Kinks, The - Arthur or the Decline & Fall of the British Empire (1969) Vinyl LP
$32.99
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Kinks, The - Arthur or the Decline & Fall of the British Empire (1969) Vinyl LP
$32.99
Catalog Number:
RS-6366Musical Styles:
1960s, Art Rock, British Invasion, Folk Rock, Pop Rock, Psychedelic RockSleeve Grade:
Very Good Plus (VG+)Record Grade:
Very Good Plus (VG+)Condition Details:
Cutout poster/lyric insert included. Vinyl plays with some crackles and a few light-clicks (play-graded). Gate-fold cover has a few creases near edges; some scuffing, slight discoloration with darker discoloration spots (front/back/inner-gate); small surface abrasions on front. Inner-sleeve is original (Credit/picture); one seam partially split. Spine shows some wear. Some shelf-wear along top-edge, heavier along bottom-edge and corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use Reprise Steamboat label. (Not a cut-out.)
Tracks:
- Victoria
- Yes Sir, No Sir
- Some Mother's Son
- Drivin'
- Brainwashed
- Australia
- Shangri-La
- Mr. Churchill Says
- She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina
- Young And Innocent Days
- Nothing To Say
- Arthur
About The Record:
Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire, by The Kinks, is a concept album that chronicles the life of a fictional working-class Englishman named Arthur Morgan whose experiences mirror the broader decline of British society and empire through themes of war, class struggle, bureaucracy, and emigration. It was originally conceived as the soundtrack to an unproduced Granada Television play developed with novelist Julian Mitchell, with the character based on Ray Davies' brother-in-law, marking a unique blend of personal family history and social commentary. Fan-favorites and popular songs include the anthemic opener Victoria, the satirical Shangri-La, and tracks like Some Mother's Son and Australia that highlight the album's witty yet poignant exploration of identity and loss. A historically significant release for its innovative narrative structure akin to a song cycle or rock opera predating some contemporaries, it captured the nuances of suburban British life amid post-imperial reflection. Victoria reached No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 30 in the UK, while Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire peaked at No. 105 on the Billboard Top LPs chart.