly of a band getting old. Nicky Hopkins is on the harpsichord in "Two Sisters." There's strings and this is more baroque. The two sisters are Sybilla and Priscilla with one being more wild and the other a housewife and an analogy for Dave and Ray respectively. Dave brings the garage rock guitar on "Love Me Till the Sun Shines." It's rockin.' The organ comes in and we get an organ outro. The song title details the subject matter. "End of the Season" slows things down. Piano. Drums. Ray's crooning. Birds chirping ✔️. These guys are really struggling with this party lifestyle. The album ends with one of their best songs in "Waterloo Sunset." Acoustic and electric guitar. Great melody. Great backing vocals. A melancholy-sounding song as the narrator watches two lovers pass over a bridge and is supposedly a fantasy about Ray's sister running off with a boyfriend. The Kinks do a whole album on that subject in the near future. Great song. There's a lot to like to like about this album: the variety of styles - musical hall, baroque, pop, bossa nova, garage and pyschedelic rock and pop, the lyrics - interesting, funny, sardonic, sad, personal and story-like and the musicianship especially the guitars and Nicky Hopkins. At some point, I need to listen to all the Kinks' albums from their golden era in order, which this one falls into, to really see which one I like the best. So far, they've all been good.

Beatles wannabe

60's rock that kinda sounds like the Beattles.

Some nice piano parts!

I can't get over how much this sounds like a Beatles knockoff band. That may speak to the style of psychedelic brit rock more than the Kinks themselves, but I found myself wanting to listen to the Beatles over this. Not that there aren't good tracks here, but I think it's missing the special something that makes the Beatles so iconic.

"Something Else by the Kinks" is solid. Brit Pop-Rock isn't usually my go-to, but "Waterloo Sunset" definitely stood out. Overall, it's a quality album, but it doesn't quite hit replay for me — 2/5.

It's a 3, in parts beatle-esque if I dare say.

This album was “Something Else” that’s for sure. I’m not sure what to make of it. There were some songs that were just awful like ”Lazy Old Sun”, and “End of the Season”. Sometimes, like on “Tin Soldier Man”, I felt like they were trying to be Sergeant Pepper‘s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Other songs like “Afternoon Tea” felt like they were trying to capture a mood ala Queen’s “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon” but this song was rejected by the band and the Kinks found it while rummaging through the trash. In any case, I did not enjoy this album at all and I’m not sure why it made the list.

i miss the village green 3.5/5

Didn’t love The Kinks the first time and I still don’t love them now. They are just so middling compared to what else was happening in the genre in 1967.

Apart from the timeless "Waterloo Sunset" I was unfamiliar with the rest of this album, even though "Death of a Clown" was also released as a single in 1967. Quite pleasant, but except for the aforementioned "Waterloo Sunset", I wasn't really that enamoured with the album.

Top level Kinks where they become slightly music hall but maintain classic songwriting. Highly underrated IMO. Waterloo Sunset finishes the album.

Consecutive Kinks albums! I’m not complaining - let’s see what this one’s got… Hmmm it sounds Kinksian alright, but I’m not feeling it like I did with Arthur. A couple of tunes (Harry Rag, Afternoon Tea) stuck with me, but a lot of them, for whatever reason, just sounded ‘fine’. However, this album’s one allotted hit just happens to be one of the greatest songs ever written, and probably accounts for a large chunk of my 3.5 star rating.

Pop rock

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.

C’est pas un mauvais album, j’ai juste oublié l’intégralité des chansons qu’il y a dessus, fake bof

Meh

10/10 endlessly fun and creative these guys were *almost* on par with The Beatles and it sounds really damn good

I always assumed The Kinks were a punk band, so was a little surprised to hear that they are more Beatles-like. Not something I gravitate to, but it was ok. Listen again: no Purchase for my collection: no Favourite Song:

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. The Kinks make kids songs targeted to adults. Fun and silly. But that’s as deep as it gets.

The Kinks is an apt name - just very curious and interesting music. Feels like the musicians are playing a game amongst themselves and I’m just an eavesdropper - contrasts sharply with modern songs that often seem formulated for the broadest listener appeal. That being said - I rate on personal enjoyment so 3 stars - worth a listen but it won’t be making my regular rotation.

