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Post by ganews on Jul 1, 2016 7:24:09 GMT -5
July's oh-so-timely Record Club pick is "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)" by the Kinks, their seventh album which came out in 1969. Post your thoughts here!
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Post by Jimmy James on Jul 1, 2016 19:31:14 GMT -5
Loaded this up on the ol' music rectangle to listen to during my run this morning. I picked it up a couple years ago- I've gradually gotten into the Kinks starting with Village Green Preservation Society. I feel like it hangs together better as a concept album than that one, as the chronological ordering of the songs from the end of the Victorian era through both world wars give it a clear progression. The album opener and closer are the clear stand-outs for me. I was introduced to "Victoria" via How I Met Your Mother, which is a really great riff to start off on. Reminded me of Ted Leo's 'Army Bound' the first time I heard it. The "Ooh we love you / And want to help you" sing along in "Arthur" is a nice way to finish off, and makes that song one I turn to when I'm feeling bummed out. |
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Post by ganews on Jul 5, 2016 8:22:27 GMT -5
The Kinks are such a good time, and as this is a few years in to their career they don't feel like they are repeating themselves. Selected thoughts: "Yes Sir, No Sir" - I like transitions and change-ups mid-song "Some Mother's Son" - solid anti-war song about the anonymity of a dead soldier "Australia" - so wistful... oppy all along is it true no one there has a chip on their shoulder? "Mr. Churchill Says" - a lot cooler in the back half "She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina" - ...ooh, same goes for this one. I think that's a kazoo! |
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Post by Pops Freshenmeyer on Jul 6, 2016 22:43:29 GMT -5
Something that becomes more apparent every time I listen to the Kinks is just how goddamn brilliant the Kinks are in terms of constructing smart pop, that I wonder what is it that keeps me from diving further into them. Perhaps its because commercial appeal tells me the Kinks are best left to writing catchy singles, and never engaging albums. These are songwriters' songwriters songs, but I still feel compelled to listen because there's hooks to be found, and elements of the very best indie pop (most from the early aughts) to be dug here.
And yet, damned if I care to go out and buy this album right now. I'm actively enjoying it, but, deep in my bones, I know I'd rather have a collection full of "All Day and All of the Nights" and "You Really Got Mes" and "Sunny Afternoons."
Is this just too smart for its own good? If the same level of ambition (with different approach, obviously) can befit contemporaries like the Who, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys in terms of expanding what the band is capable of compared to earlier records, why don't I bother hearing it from the Kinks?
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repulsionist
TI Forumite
actively disinterested
Posts: 3,563 
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Post by repulsionist on Jul 26, 2016 12:45:03 GMT -5
Doin' a drive-by these last days of July. Poignant lyrics. Excellent story arc - The Arthurian Legend's spent, folks. Kinks rub people the wrong way despite their tuneful rhythms and melodies: British! Ergo, Kinks in the hose. Kinks in the neck. The sharp twist that gives contrast of former pleasure to current, acute discomfort.
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