The Kinks — Shangri-La
Album: ArthurAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1095
Length: 5:15
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Now that you've found your paradise
This is your kingdom to command
You can go outside and polish your car
Or sit by the fire in your shangri-la
Here's your reward for working so hard
Gone are the lavatories in the backyard
Gone are the days when you dreamed of that car
You just want to sit in your shangri-la
Put on your slippers and sit by the fire
You've reached your top and you just can't get any higher
You're in your place and you know where you are
In your shangri-la
Sit back in your old rocking chair
You need not worry, you need not care
You can't go anywhere
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
The little man who gets the train
Got a mortgage hanging over his head
But he's too scared to complain
'Cause he's conditioned that way
Time goes by and he pays off his debts
Got a TV set and a radio
For seven shillings a week
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
And all the houses in the street have got a name
'Cause all the houses in the street, they look the same
Same chimney pots, same little cars, same window panes
The neighbours call to tell you things that you should know
They say their lines, they drink their tea, and then they go
They tell your business in another shangri-la
The gas bills and the water rates and payments on the car
Too scared to think about how insecure you are
Life ain't so happy in your little shangri-la
Shangri-la, shangri-la, la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Put on your slippers and sit by the fire
You've reached your top and you just can't get any higher
You're in your place and you know where you are
In your shangri-la
Sit back in your old rocking chair
You need not worry, you need not care
You can't go anywhere
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
This is your kingdom to command
You can go outside and polish your car
Or sit by the fire in your shangri-la
Here's your reward for working so hard
Gone are the lavatories in the backyard
Gone are the days when you dreamed of that car
You just want to sit in your shangri-la
Put on your slippers and sit by the fire
You've reached your top and you just can't get any higher
You're in your place and you know where you are
In your shangri-la
Sit back in your old rocking chair
You need not worry, you need not care
You can't go anywhere
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
The little man who gets the train
Got a mortgage hanging over his head
But he's too scared to complain
'Cause he's conditioned that way
Time goes by and he pays off his debts
Got a TV set and a radio
For seven shillings a week
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
And all the houses in the street have got a name
'Cause all the houses in the street, they look the same
Same chimney pots, same little cars, same window panes
The neighbours call to tell you things that you should know
They say their lines, they drink their tea, and then they go
They tell your business in another shangri-la
The gas bills and the water rates and payments on the car
Too scared to think about how insecure you are
Life ain't so happy in your little shangri-la
Shangri-la, shangri-la, la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Put on your slippers and sit by the fire
You've reached your top and you just can't get any higher
You're in your place and you know where you are
In your shangri-la
Sit back in your old rocking chair
You need not worry, you need not care
You can't go anywhere
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Comments (101)add comment
Listened to this album on repeat when I was 15 until I wore it out. Such a great band. Very underrated band of the era. Too bad about the sibling scuffles.
I must praise Bill for adding lyrics to the UI of Radio Paradise. I have gotten a different perspective on some songs after reading the lyrics. And I must admit, The Kinks were the most frequent surprise for me. This song included. And it was released in 1969.
Kinks is in a class of their own. Nice to hear.
PS. Could somebody please the previous airhead post?
loving it! 
Poignant as my career trajectory flattens
The most underrated band ever....
Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Well said Sweet.
The Kinks played on RP always bring a smile to my face. Lots of famous bands from those days do not have a similar impact. So I reckon it has to be more than just the nostalgia factor.
It is often hard to disentangle nostalgia from liking. But music is all about emotional resonance, so perhaps it doesn't matter...
Well said Sweet.
The Kinks played on RP always bring a smile to my face. Lots of famous bands from those days do not have a similar impact. So I reckon it has to be more than just the nostalgia factor.
pure excellence !
hippy sixties happy days
kcar wrote:
This is pretty good, although it has some off moments...but this is from 1969? The sound quality is pretty bad. Compare this to stuff from Abbey Road or Sergeant Pepper...
There weren't a whole lot of recording artists who got to work in Abbey Road Studios with George Martin back in those days.
