The Kinks — Victoria
Album: ArthurAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2676
Length: 3:38
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Long ago, life was clean
Sex was bad, called obscene
And the rich were so mean
Stately homes for the Lords
Croquet lawns, village greens
Victoria was my queen
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
I was born, lucky me
In a land that I love
Though I'm poor, I am free
When I grow, I shall fight
For this land, I shall die
Let her sun never set
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Canada to India
Australia to Cornwall
Singapore to Hong Kong
From the west to the east
From the rich to the poor
Victoria loved them all
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria
Sex was bad, called obscene
And the rich were so mean
Stately homes for the Lords
Croquet lawns, village greens
Victoria was my queen
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
I was born, lucky me
In a land that I love
Though I'm poor, I am free
When I grow, I shall fight
For this land, I shall die
Let her sun never set
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Canada to India
Australia to Cornwall
Singapore to Hong Kong
From the west to the east
From the rich to the poor
Victoria loved them all
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Victoria
Victoria
Victoria
Comments (248)add comment
bokey wrote:
Lola?
FamilyMan wrote:
Ray Davies?
Lola?
Myotis_mom wrote:
Me too!
I confess that I thought this song was by The Fall until just now.
I should have known better!
Me too!
I confess that I thought this song was by The Fall until just now.
I should have known better!
I should have known better!
I love that the slideshow includes images from Victoria British Columbia!
Since my plan is to move there in just over a year from now, from Winnipeg.
Thank you RP for the subtle encouragement as I prepare to embark on a new chapter of my life !
Since my plan is to move there in just over a year from now, from Winnipeg.
Thank you RP for the subtle encouragement as I prepare to embark on a new chapter of my life !
kurtster wrote:
I sure did!!
This album was one of the first real rock operas. I don't know how many ever thought of it as that, but it is what it is.
I sure did!!
makes me smile and dance every time bill pulls this one out.
FamilyMan wrote:
Kink! ?
Called my daughter, held the phone to the speaker. Guess what her name is.
Kink! ?
This album was one of the first real rock operas. I don't know how many ever thought of it as that, but it is what it is.
More Kinks please.
The live in Zurich kinks album, with this song, are among my top 5 albums. This song was from 1969! Folks.
jef wrote:
Sex was bad, called obscene
Kinky...
Sex was bad, called obscene
Happy whatever it is you are celebrating today, Liz II.
Bought this on cassette in 1981
after hearing 'Victoria' on the radio.
Loved the rhythm guitar.
after hearing 'Victoria' on the radio.
Loved the rhythm guitar.
where would we be w/o tunes from English bands....ty UK.
bkrans9 wrote:
But Sir Droseph: how can you write all that impassioned claptrap about the subversiveness of the Kinks when the song at hand is Victoria--an unabashed paean to the glory of British Imperialism? Or do you think they're just being ironic?
But it is, essentially, being ironic. The lyric is stated from the perspective of a blindly loyal subject of Queen Victoria.
But Sir Droseph: how can you write all that impassioned claptrap about the subversiveness of the Kinks when the song at hand is Victoria--an unabashed paean to the glory of British Imperialism? Or do you think they're just being ironic?
But it is, essentially, being ironic. The lyric is stated from the perspective of a blindly loyal subject of Queen Victoria.
My first girlfriend was Victoria. Sigh.
Kinky...
eileenomurphy wrote:
I Agree!!
GREAT TUNE!! ICONIC!!
I Agree!!
JIan wrote:
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
But Sir Droseph: how can you write all that impassioned claptrap about the subversiveness of the Kinks when the song at hand is Victoria--an unabashed paean to the glory of British Imperialism? Or do you think they're just being ironic?
Bump.
RParadise
(Hastings-on-Hudson, NY)
Posted: May 25, 2010 - 13:25
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
But Sir Droseph: how can you write all that impassioned claptrap about the subversiveness of the Kinks when the song at hand is Victoria--an unabashed paean to the glory of British Imperialism? Or do you think they're just being ironic?
Iconic!
amoreena wrote:
In uni, my group of friend would regularly harass bands to play some Kinks. I suppose we were pretty obnoxious but they really should have learned some.
Small bar band in KC asked for requests back when I was in college....they said, "Hey, how about a request from a girl?!" and called on me in the crowd. I requested Victoria and they said "Who? Never heard of it." I was mortified that I let down my entire gender and have never requested a song from a band again. I'm 62.
