The Kinks - Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire (1969/2018) [Hi-Res]

HighRes-ReMaster of this 1969 album from the iconic British Rock band led by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)" is the seventh studio album by The Kinks, released in October 1969. Kinks frontman Ray Davies constructed the concept album as the soundtrack to a Granada Television play and developed the storyline with novelist Julian Mitchell; however, the television programme was cancelled and never produced. The rough plot revolved around Arthur Morgan, a carpet-layer, who was based on Ray Davies' brother-in-law Arthur Anning.

"Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) extends the British-oriented themes of Village Green Preservation Society, telling the story of a London man's decision to move to Australia during the aftermath of World War II. It's a detailed and loving song cycle, capturing the minutiae of suburban life, the numbing effect of bureaucracy, and the horrors of war. On paper, Arthur sounds like a pretentious mess, but Ray Davies' lyrics and insights have rarely been so graceful or deftly executed, and the music is remarkable. An edgier and harder-rocking affair than Village Green, Arthur is as multi-layered musically as it is lyrically. "Shangri-La" evolves from English folk to hard rock, "Drivin'" has a lazy grace, "Young and Innocent Days" is a lovely, wistful ballad, "Some Mother's Son" is one of the most uncompromising antiwar songs ever recorded, while "Victoria" and "Arthur" rock with simple glee. The music makes the words cut deeper, and the songs never stray too far from the album's subject, making Arthur one of the most effective concept albums in rock history, as well as one of the best and most influential British pop records of its era." (Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG)

John Dalton, bass, background vocals
Dave Davies, lead guitar, background vocals, co-lead vocal on "Australia" and "Arthur"
Ray Davies, lead and background vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards (harpsichord and piano)
Pete Quaife, bass, background vocals
Mick Avory, drums, percussion

Recorded May–July 1969 at Pye Studios, London
Produced by Ray Davies

Digitally remastered