Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) is The Kinks return to the list. I did not think they would appear again after their last album’s failure to chart. Frontman Ray Davies created a concept soundtrack album for a British play, but it was cancelled before it was produced. This album was another critical success, but not a huge commercial success. It did return The Kinks to the American charts, if only briefly.
The music sounds great in the first song “Victoria“, but the lyrics are repetitive and banal. I do not completely hate it, but all these songs using a girl’s name are boring. It is like did you even try to do something original. The only other song I did not really care for was “She’s Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina“, but even it has some good moments.
I like when a song has a little change in tempo or does a full-stop then starts again. “Yes Sir, No Sir” has a change in tempo, which was unexpected and fun. That is what a song should do, surprise the listener. It is rare to hear a surprise in music today. This album has many surprises.
The album is filled with catchy songs. but catchy for the end of the 60s. I have a few more albums left to listen to in 1969 and most of them I have not had any interest in, but The Kinks have made it a little better. They have produced another amazing album. I recommend it for those who like concepts, good music and a bit of humour. 9/10.
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