In uni, my group of friend would regularly harass bands to play some Kinks. I suppose we were pretty obnoxious but they really should have learned some.
amoreena wrote:
Their Loss.
Small bar band in KC asked for requests back when I was in college....they said, "Hey, how about a request from a girl?!" and called on me in the crowd. I requested Victoria and they said "Who? Never heard of it." I was mortified that I let down my entire gender and have never requested a song from a band again. I'm 62.
Their Loss.
Small bar band in KC asked for requests back when I was in college....they said, "Hey, how about a request from a girl?!" and called on me in the crowd. I requested Victoria and they said "Who? Never heard of it." I was mortified that I let down my entire gender and have never requested a song from a band again. I'm 62.
Franz Ferdinand ?
Skydog wrote:
They sound like Canned Heat on the verses.
justin4kick wrote:
This song is from 1969.
It sounds a lot like Canned Heat's Going up the Country which is from 1968.
Vindication! ; )
They sound like Canned Heat on the verses.
justin4kick wrote:
This song is from 1969.
It sounds a lot like Canned Heat's Going up the Country which is from 1968.
Vindication! ; )
My first girlfriend was named Victoria. You never forget your first. Sigh.
MattRudely wrote:
I know, right? they were very underrated I love them more and more as I get older
Such an important band. It's always Beatles this and that, but these guys invented punk ten years before punk, and that's only one of the things they did.
I know, right? they were very underrated I love them more and more as I get older
On_The_Beach wrote:
Me too.
Nice to hear!
Me too.
Nice to hear!
Proclivities wrote:
I'll work on it.
Me too.
I'll work on it.
Me too.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Yes, Canned Heat.
btw, this song came out in 1969, the year of . . . Woodstock.
Canned Heat had already been around for 4 years.
It was just a lighthearted comment; try not to get yourself so worked up.
Ah, come on guys (or girls). Two of my favourite commentators having a go at each other.
Yes, Canned Heat.
btw, this song came out in 1969, the year of . . . Woodstock.
Canned Heat had already been around for 4 years.
It was just a lighthearted comment; try not to get yourself so worked up.
Ah, come on guys (or girls). Two of my favourite commentators having a go at each other.
seltzer wrote:
Shane fired the Pogues?
This should be played with Shane McGowan & The Popes' "Victoria." Totally different song, but equal to this in its greatness.
Shane fired the Pogues?
MattRudely wrote:
So true. People always say, "Who would you rather: The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?" I always say The Kinks. It usually throws them
Such an important band. It's always Beatles this and that, but these guys invented punk ten years before punk, and that's only one of the things they did.
So true. People always say, "Who would you rather: The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?" I always say The Kinks. It usually throws them
LinThizzy wrote:
It's all the bad weather... really gets you all cooped-up and introspective....
Incredible grooving bass line.....British musicians often seem to have an edge
It's all the bad weather... really gets you all cooped-up and introspective....
On_The_Beach wrote:
Yes, Canned Heat.
btw, this song came out in 1969, the year of . . . Woodstock.
Canned Heat had already been around for 4 years.
It was just a lighthearted comment; try not to get yourself so worked up.
I'll work on it.
Yes, Canned Heat.
btw, this song came out in 1969, the year of . . . Woodstock.
Canned Heat had already been around for 4 years.
It was just a lighthearted comment; try not to get yourself so worked up.
I'll work on it.
It's worth checking out the booklet that comes with the "Essential Kinks" collection.
Not only does it have short comments from 20+ big name musicians about what the Kinks mean to them but the highlight is a short essay by David Bowie talking about when he first heard the Kinks and moments in his life when their music were his touch points.
Not only does it have short comments from 20+ big name musicians about what the Kinks mean to them but the highlight is a short essay by David Bowie talking about when he first heard the Kinks and moments in his life when their music were his touch points.
Such an important band. It's always Beatles this and that, but these guys invented punk ten years before punk, and that's only one of the things they did.
Proclivities wrote:
Canned Heat - the hippie, quasi-blues band? It sounds to me, like The Kinks, who were putting out records before Canned Heat existed.
Yes, Canned Heat.
btw, this song came out in 1969, the year of . . . Woodstock.
Canned Heat had already been around for 4 years.
It was just a lighthearted comment; try not to get yourself so worked up.
