Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire (studio album) by The Kinks

From AlvaroIesus 11/02/2023 06:12

This is probably The Kinks' finest album. Clever and sarcastic songwriting, outstanding drums, and memorable choruses.

From AlvaroIesus 11/02/2023 06:04

Fabulous drums.

An interesting concept album that is full of the classic Kinks charm that leads to an enjoyable experience. The song writing is great and well thought out making it fun to explore his words in depth. Musically, it has that feel good vibe to it that makes you feel happy when you listen to it and instantly makes you feel nostalgic for the music even if you haven't heard the album before. I am also a huge fan of the horn and string arrangements on here as they add so much to the sound and atmosphere especially on the bigger tracks. They completely transform a song like Yes Sir, No Sir from a decent song into one that I absolutely love to revisit. Overall, a solid Kinks release that doesn't blow me away but it is harmless and a lot of fun to listen to.

This album has got at all! Great songs. Great playing. Great lyrics. Interesting story. Good production. Plenty of bonus-tracks.
Of course "Shangrila" is the oustanding track. But there are no weak songs here. "Some Mother`s Son" is very moving - could be an anti-war anthem! "Young and Innocent Days" - beautiful sentimental Davies ballad.

Energy in the rockers "Brainwashed", "Victoria" and "Nothing to Say"

Lots of humour and satire throughout the album.

Among the bonus tracks you`ll find some af Dave Davies' best songs from this period, "This Man He Weeps Tonight" and "Mindless Child of Motherhood" as well as the previously unreleased "Mr Shoemaker's Daughter" from Dave`s aborted 1969 album!

This album deserves to be in any record collection.

https://www.angelfire.com/nv/Badfinger/BANDkinks.html

The Kinks best album imo and one of my all time favourite albums. Wonderful from start to finish

This album grew on me a lot, it's extremely british, but I love it about it. My favorite tracks are Victoria, Mr. Churchill Says, Shangri-La, Young And Innocent Days and the most heartbreaking Some Mother's Son.
Altough I think that Yes Sir, No Sir and Nothing To Say are skips, album still stands strong.

From Superunknown 04/14/2022 15:47

I regard "Shangri-La" as one of the greatest songs of 1969.
It's up there alongside Space Oddity, Gimme Shelter, Something, Whole Lotta Love, The Court of the Crimson King.

Not better than Village Green, Arthur is still an amazing album. The only aspect I don't like about it is the tendency of some songs to interrupt halfway through just to turn into something melodically and rhythmically different (Yes Sir No Sir, Australia, Mr Churchill Says, Princess Marina...). Feels a bit too inconsistent as a whole because of this but there are a lot of brilliant ideas that deserve recognition.

If this site has taught me anything, it's that I need to spend more time with the Kinks.

i think this is my favourite kinks album , excellent songs