#album 12

The Kinks was always one of those bands that I had seen so much about my whole life but never really listened to. Sure I know almost all the words to "Lola" and "Sunny Afternoon", but doesn't everyone? Anyways, I figured I would finally get around to listening to something of theirs, so why not go with what is seen as one of their best.

(Oh and as a general rule I don't review any songs that are only found on deluxe editions, so I may not mention a few songs that are usually on this album)

General Thoughts

Okay look, I know that you really shouldn't base a review on comparing one artist to another, but holy crap did this album just scream The Beatles to me.

I swear that I can offer valid reasoning for this! Early Beatles songs have super distinct characteristics that almost all of these songs hit too: young lyrics, frantic drum set, slightly off harmonies, tinny electric guitar, simple song layout, and no breaks. Now I am not implying in the slightest that The Kinks copied anybody, the two bands were within 100 miles of each other and the same age. I would be surprised if they didn't sound the same.

So here's the thing, I can see why people love this album for the same reason that people love early Beatles songs. They make you feel young and carefree, they have a beat that makes you want to dance, and they're just a fun time. I love these songs, but only a few of them. I feel like it has to be done just perfectly for me to love it and want to keep listening. The Kinks hit that perfect mix at some points but most of the time it blurred together.

Now one thing that The Kinks did that the Beatles were to cowardly to do was add the harpsicord to their songs. And I mean A LOT of their songs. I remember being confused when I saw "baroque rock" on their wikipedia page but once "Rosie Won't You Please Come Home" came on things made sense. Most of the time the harpsicord added a fun little twist to songs but sometimes it was too high pitched and violent for my ears.

While there were a lot that fit the perfect skiffle mold ("Party Line", "Session Man", "House in the Country", "You're Looking Fine"), some went in a different direction and those ended up being my favorite in the album. "Too Much on My Mind" is the only other song on the album I had heard beforehand, and it's amazing. The acoustic works so well with the almost desperate voice, giving the song a haunting quality. The harpsicord works perfectly here making the dreamlike feel even more otherworldly.

"Rainy Day in June" is my hidden gem of the album, as a perfect example of atmosphere building. The storm/rain sounds and harmonies calm you while a droning bass note keeps you on edge the whole time. You want to relax but you can't something about the song keeps your attention. It is a cool and well written song through and through and wonderfully unique.

Now onto the song we all know and love-- "Sunny Afternoon". This song is easily the best off of the album and 100% deserves all the attention it's gotten. I could listen to this song every day for the rest of my life and not get sick of it. The singer has such a level of aloofness that makes the song funny, mixed with weirdly happy instrumentals. The accordion and acoustic give it a folk vibe that really makes you feel like you're "lazing on a sunny afternoon". (fun fact: up until the moment of writing this paragraph I thought the song was called Sunday Afternoon. I feel so betrayed)

Final Verdict