Canned Heat - the hippie, quasi-blues band? It sounds to me, like The Kinks, who were putting out records before Canned Heat existed.
Yes, Canned Heat.
btw, this song came out in 1969, the year of . . . Woodstock.
Canned Heat had already been around for 4 years.
It was just a lighthearted comment; try not to get yourself so worked up.
ziggytrix wrote:
It does a bit. I've just spent 10 minutes copying, pasting, rotating and mirroring in my signwriting program. I can't post the graphic 'cos it's only on my PC. God, I'm bored.
The lyrics page for this song sorta looks like an upside-down chess piece queen.
It does a bit. I've just spent 10 minutes copying, pasting, rotating and mirroring in my signwriting program. I can't post the graphic 'cos it's only on my PC. God, I'm bored.
justin4kick wrote:
This song is from 1969. It sounds a lot like Canned Heat's Going up the Country which is from 1968.
It has a similar "thin" guitar sound and strumming tempo, with an entirely different chord progression.
This song is from 1969. It sounds a lot like Canned Heat's Going up the Country which is from 1968.
It has a similar "thin" guitar sound and strumming tempo, with an entirely different chord progression.
Still have the single kick'in around someplace.
Almost godlike... so that's a 9.9 then... can I rate that?
justin4kick wrote:
This song is from 1969. It sounds a lot like Canned Heat's Going up the Country which is from 1968.
No, no it simply doesn't!
This song is from 1969. It sounds a lot like Canned Heat's Going up the Country which is from 1968.
No, no it simply doesn't!
Incredible grooving bass line.....British musicians often seem to have an edge
ziggytrix wrote:
The lyrics page for this song sorta looks like an upside-down chess piece queen.
Yes! That's what it is! Thanks, Ziggytrix! (This only works on the "classic" version of the site).
I wouldn't have known what you were talking about, but have taken to have two tabs open for RP: one tab classic, mostly for the playlist and one tab with the beta for its great features.
I understand the beta player is something of an orphan currently, awaiting the unveiling of a much anticipated and newly redesigned version.
Whenever Bill begins his bit about lossless my ears perk up, hoping that it is finally available on the web player.
My fave Kinks tune -
That rhythm guitar got me about 40 years ago ~
That rhythm guitar got me about 40 years ago ~
The lyrics page for this song sorta looks like an upside-down chess piece queen.
I'm proud of Canada for having the courage to look at itself. Humility and atonement is good for strength. In regard to any matters like Truth and Reconciliation, the U.S. is too busy wearing its ass for a hat. The powers that be can't even seem to stop spraying our food with chemicals that are proven poison, and complain bitterly that athletes are kneeling to protest a small core of violent law enforcers. Native Americans? Slavery? The Civil War? Good luck with wtf'ing Truth.
As for The Kinks, from raw and raucous You Really Got Me to the fun but thoughtful social critique of Victoria. That's its own truth.
TerryS
(Another SW)
mdnlsn wrote:
Yes, though many heavy, difficult issues woven through those catchy lyrics. Here in Canada, we're going through a whole Truth & Reconciliation Commission to deal with the effects of that colonial mess.
As for The Kinks, from raw and raucous You Really Got Me to the fun but thoughtful social critique of Victoria. That's its own truth.
TerryS
(Another SW)
Posted: May 04, 2017 19:50
mdnlsn wrote:
Yes, though many heavy, difficult issues woven through those catchy lyrics. Here in Canada, we're going through a whole Truth & Reconciliation Commission to deal with the effects of that colonial mess.
For me it conjures up an image of a lovely lady that I once knew named Victoria -Hollywood Ca Krakus wrote:
This song somehow conjures images of stoners on the corner of Broadway and Arapahoe in Boulder, CO
Jota wrote:
The Kinks formed 1963
Canned Heat formed 1965
This song is from 1969. It sounds a lot like Canned Heat's Going up the Country which is from 1968.
The Kinks formed 1963
Canned Heat formed 1965
This song is from 1969. It sounds a lot like Canned Heat's Going up the Country which is from 1968.
Victoria>Lola
mdnlsn wrote:
Yes, though many heavy, difficult issues woven through those catchy lyrics. Here in Canada, we're going through a whole Truth & Reconciliation Commission to deal with the effects of that colonial mess.
Perhaps the Church should shoulder some of the burden/blame.
Yes, though many heavy, difficult issues woven through those catchy lyrics. Here in Canada, we're going through a whole Truth & Reconciliation Commission to deal with the effects of that colonial mess.