This is pretty good, although it has some off moments...but this is from 1969? The sound quality is pretty bad. Compare this to stuff from Abbey Road or Sergeant Pepper...
There weren't a whole lot of recording artists who got to work in Abbey Road Studios with George Martin back in those days.
It is often hard to disentangle nostalgia from liking. But music is all about emotional resonance, so perhaps it doesn't matter...
BREXIT ??
Wilfrue wrote:
Wilfrue wrote:
One gets the impression this is an adjunct to "Well Respected Man About Town." A rail against common polite society and the ills of disconnection and disenfranchisement.
"As long as I've got mine, leave me alone."
"As long as I've got mine, leave me alone."
One gets the impression this is an adjunct to "Well Respected Man About Town." A rail against common polite society and the ills of disconnection and disenfranchisement.
"As long as I've got mine, leave me alone."
"As long as I've got mine, leave me alone."
amprich wrote:
Yeah, there was a "Preservation Act 2" album released about a year after the first one.
Sounds like something from their rather obscure "Preservation Act One" album...did they make a sequel?
Yeah, there was a "Preservation Act 2" album released about a year after the first one.
OMG!!! I don't think I've heard this since the mid-1980s, when my ex and I were in our CRAZY FOR THE KINKS phase! Still love them, and this. (But not the ex. 
) The Kinks' special brand of peculiar English subject matter and delivery resonate even more for me now, since I just returned from my first-ever trip to London... and I can't wait to go back!
) The Kinks' special brand of peculiar English subject matter and delivery resonate even more for me now, since I just returned from my first-ever trip to London... and I can't wait to go back!Just realized this is a clone of Ruby Tuesday. Not that I like the R.S. — Actually I hate the R.S. — Childhood issues 
It was good when I first heard it, or the third time. It's wry social commentary, then and now, for the ol' U.K. But I must downgrade it. You really don't got me.
No, this should be buried with nuclear waste in NV.
scraig wrote:
Shouldn't this be on the Sgt. Peppers album?
scraig wrote:
Uh, no.
Shouldn't this be on the Sgt. Peppers album?
Uh, no.
Classic cut from Arthur. Loved it then and love it now!
martinc wrote:
This is pretty good, although it has some off moments...but this is from 1969? The sound quality is pretty bad. Compare this to stuff from Abbey Road or Sergeant Pepper...
Another treasure from 1969...Ray and Dave did a good job on closing of Olympics. Glad they were included.
This is pretty good, although it has some off moments...but this is from 1969? The sound quality is pretty bad. Compare this to stuff from Abbey Road or Sergeant Pepper...
more songs about buildings and food..
kurtster wrote:
The Kinks were true originals at what they did. You Really Got Me is often credited as the first heavy metal song / sound. They went where no one else did. Carved their own path. Did it their own way.
While they may have had peers such as the Stones, Beatles and the Who, they were just as unique to themselves as were the forementioned.
Saw them many times. Always a good show. They were one of the few true highlights at the 8 hour RRHOF show in old Cleveland Municipal Stadium that was broadcast around the world. I would go so far as to say that they stole whole the show with their set. The turntable spun around with them playing in their British Invasion suits and brought everyone to their feet after hours of many great and not so great bands. They showed us all why they belonged there. The only two others that even came close to what they did were the Allman Bros and Springsteen, who also demostrated why they belonged on that stage.
It was the last concert ever played at the old stadium which hosted so many great e
While they may have had peers such as the Stones, Beatles and the Who, they were just as unique to themselves as were the forementioned.
Saw them many times. Always a good show. They were one of the few true highlights at the 8 hour RRHOF show in old Cleveland Municipal Stadium that was broadcast around the world. I would go so far as to say that they stole whole the show with their set. The turntable spun around with them playing in their British Invasion suits and brought everyone to their feet after hours of many great and not so great bands. They showed us all why they belonged there. The only two others that even came close to what they did were the Allman Bros and Springsteen, who also demostrated why they belonged on that stage.
It was the last concert ever played at the old stadium which hosted so many great e
fredriley wrote:
Burb-las are still going up at a good pace in parts of North America.
