This music isn't written for me. While I appreciate it as a debut record with his departure from NWA and for possibly moving rap forward, there is nothing for me in terms of relatable content.
Clearly an influential album. One year older than I am, 53 years ago this psychedelic and acid rock influenced soul and funk record has a lot to unpack. Experimental, sonic exploration with blues and rock influence. This record really stands tall in its expression. I loved it.
This was my first listen to Arthur. I learned this 1969 album was originally conceived as a companion soundtrack to a now-lost television drama by the same name. It tells the story of a working-class man navigating post-WWII Britain. The album captures feelings of a generation that saw the empire shrink, promises fade, and modernization creep into every corner of their lives--parallels easily drawn in 2025 for multiple nations. There’s a raw edge throughout this record. Fuzzy guitar riffs, punchy drums, touches of brass, and intricate vocals carry each track’s tale. It teeters between stripped down garage rock (even though that term didn’t really exist yet) and full on theatrical storytelling. Tracks like "Shangri-La," "Some Mother’s Son," and "Young and Innocent Days" stand out. While the bombastic "Victoria" kicks off the record, "Shangri-La" builds from something quiet and nostalgic into a takedown of the suburban dream. The anti-war track "Some Mother’s Son" is beautiful, bleak, and haunting. And at my age, my favorite track was probably "Young and Innocent Days." It’s reflective and melancholic, yet beautifully underscores loss of youthful idealism. Despite commercial ups and downs, Kinks remained a band unafraid to evolve. Their relevance lies not in stylistic consistency, but in their ability to mirror contradictions of modern life across decades of shifting musical landscapes--and make great music while doing so. This album was foundational to their future. Five stars from this guy.
Classic post doowap should album. Very much enjoyed it.
Not my favorite Floyd but still a great listen.