Perhaps the Church should shoulder some of the burden/blame.
Krakus wrote:
Maybe cause they is a sh%t ton of them up here now.
This song somehow conjures images of stoners on the corner of Broadway and Arapahoe in Boulder, CO
Maybe cause they is a sh%t ton of them up here now.
treatment_bound wrote:
Yes, though many heavy, difficult issues woven through those catchy lyrics. Here in Canada, we're going through a whole Truth & Reconciliation Commission to deal with the effects of that colonial mess.
What a nice, pleasant tune for a Friday afternoon.
Yes, though many heavy, difficult issues woven through those catchy lyrics. Here in Canada, we're going through a whole Truth & Reconciliation Commission to deal with the effects of that colonial mess.
This whole album is brilliant start to finish - written for a left wing TV programme that never got made.
Quintessential classic! These guys were so great... Loved 'em then, still do; always will!
What a nice, pleasant tune for a Friday afternoon.
ray and the boys ! outstanding !
Skydog wrote:
The Kinks formed 1963
Canned Heat formed 1965
They sound like Canned Heat on the verses.
The Kinks formed 1963
Canned Heat formed 1965
More Kinks please
The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society!!!
(and yes, I know that's a different album).
(and yes, I know that's a different album).
On_The_Beach wrote:
Canned Heat - the hippie, quasi-blues band? It sounds to me, like The Kinks, who were putting out records before Canned Heat existed.
The Kinks doing their Canned Heat impression?
Canned Heat - the hippie, quasi-blues band? It sounds to me, like The Kinks, who were putting out records before Canned Heat existed.
Hannio wrote:
Both Waterloo Sunset and Victoria are on the "Classics: The Best of the Kinks" album available on iTunes.
awesome. i wonder if walter is, too. will have to check.
the village green society i need to purchase. been too long without.
Both Waterloo Sunset and Victoria are on the "Classics: The Best of the Kinks" album available on iTunes.
awesome. i wonder if walter is, too. will have to check.
the village green society i need to purchase. been too long without.
Has anyone mentioned the great maniacal laughs in the background? Adds a perfect little je ne sais quois, n'est pas?
They sound like Canned Heat on the verses.
Ever since a UK bathroom company used this song for their TV adverts (Victoria Plumb), I can't listen to it any more :(
Hannio wrote:
Both Waterloo Sunset and Victoria are on the "Classics: The Best of the Kinks" album available on iTunes.
Thanks very, very much for the tip, Hannio!
Both Waterloo Sunset and Victoria are on the "Classics: The Best of the Kinks" album available on iTunes.
Thanks very, very much for the tip, Hannio!
The Kinks doing their Canned Heat impression?
BTW this is a good song. They are alright just don't see all the hub bub is all.
max_p wrote:
It is a nice sound, very clean electric with the acoustic rhythm. I think Dave Davies was using a Les Paul a lot around this time.
Anyone know the type of guitars used here. great sound
It is a nice sound, very clean electric with the acoustic rhythm. I think Dave Davies was using a Les Paul a lot around this time.
kcar wrote:
LAst time I checked, you couldn't buy the single version of "Waterloo Sunset" on iTunes either. A serious shame. The Kinks did a lot of interesting work in the 60s and 70s like this album that somehow got blocked from most American listeners in the 80s and beyond. Dumb contractual obligations? Ray Davies keeping his older work from the digital age? Idiotic record companies? I don't understand.
Both Waterloo Sunset and Victoria are on the "Classics: The Best of the Kinks" album available on iTunes.
LAst time I checked, you couldn't buy the single version of "Waterloo Sunset" on iTunes either. A serious shame. The Kinks did a lot of interesting work in the 60s and 70s like this album that somehow got blocked from most American listeners in the 80s and beyond. Dumb contractual obligations? Ray Davies keeping his older work from the digital age? Idiotic record companies? I don't understand.
Both Waterloo Sunset and Victoria are on the "Classics: The Best of the Kinks" album available on iTunes.
Bump.
RParadise
(Hastings-on-Hudson, NY)
sirdroseph wrote:
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
RParadise
(Hastings-on-Hudson, NY)
Posted: May 25, 2010 - 13:25
sirdroseph wrote:
IMO one of the most overrated bands in history, they were alright as a garage band for playing parties, skating rinks, proms and malls, but hailed as one of the best rock bands of all time, I do not think so.