For fun, fly over the USA on a clear day. The low-density suburbs that sprawl for kilometers and kilometers or is that for miles and miles, are a sight to behold.
The wilderness is tamed.
7/- a week? Outside loos? Boy, is this dated, or what? Still, the suburban situation it describes is as real now as then, as anyone from a 'new town' (Milton Keynes, Stevenage, etc) would testify.
Burb-las are still going up at a good pace in parts of North America.
For fun, fly over the USA on a clear day. The low-density suburbs that sprawl for kilometers and kilometers or is that for miles and miles, are a sight to behold.
The wilderness is tamed.
Shouldn't this be on the Sgt. Peppers album?
A totally different sound then You Really Got Me or Tired of Waiting. If one didn't know better, or hear the band identified, one would think they're two separate acts.
Wunderschön! 
Always happy when RP plays The Kinks.
Simply brilliant.
The Kinks were true originals at what they did. You Really Got Me is often credited as the first heavy metal song / sound. They went where no one else did. Carved their own path. Did it their own way.
While they may have had peers such as the Stones, Beatles and the Who, they were just as unique to themselves as were the forementioned.
Saw them many times. Always a good show. They were one of the few true highlights at the 8 hour RRHOF show in old Cleveland Municipal Stadium that was broadcast around the world. I would go so far as to say that they stole whole the show with their set. The turntable spun around with them playing in their British Invasion suits and brought everyone to their feet after hours of many great and not so great bands. They showed us all why they belonged there. The only two others that even came close to what they did were the Allman Bros and Springsteen, who also demostrated why they belonged on that stage.
It was the last concert ever played at the old stadium which hosted so many great events.
While they may have had peers such as the Stones, Beatles and the Who, they were just as unique to themselves as were the forementioned.
Saw them many times. Always a good show. They were one of the few true highlights at the 8 hour RRHOF show in old Cleveland Municipal Stadium that was broadcast around the world. I would go so far as to say that they stole whole the show with their set. The turntable spun around with them playing in their British Invasion suits and brought everyone to their feet after hours of many great and not so great bands. They showed us all why they belonged there. The only two others that even came close to what they did were the Allman Bros and Springsteen, who also demostrated why they belonged on that stage.
It was the last concert ever played at the old stadium which hosted so many great events.
This brought back memories.Used to own it on an LP.Saw the Kinks live many ,many years ago. Sadly, I also remember when one could rent a TV and a radio for seven shillings (35p) week, as mentioned in the lyrics.
See https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-kinks-mn0000100160/overview/main#discography for more info on their discography.
Sounds like something from their rather obscure "Preservation Act One" album...did they make a sequel?
This is fantastic. I have never heard this before, and am chair-dancing at this mildly sick time of the morning.
Gee, I thought a Waterloo Sunset was a shangri-la!
ziakut wrote:
But Davies and Kinks are sooooo much better.
Excellent segue from Bowie to Kinks with Davies singing in a similar style as Bowie in this particular track. Great.
But Davies and Kinks are sooooo much better.
kingart wrote:
Get some old Kinks albums. There are many treasures....
Never heard this before in my life. RP is radio paradise alright!
Get some old Kinks albums. There are many treasures....
Never heard this before in my life. RP is radio paradise alright!
Another treasure from 1969...Ray and Dave did a good job on closing of Olympics. Glad they were included.
haresfur wrote:
Yeah, isn't it great that it captures a time past, but is still relevant?
Yeah, isn't it great that it captures a time past, but is still relevant?
Excellent segue from Bowie to Kinks with Davies singing in a similar style as Bowie in this particular track. Great.
Sit in your Shangri-la near Paradise.
Amazing how 1969 England sounds like current-day America in this song.
Thank you Bill
sirdroseph wrote:
I agree with Excelsior. They were a fair to middlin band with a few good tunes, but mostly boring tripe IMO. Underrated? I think they are overrated to get as much praise and recognition as they do.
This is one of their good songs though, I like it.
