Arthur – THE KINKS****

Victoria/Yes Sir No Sir/Some Mother’s Son/Drivin’/Brainwashed/Australia/Shangri-La/Mr Churchill Says/She Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina/Young & Innocent Days/Nothing To Say/Arthur

Conceived as the soundtrack for a TV play which was never made, The Kinks’ Arthur traces the life of the average man during the decline of the British Empire. It was a critical success, but relative commercial failure. (US:105)

“Every song on the album tells a different story to which many people can relate, and at the same time, they're all catchy, inventive pieces of music. The lyrics are full of social commentary concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often ironic and gently mocking. Although not a concept album as such, The Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication.”

“This is probably Ray Davies at the peak of his songwriting prowess. The great thing about this album is that it successfully combines the band's melodic pop sense with their earlier, uptempo rave up sound on a few tracks. For those who can appreciate it, you'll find this album is one of the very best of the 60s.”

“The band is firing on all cylinders, and everything - lyrics, melodies, arrangements, playing, production, dynamics, diversity, vibe, sequencing, synergy - are virtually unsurpassed, in Kinkdom and indeed all of rock music. They move from chamber pop, orchestral pop and guitar-driven melodic rock, sometimes within the same song, with masterful, easy confidence.”

“This is classic Brit rock from the late 60s. Ray Davies intelligent lyrics are one of the strong points of the album, which showcases the many different facets of The Kinks from driving rock to sublime balladry. A concept album about a man dreaming of England’s past and a future in Australia. But its about a lot more than that, its the fall of the British Empire and the effect on the British psyche. Under the superb harmonies there is a bitter resentment of the British Empire and what it stands for - stiff upper lip-ness and all that.”

“This recording was, The Kinks finest hour. Composed by Ray Davies as the score for a 1969 British TV series that never got off the ground. It is neither a rock opera, nor a portentous retelling of the history of England. Rather, it's a collection of postcard perfect scenes of everyday life in the suburbs of England.”