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
Krakus wrote:
ðð
This song somehow conjures images of stoners on the corner of Broadway and Arapahoe in Boulder, CO
ðð
Great tune, great memories. ðžâ€ïžâ€ïž
This song somehow conjures images of stoners on the corner of Broadway and Arapahoe in Boulder, CO
i've always loved this album. first time i've noticed how paul mccartney-ish it is, though.
kcar wrote:
LAst time I checked, you couldn't buy the single version of "Waterloo Sunset" on iTunes either. A serious shame. The Kinks did a lot of interesting work in the 60s and 70s like this album that somehow got blocked from most American listeners in the 80s and beyond. Dumb contractual obligations? Ray Davies keeping his older work from the digital age? Idiotic record companies? I don't understand.
Definitely some intrigue with how their material has been released over the years. I have this on vinyl fortunately.
I had to wait for the mid 90's or so for their album Low Budget to finally get released on CD. Worth the wait.
Got to see them over the years many times in Cleveland in small halls. Always a great show.
LAst time I checked, you couldn't buy the single version of "Waterloo Sunset" on iTunes either. A serious shame. The Kinks did a lot of interesting work in the 60s and 70s like this album that somehow got blocked from most American listeners in the 80s and beyond. Dumb contractual obligations? Ray Davies keeping his older work from the digital age? Idiotic record companies? I don't understand.
Definitely some intrigue with how their material has been released over the years. I have this on vinyl fortunately.
I had to wait for the mid 90's or so for their album Low Budget to finally get released on CD. Worth the wait.
Got to see them over the years many times in Cleveland in small halls. Always a great show.
The lads at the top of their game!
Ah, the Kinks! Pure Rock & Roll. Always sounds like they're having fun. Me too.
saw them in a smokey den in Brisbane in 1980 - very cool
$0.99 on Amazon also on their 'Ultimate Collection' 2 CD set.
saw them when I was a kid - at the school dance!
saw them when I was a kid - at the school dance!
Jeff_Guinn wrote:
LAst time I checked, you couldn't buy the single version of "Waterloo Sunset" on iTunes either. A serious shame. The Kinks did a lot of interesting work in the 60s and 70s like this album that somehow got blocked from most American listeners in the 80s and beyond. Dumb contractual obligations? Ray Davies keeping his older work from the digital age? Idiotic record companies? I don't understand.
Why is this not available on iTunes?
LAst time I checked, you couldn't buy the single version of "Waterloo Sunset" on iTunes either. A serious shame. The Kinks did a lot of interesting work in the 60s and 70s like this album that somehow got blocked from most American listeners in the 80s and beyond. Dumb contractual obligations? Ray Davies keeping his older work from the digital age? Idiotic record companies? I don't understand.
mmoyer wrote:
most definitely
This entire album is unbelievably good.
most definitely
Why is this not available on iTunes?
This is a great album. No one made "statements" like Ray & the Kinks You must play more Kinks from this time period. Muswell, Lola, Schoolboys...
I be kinksy.....
I wonder whether Ray Davies has a Prince Albert.
This entire album is unbelievably good.
Glad nobody else is home right now so I can crank it up and scream along.
Nice!! 
RParadise wrote:
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
Thanks for that smackdown RParadise! Some folks are clueless.
This reminds me of a great vignette from Ray Davies autobiography: Once while opening for the Beatles he met John Lennon before going on stage. Lennon told him that "with the Beatles no one gets a turn, you're just here to keep the crowd occupied until we go on" and finished with, "well lads, if you get stuck and run out of songs to play, we'll lend you some of ours."
As the Beatles fans were screaming for their favorite band, Ray decided to change up the playlist and shouted out for the others to play You Really Got Me. "Dave turned up his amplifier, which caused it to feedback slightly. The high pitched frequency cut through the screams of the Beatles fans. For a moment the audience was silent. As soon as Dave played the opening chords they were with us. It was as if we had taken round one off the Beatles. As John Lennon and Brian Epstein watched from the wings, I felt like shouting in my best Liverpudlian accent, 'This is not one of yours. It's one of OURS!' "
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
Thanks for that smackdown RParadise! Some folks are clueless.