Eh. Give me the first two albums and some more angst or whatever is missing from this.

Nice album, though not their best I'd say.

Complete!

Ik weet niet zeker of het is omdat ik de band al ken, maar ik vond dit wel leuk hoor. Ik kende eigenlijk alleen het laatste nummer (Waterloo Sunset, prachtige afsluiter), maar de rest was ook interessant. Zeker eentje om nog eens te luisteren.

I like The Kinks, but this work just doesn't merit inclusion, when they have much better albums. A swing and a miss with this one.

The Kinks as they approach greatness with their next two albums, Waterloo Sunset being the obvious highlight.

A poor effort.

Great, great album by The Kinks. At this point they were pretty solidified as a group and worked out a nice unique sound for them. And this album features the best The Kinks is about through a prism and then what. You have your goofy songs, sing alongs, great singles. I’m starting to grow fond of this band! 8,5 out of 10

3.5

Leads in with energetic David Watts -- fun number with all the good late 60s feel. Death of a Clown feels like Beatles song with less harmonizing. Kind of has that polka / carnival vibe going with almost a Dylan-esque vocal track. Not hating. Situation Vacant is a low-key jam. Once again, a similar Beatles feel. All in all, this feels like a solid enough 60s rock album that borrows a lot from the Beatles and folky influences of the time. Not the best from the Kinks that I have heard, but also a fine listen front to back.

unexpectedly pop oriented given that their rock sounds are more famous. overall solid, nothing spectacular but enjoyable to listen to in the background

Sikkert veldig bra en gang i tiden, men nå er det ganske kjedelig rett og slett.

I'm finding a lot of Kinks albums are good - once they get a bit more concepty they become truly great. Contains one song that is an all time canon one, and at least 5 good ones and then a bunch of filler.

i miss the village green 3.5/5

Sweet, nice, simple, etc.

Love the kinks

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...

Musique joyeuse, légère, malgré des textes plus mélancoliques ou songeurs

There are some good songs on this album but much of it sounds very dated 60s folksy to me (also, as noted elsewhere, 60s harmonies are not my jam). That said, I enjoyed the lyrics about ordinary life. I probably won't be listening to this again, but it definitely has good moments. 3/5

Best Song: Waterloo Sunset. This is an obvious choice. It has easily the most pleasant melody, and it has a kind of quiet innocence about it that isn't present in any of the other tracks. Worst Song: Harry Rag. It feels like they don't have the chutzpah to really push into the more intense direction that it really needs. I could see a band like The Pogues pulling this song off, but not these guys. Overall: Music that was probably important but does not hold up to modern listening. Overly long, with nothing that interesting to say.

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.

I am really not familiar with much of The Kinks. I enjoyed this album very much.

"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.

This didn’t jump out at me as much as the other albums from The Kinks I’ve encountered on this project, but after several listens I was warming up to it more and more. I suspect that with additional exposure I just might well add a star…

Stark trea! En del bra låtar, nästan en fyra

Bättre än de andra men gud för många kinks!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Kinks are always fun but this lacked some of the attention-grabbing of Village Gree Preservation Society

The Kinks can do no wrong in my experience. Insanely good songwriting, beautiful harmonies—it sounds like if Penny Lane was an entire album sonically, since it is a lot more authentically British than a lot of the other British Invasion material I’ve heard. Two Sisters, Harry Rag, and Waterloo sunset were the immediate songs I clung onto, but the quality is so consistent that it’s hard to pick any favorites. Can’t give it five stars since I know there is much better Kinks to come, but it’s still great.

This project has taught me to appreciate early Kinks. I only knew 80's Kinks. Which is pretty amazing, really, not many bands stay relevant so long, especially without just trading on past success. Setting aside the massive over-representation of this type of music from this time period on this list, I love this bouncy but still mostly desperate British vibe and am happy to have listened. Favorite: Harry Rag That said, I liked Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire more. I really need to spend some time with the Kinks catalogue but it's hard to know where to start.

Great! Fun to listen to all around really solid album

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).