It seemed like 1969 was the year that everyone released their strongest album, and the Kinks were no exception. Usually considered the “Working Class” heroes of their generation, they released a series of “concept” albums that were light years ahead of their time, the apotheosis being Arthur or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire. It’s amazing how poignant not only is the music, but the message on this recording that is both musically and intellectually classic.
This album was the ingenious chronicle of a man growing up in Victorian England and coming to terms with the modern world, modern war and modern angst. The two disc set (which also include Dave Davies’ “lost” solo album) includes the revamped team of Ray Davies, Dave Davies, Mick Avory, John Gosling and John Dalton along with some guest studio musicians. The songs themselves range from upbeat rockers like “Victoria” to deep reflections as on “Some Mother’s Son” with some cheerful ditties like “Drivin’” in for good measure. But it’s the themes and insightful lyrics by Dave Davies that makes the music and songs all the more poignant. “Victoria” is a salute to the zenith of the English Empire, “Some Mother’s Son” a protest against the mindless WWI battles, most notably at Somme, “Drivin’” is a way to escape the ravages of war, and “Australia” holds out hope to hanging on to an accustomed life in a different part of the Empire. “Young and Innocent Days” and “Shangri-La” reflect a wistful dream, and “Arthur” is a joyful rocker.
There are plenty of alternative and Mono single takes. The Great Lost Dave Davies album, also from 1969, was lost in the shuffle, but songs like “This Man He Weeps Tonight” and “Hold My Hand” reflect an inspiration from American bands like The Byrds, with rich vocal harmonies and folksy guitar chords. Rock music has never been so simultaneously intelligent and accessible, and like all artists of the day, while they were not jazzers per se, they knew how to swing, although they called it “rock and roll”. If trends hold true, next year is the anniversary of Lola vs Powerman, and I’m gonna be first in line to get it!