27 September, 2012

167. The Kinks | Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) (1969)



Tracks
  1. Victoria
  2. Yes Sir, No Sir
  3. Some Mother's Son
  4. Drivin'
  5. Brainwashed
  6. Australia
  7. Shangri-La
  8. Mr. Churchill Says
  9. She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina
  10. Young and Innocent Days
  11. Nothing to Say
  12. Arthur

Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) is a wonderful album. It's a straightforward rock album filled with great melodies.

Ray Davies writes really clever and interesting lyrics. It's always fun trying to figure out their meanings. Also, Kinks' songs always seem to be upbeat even when the lyrics aren't. Ray Davies' humor is peculiar.

The album starts off strong and continues on an even keel all the way to the end. Since it was a concept album to accompany a television play (which never came to be), the album is consistent and the songs work well together. The themes deal with late Victorian England, the Great War, World War II, and post-World War II life and life in Australia. Seems like ancient history.

This is definitely an album worth listening to. The only drawback may be the lyrical themes which may not interest some. However, it's refreshing album to listen to after all of the psychedelic rock albums from the past few years.

All the songs are really strong, but the real stand outs are: Victoria, Yes Sir, No Sir,  Some Mother's Son, Brainwashed, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, Nothing to Say and Arthur.

★★★★★★★★★★

No comments:

Post a Comment