Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire [2 LP]

Sound quality is awesome! Tracks are iconic! Bonus material is good! Reading material is also good! I wish someone would (re)issue the bonus disc to the multimedia 50A of the same title, ‘The Great Lost Dave Davies Album’. It would have been great to make that the second lp in this set but not to be and made me find a copy of the 4 cd set of the same thing…. Get this if you love the kinks!!!!

When Arthur or The Decline and Fall of the British Empire was originally released way back in 1969 in fell somewhat under the radar of Kinks albums. It had a hard act to follow via the previous release The Village Green Preservation Society which was heralded as a very fine Kinks double album. Arthur was one of those albums that once played, did not really connect on an instantly memorable spin. It was an album (that as musical moods take us) was one which was played when mmm I wonder what mood I am in....'Oh, I will play Arthur..' Suddenly its songs and reflective tales began to connect and my goodness it became a wonderfully melodic and lyrically clever album indeed. This anniversary box set ticks all the boxes for sure. Whether its the melodically somber Some Mother's Son, the driving rock and sway of Australia or the delightful Shangri-La with its infectious melody, Arthur's reflective tale of Britain as the sun is setting on the Empire is a glorious journey. Just listen to the ascending and descending riffs of Arthur of the tale of the greats of British politics Mr Churchill Says and one is totally absorbed. With the addition of Ray Davies reflections in the 60 page book included in this set or the surprise of brother Ray Davies long lost solo album, this set now has its place in the grand cannon of Kinks albums. A thoroughly enjoyable reflection at night with a good red wine.

For someone who still owns a CD player (in my car) and collects vinyl too, this is a wonderful box set. The 4 CDS are; stereo version of the LP, mono version of the LP, the "lost" Dave Davies solo LP and a collection of outtakes, live versions and theatrical numbers. Lots to consume and quite a bit of repetition, but all very enjoyable for the die-hard Kinks fan. The 7" 45s are very cool with heavy picture sleeves and there's even a chrome lapel pin. Copious liner notes and annotations. Overall, the album is a great listen (not my favorite Kinks LP, but solid) so the first two discs are great. The Dave Davies disc starts out amazingly but soon gets a tad tiresome. The 4th CD is really enjoyable with many unexpected turns and a live version of "Victoria" with a full choir and orchestra.

received on time Friday. sound is amazing. the mono mix of Arthur is better than the previous edition, the bonus tracks of period 1969 mixes are very insight full. this package really did not have to have the 4 vinyl 45s. great book detailing session dates etc. the pin is very nice. a essential purchase. god bless the kinks ray ,dave, john and mick.

A fantastic package all around. Four stars instead of five, mostly because of two things: 1) wish the size was similar to the TVGPS box set from 2018, and 2) doesn’t include the lyrics, which for a 1969 concept album is a big omission. Otherwise, it’s a jewel

Arthur was one of the most innovative albums released in 1969. Unfortunately, it failed to inspire the record buying public. This album should have enjoyed sells comparable to Abbey Road and Tommy but did not even break Bill Board’s Top 80. This package contains rereleases of the album as well as several singles. This is well worth purchasing.

Having recently gone on a huge Kinks run, it was nice to find a high quality pressing for a reasonable cost. OG versions sell for big bucks, so this was a welcomed edition to my collection.

Thought the package overall was great. As a long standing fan of the Kinks it was worth buying it just to listen to the previously unreleased tracks on the 4th CD!

Love all the material… I’m partial to VGPS but this whole set has been pretty stellar and a great surprise. My only complaint is that I wish that the lp’s were in vinyl format (and it’s really not a complaint as they can be had as a separate purchase). Hopefully one RSD there will be an exclusive release of The Dave Davies solo lp as it is the biggest surprise of the whole set.

A mon avis, le meilleur album des Kinks avec "The Kinks Are The Village Green Préservation Society", auquel il succède. Ray Davies poursuit sa démarche d'albums thématiques et exprime toute l'affection portée à son pays d'origine, l'Angleterre, dont il est un observateur tendre et nostalgique.La ligne éditoriale et le remastering sont de très belle qualité : l'album original est complété de bonus inédit et d'un second disque consacré à Dave Davies, le frère cadet de Ray. Un autre très grand disque.

Buen precio y necesario para amantes de Kinks

Li ho scoperti solo ora. Veramente un bel disco.

A brilliant album, Ray Davies is a very talented and gifted musician. This album is testament to my previous comment, intelligently written songs. Varied with great depth and humour, what made me by this album. Is a play on radio4 which Ray Davies was in, it tells the story of Ray & Dave's sister...or cousin? Who emmigrates to Australia, and parts of songs from the album we're played throughout the play.A great album from 1969 definitely recommend this record, for anyone who likes music from the late sixties.