Album of the day (#7310): Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire by The Kinks

BestEverAlbums — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:00:26 GMT

Author: BestEverAlbums

Posted: 07/16/2026 20:00

Today's album of the day

Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire by The Kinks (View album | Buy this album)

Year: 1969.
Country:
The Kinks discography rank: 2 (out of 62 listed on BEA)
1969 rank: 14
1960s rank: 49
Overall rank: 357
Average rating: 82/100 (from 723 votes).

Tracks:
1. Victoria
2. Yes Sir, No Sir
3. Some Mother's Son
4. Drivin'
5. Brainwashed
6. Australia
7. Shangri-La
8. Mr. Churchill Says
9. She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina
10. Young And Innocent Days
11. Nothing To Say
12. Arthur

indicates a top-rated track.

Top voted comments:

"'Arthur' was originally written for a BBC Television show that was cancelled just as filming was about to commence. It is a concept album that tells the tale of one Arthur Morgan who lives in London in a house called Shangri-La (note: the track "Shangri-La" was actually inspired by visiting Davies' sister Rose in Adelaide Australia) with a wife called Rose He has a son called Derek who's married to Liz, and they have 2 children Terry and Marilyn. Arthur's son Derek and family are planning to emigrate to Australia. Arthur's 2nd son Eddie was killed in the Korean war , whilst his brother was killed in the battle of the Somme.
The album tracks fit loosely around this premise

The 12 tracks that make up 'Arthur' represent another outstanding Kinks album with the band at their creative peak. This is never more evident than hearing the non-album tracks that appear on the 'Arthur Deluxe' edition. Cracking songs such as "This Man He Weep's Tonite" , "Mindless Child of Motherhood" , "Creeping Jean" , "Lincoln County" and "Hold My Hand" are as good as any on the actual album and are among some of The Kinks finest compositions.

Simply awesome"
- Brad1770 (Rating: 80/100)
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"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"
- Rovers (Rating: 90/100)
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About album of the day: The BestEverAlbums.com album of the day is the album appearing most prominently in member charts in the previous 24 hours. If an album, or artist, has previously been selected within a x day period, the next highest album is picked instead (and so on) to ensure a bit of variety. A full history of album of the day can be viewed here.

Best Ever Albums

Album of the day (#7310): Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire by The Kinks