Middlin'? Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, dreams of emigrating to a better life and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. This entire album reached way beyond anything that was being written at the time. And for the rebellious youth of the late 60s and early 70s (who could listen to the lyrics of Lola in 1970 and not feel part of a subversive experience?), Ray Davies spoke to us loud and clear. For those of us who lived through the Kinks' era, they are neither overrated or underrated. We know exactly where they stand.
I agree with Excelsior. They were a fair to middlin band with a few good tunes, but mostly boring tripe IMO. Underrated? I think they are overrated to get as much praise and recognition as they do.This is one of their good songs though, I like it.
Middlin'? Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, dreams of emigrating to a better life and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. This entire album reached way beyond anything that was being written at the time. And for the rebellious youth of the late 60s and early 70s (who could listen to the lyrics of Lola in 1970 and not feel part of a subversive experience?), Ray Davies spoke to us loud and clear. For those of us who lived through the Kinks' era, they are neither overrated or underrated. We know exactly where they stand.
jvaljean wrote:
I've read this comment and others you've written about The Kinks, who were probably the most under-rated, yet most influential British rock bands in history. Their lyrics were years ahead of the times, and remain relevant today Perhaps you don't listen to lyrics, or you're too young to understand, or you don't like the music, I don't know where your ignorance comes from. I've met 15 year old sons and daughters of friends who get it. The Kinks are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & U.K. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for nothing, nor is Ray Davies in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for sucking, Excelsior. Dave Davies invented the guitar sound copied by many, beginning back with "You Really Got Me," and "All Day And All of the Night." "Shangri-la" is one of their best songs, from the album "Arthur,"(for short), which has been cited by many as being the first rock opera, even preceding The Beatles Sgt. Peppers, and The Who's Tommy. I get a chuckle reading your comments. Just saw Ray Davies at The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on 12/12, and he remains one of the great showmen, and continues to put out relevant solo albums, which your probable Attention Deficit Disorder would limit your comprehension of. God Save The Kinks! .
I agree with Excelsior. They were a fair to middlin band with a few good tunes, but mostly boring tripe IMO. Underrated? I think they are overrated to get as much praise and recognition as they do.
This is one of their good songs though, I like it.
I've read this comment and others you've written about The Kinks, who were probably the most under-rated, yet most influential British rock bands in history. Their lyrics were years ahead of the times, and remain relevant today Perhaps you don't listen to lyrics, or you're too young to understand, or you don't like the music, I don't know where your ignorance comes from. I've met 15 year old sons and daughters of friends who get it. The Kinks are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & U.K. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for nothing, nor is Ray Davies in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for sucking, Excelsior. Dave Davies invented the guitar sound copied by many, beginning back with "You Really Got Me," and "All Day And All of the Night." "Shangri-la" is one of their best songs, from the album "Arthur,"(for short), which has been cited by many as being the first rock opera, even preceding The Beatles Sgt. Peppers, and The Who's Tommy. I get a chuckle reading your comments. Just saw Ray Davies at The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on 12/12, and he remains one of the great showmen, and continues to put out relevant solo albums, which your probable Attention Deficit Disorder would limit your comprehension of. God Save The Kinks! .
I agree with Excelsior. They were a fair to middlin band with a few good tunes, but mostly boring tripe IMO. Underrated? I think they are overrated to get as much praise and recognition as they do.This is one of their good songs though, I like it.
Kinks <3
Another great piece of music from 1969. It was an amazing year!
Thanks for playing! One of my faves from the Kinks' "middle period." î î î
fredriley wrote:
Yeah, isn't it great that it captures a time past, but is still relevant?
7/- a week? Outside loos? Boy, is this dated, or what? Still, the suburban situation it describes is as real now as then, as anyone from a 'new town' (Milton Keynes, Stevenage, etc) would testify.
Yeah, isn't it great that it captures a time past, but is still relevant?
Very nice!!
It seems to me the Kinks don't get the kudos they deserve. When we think of the sixties what bands come to mind?....The Beatles, The Stones, The Who, The Byrds.... but The Kinks also produced a string of great records from the mid 60s to the early 70s. At least RP recognizes them. 
7/- a week? Outside loos? Boy, is this dated, or what? Still, the suburban situation it describes is as real now as then, as anyone from a 'new town' (Milton Keynes, Stevenage, etc) would testify.
holborne wrote:
I'm beginning to think maybe you're a troll.
Jesus, people are still paying attention to Excelsior? Unreal.
STOP REPLYING TO HIM. (I think he just reincarnated under the name "fluffybum," btw.)
Let me try to make this clear: Excelsior, or fluffybum, or whatever the fuck he's now calling himself, is a troll. Period. The more you respond, the more he loves it, and the more he posts. The way to get rid of trolls is really simple: ignore them. That's it. Nothing more than that. It's 2009 — haven't people learned how to deal with internet trolls by now? Christ.
STOP REPLYING TO HIM. (I think he just reincarnated under the name "fluffybum," btw.)
Let me try to make this clear: Excelsior, or fluffybum, or whatever the fuck he's now calling himself, is a troll. Period. The more you respond, the more he loves it, and the more he posts. The way to get rid of trolls is really simple: ignore them. That's it. Nothing more than that. It's 2009 — haven't people learned how to deal with internet trolls by now? Christ.
I'm beginning to think maybe you're a troll.
Very, very, very nice. The Kinks rule!
You know, every now and then I hear a really crappy song on RP and when I check the playlist it´s mostly the Kinks.
One of my favorite Kinks tunes...
Love it
LOVE
technical difficulties? Or did someone sneek up on Bill, grab the back of his chair and spin him around?
Radio ShangriLa
Ray Davies will always be a hero of mine. I love this song and every bit of Arthur!
Uh oh. I think holborne needs a hug and maybe a cookie.
As for me, I'll just sit and be content with my 10 rating for this tune. It is a milestone of the genre.
As for me, I'll just sit and be content with my 10 rating for this tune. It is a milestone of the genre.
I wasn't so sure of the previous cover of Waterloo Sunset by Bowie, but this is redemption. Wet my palet on the real thing. Thnx!
Jesus, people are still paying attention to Excelsior? Unreal.
STOP REPLYING TO HIM. (I think he just reincarnated under the name "fluffybum," btw.)
Let me try to make this clear: Excelsior, or fluffybum, or whatever the fuck he's now calling himself, is a troll. Period. The more you respond, the more he loves it, and the more he posts. The way to get rid of trolls is really simple: ignore them. That's it. Nothing more than that. It's 2009 — haven't people learned how to deal with internet trolls by now? Christ.
STOP REPLYING TO HIM. (I think he just reincarnated under the name "fluffybum," btw.)
Let me try to make this clear: Excelsior, or fluffybum, or whatever the fuck he's now calling himself, is a troll. Period. The more you respond, the more he loves it, and the more he posts. The way to get rid of trolls is really simple: ignore them. That's it. Nothing more than that. It's 2009 — haven't people learned how to deal with internet trolls by now? Christ.
AWESOME.
So ahead of their time.
So ahead of their time.
jvaljean wrote:
I've read this comment and others you've written about The Kinks, who were probably the most under-rated, yet most influential British rock bands in history. Their lyrics were years ahead of the times, and remain relevant today Perhaps you don't listen to lyrics, or you're too young to understand, or you don't like the music, I don't know where your ignorance comes from. I've met 15 year old sons and daughters of friends who get it. The Kinks are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & U.K. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for nothing, nor is Ray Davies in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for sucking, Excelsior. Dave Davies invented the guitar sound copied by many, beginning back with "You Really Got Me," and "All Day And All of the Night." "Shangri-la" is one of their best songs, from the album "Arthur,"(for short), which has been cited by many as being the first rock opera, even preceding The Beatles Sgt. Peppers, and The Who's Tommy. I get a chuckle reading your comments. Just saw Ray Davies at The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on 12/12, and he remains one of the great showmen, and continues to put out relevant solo albums, which your probable Attention Deficit Disorder would limit your comprehension of. God Save The Kinks! .
Amen!
I've read this comment and others you've written about The Kinks, who were probably the most under-rated, yet most influential British rock bands in history. Their lyrics were years ahead of the times, and remain relevant today Perhaps you don't listen to lyrics, or you're too young to understand, or you don't like the music, I don't know where your ignorance comes from. I've met 15 year old sons and daughters of friends who get it. The Kinks are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & U.K. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for nothing, nor is Ray Davies in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for sucking, Excelsior. Dave Davies invented the guitar sound copied by many, beginning back with "You Really Got Me," and "All Day And All of the Night." "Shangri-la" is one of their best songs, from the album "Arthur,"(for short), which has been cited by many as being the first rock opera, even preceding The Beatles Sgt. Peppers, and The Who's Tommy. I get a chuckle reading your comments. Just saw Ray Davies at The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on 12/12, and he remains one of the great showmen, and continues to put out relevant solo albums, which your probable Attention Deficit Disorder would limit your comprehension of. God Save The Kinks! .
Amen!
Excelsior wrote:
I've read this comment and others you've written about The Kinks, who were probably the most under-rated, yet most influential British rock bands in history. Their lyrics were years ahead of the times, and remain relevant today Perhaps you don't listen to lyrics, or you're too young to understand, or you don't like the music, I don't know where your ignorance comes from. I've met 15 year old sons and daughters of friends who get it. The Kinks are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & U.K. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for nothing, nor is Ray Davies in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for sucking, Excelsior. Dave Davies invented the guitar sound copied by many, beginning back with "You Really Got Me," and "All Day And All of the Night." "Shangri-la" is one of their best songs, from the album "Arthur,"(for short), which has been cited by many as being the first rock opera, even preceding The Beatles Sgt. Peppers, and The Who's Tommy. I get a chuckle reading your comments. Just saw Ray Davies at The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on 12/12, and he remains one of the great showmen, and continues to put out relevant solo albums, which your probable Attention Deficit Disorder would limit your comprehension of. God Save The Kinks! .
Dear God, these guys suck.
I've read this comment and others you've written about The Kinks, who were probably the most under-rated, yet most influential British rock bands in history. Their lyrics were years ahead of the times, and remain relevant today Perhaps you don't listen to lyrics, or you're too young to understand, or you don't like the music, I don't know where your ignorance comes from. I've met 15 year old sons and daughters of friends who get it. The Kinks are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & U.K. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for nothing, nor is Ray Davies in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for sucking, Excelsior. Dave Davies invented the guitar sound copied by many, beginning back with "You Really Got Me," and "All Day And All of the Night." "Shangri-la" is one of their best songs, from the album "Arthur,"(for short), which has been cited by many as being the first rock opera, even preceding The Beatles Sgt. Peppers, and The Who's Tommy. I get a chuckle reading your comments. Just saw Ray Davies at The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on 12/12, and he remains one of the great showmen, and continues to put out relevant solo albums, which your probable Attention Deficit Disorder would limit your comprehension of. God Save The Kinks! .
tiggers wrote:
Hard to accept that this little island has led the world of popular music for nearly 50 years ain't it?
I think I put it down to us not wasting our time with the likes of country music
The leader in pop, agreed. But who do the Beatles, Stones, Who, Kinks, Yardbirds, Elton John, etc., etc. list as their inspiration? Elvis, Buddy Holly, Muddy Waters, James Brown, The Staples Singers, T-Bone Walker, Chuck Berry, Bo-Diddley, Fats Domino...etc., etc., etc.....
You got it dead right about CM.
Hard to accept that this little island has led the world of popular music for nearly 50 years ain't it?
I think I put it down to us not wasting our time with the likes of country music
The leader in pop, agreed. But who do the Beatles, Stones, Who, Kinks, Yardbirds, Elton John, etc., etc. list as their inspiration? Elvis, Buddy Holly, Muddy Waters, James Brown, The Staples Singers, T-Bone Walker, Chuck Berry, Bo-Diddley, Fats Domino...etc., etc., etc.....
You got it dead right about CM.
My favorite Kinks album.
velvetglove wrote:
That makes two of us.
I guess, it makes not only three of us...
That makes two of us.
I guess, it makes not only three of us...
bachbeet wrote:
That makes two of us.
I'm surprised at the low rating for this. The whole album offers great social commentary as the Kinks did quite often.
That makes two of us.
Excelsior wrote:
Pfffft. you suck.
Dear God, these guys suck.
Pfffft. you suck.
Dear God, these guys suck.
Up until roughly '72, I thought Ray might just take his place w/ Pete, the Stones and the Beats. I suppose that didn't happen, but what a run he had for that period!
I'm surprised at the low rating for this. The whole album offers great social commentary as the Kinks did quite often.
The Kinks get my vote for "Most Underrated, Over-influential Band of All Time". 
God bless Ray Davies
Davies captured the insipidness of English suburbia in the second half of the century quite rightly in this dity. This culture is what the Punks rebelled against.
miahfost wrote:
The Kinks stinks.
well, we can't all be abba, can we.
So when will American artists put out CDs with a similar title?
Love how Bill pulls out some of the more obscure Kinks songs now and then. This was a delight and an 8! 
Gosh that started out ignorable and then went all the way to mute the volume. Sucko-Barfo seems a bit much but that's where it ended.
Sorry to all the Kinks fans out there, but this was not one of their best.
I love the Kinks and I've never heard this one before. Nice!
EssexTex wrote:
I think I put it down to us not wasting our time with the likes of country music
What is this whinging limey hour?
Hard to accept that this little island has led the world of popular music for nearly 50 years ain't it?
I think I put it down to us not wasting our time with the likes of country music
I've heard that argument before, but this song is not exactly clinching it.
crinky wrote:
To me, the Kinks are the 4th best band that the British Invasion produced (behind the Beatles, the Rolling Stones & the Who). For those who are curious to hear more try the Kinks Kronikles (click here)
When Bill plays songs like this, it reminds me again how much corporate radio cheats listeners by only playing hits.
What is this whinging limey hour?
crinky wrote:
To me, the Kinks are the 4th best band that the British Invasion produced (behind the Beatles, the Rolling Stones & the Who). For those who are curious to hear more try the Kinks Kronikles (click here)
Never was good at the rating thing but you have to have the Small Faces in there somewhere. Maybe Cream.
Oh man, the floodgates are compromised now!
To me, the Kinks are the 4th best band that the British Invasion produced (behind the Beatles, the Rolling Stones & the Who). For those who are curious to hear more try the Kinks Kronikles (click here)
The classic "Bill" segue: from a cover of an artist's song to an original by that same artist. RP!
miahfost wrote:
The Kinks stinks.
For only the second time from my lips (er, fingers, whatever): You uncultured philistine!
Sounds like nursery rhymes - the ones you get nightmares from.
Egrey wrote:
This is so terribly florid.
The beginning makes me recall the scene in the movie "Animal House" where John Belushi's character grabs the guitar from the ballad singing beatnick and proceeds to destroy it.
"I give my love a cherry
Without no stone
I give my love a chicken
Without no bo..*slams guitar*...Sorry."
Yeah. I think it is a little soft and florid but the song picks up, gets a little faster, and is still quite on target.
The Kinks stinks.
This is one of Ray Davies finest arrangements. Really nice to hear. A lot of The Kinks albums hold up beautifully today. I hope they get more tunes in the mix here. Thanks RP !!
Oooh, I haven't heard this is over 25 years. Brilliant back when I was a teen, still brilliant now that I'm in my 40's.
This is so terribly florid.
The beginning makes me recall the scene in the movie "Animal House" where John Belushi's character grabs the guitar from the ballad singing beatnick and proceeds to destroy it.
Acute social observation, lovely harmonies and the odd sibling fist fight. Can't ask for more in a band
God, I love this entire album. (By which I mean "Arthur." Not the compliation listed above.) Must rank in the top 100 all-time compositions.
Summer in the City by The Lovin' Spoonful