This reminds me of a great vignette from Ray Davies autobiography: Once while opening for the Beatles he met John Lennon before going on stage. Lennon told him that "with the Beatles no one gets a turn, you're just here to keep the crowd occupied until we go on" and finished with, "well lads, if you get stuck and run out of songs to play, we'll lend you some of ours."
As the Beatles fans were screaming for their favorite band, Ray decided to change up the playlist and shouted out for the others to play You Really Got Me. "Dave turned up his amplifier, which caused it to feedback slightly. The high pitched frequency cut through the screams of the Beatles fans. For a moment the audience was silent. As soon as Dave played the opening chords they were with us. It was as if we had taken round one off the Beatles. As John Lennon and Brian Epstein watched from the wings, I felt like shouting in my best Liverpudlian accent, 'This is not one of yours. It's one of OURS!' "
Anyone know the type of guitars used here. great sound
Ok, I'll second that.
Shouc wrote:
Shouc wrote:
Would just like to point out the Victooooria is also the best city. :)
jerrieberrie wrote:
...jepp....
......
Great Segue from the Ventures !
...jepp....
......Would just like to point out the Victooooria is also the best city. :)
always makes my day!
jagdriver wrote:
One of my favorite Kinks songs.
He sounds like Paul McCartney on this...
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
Sounds nothing like Ray Davies.
It does to me (or at least the way he sounded in the late 1960's) - his brother was doing backing vocals.
Sounds nothing like Ray Davies.
It does to me (or at least the way he sounded in the late 1960's) - his brother was doing backing vocals.
Great Segue from the Ventures !
Grammarcop wrote:
yes!!
Always makes me smile and do a fist pump.
yes!!
This makes me happy to live in VICTOOOOORIA British Columbia!
Always makes me smile and do a fist pump.
c'mon kids, shake it!
MRS. BECKHAM?
One of my favorite Kinks songs.
I am hearing a little early 70s Paul McCartney in the vocals
radioparadisehead wrote:
radioparadisehead wrote:
The singer's voice in this song sounds like Jack Johnson to me.
Haven't heard this one in some time. Just like most of the Kinks songs it sucks, however I really like it!
Weird. I've already heard this once today, as 'XRT played it this moring @ 5:45 AM, for Dave Davies' birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are NOT amused!
This song rocks...
Love it.
Love it.
I'm happy for any Kinks played on RP...They rock.
RParadise wrote:
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
Hear, hear!
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
Hear, hear!
sirdroseph wrote:
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
IMO one of the most overrated bands in history, they were alright as a garage band for playing parties, skating rinks, proms and malls, but hailed as one of the best rock bands of all time, I do not think so.
Since the subject at hand is the album Arthur, I can only assume that you've never sat down and listened to this album straight through. It puts the lie to your statement that they were a "garage band". Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, emmigration dreams and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. These songs would be booed off the stage by the audience that I assume you think frequent skating rinks and proms. But 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.
Great to hear after another stellar Victoria Day weekend here in Canada.
More often than not referred to as "May two-four weekend".
With 30C in Ontario many two-fours consumed to good tunes.
I am pretty sure that Queen Vicky wasn't about all of that but her legacy is now synonymous with parties.
shmuelman wrote:
Actually that is refreshing, they knew their place.
The band with the most satirical and self-deprecating sense of humor. What a difference from all the self-important rock bands. And though this song is clearly satirical, you know they are showing the Queen the love.
Actually that is refreshing, they knew their place.
IMO one of the most overrated bands in history, they were alright as a garage band for playing parties, skating rinks, proms and malls, but hailed as one of the best rock bands of all time, I do not think so.
But Sir Droseph: how can you write all that impassioned claptrap about the subversiveness of the Kinks when the song at hand is Victoria--an unabashed paean to the glory of British Imperialism? Or do you think they're just being ironic?
I’ve been recalled from the dead to answer this post.
The song is not an unabashed paean to the glory of British imperialism. It drags the Victorian period through the mud. The verses make clear (verse 1) that life was great for the Peerage and the wealthy, and (verse 2) the destiny for those born poor, our narrator, was likely to die in some foreign war and say they like it. Stop listening to the peppy chorus and listen to the whole song, including the tone of Ray Davies’ voice. Of course he’s being ironic.
You also need to place this song in the context of the entire album. This is the opening to an album that constantly contrasts the current (1969) state of a soulless British middle-class existence to the supposed glories of a vanished empire, a royal family that exists on another plane from our narrator, and a class system that you can’t break out of without leaving the country.
As I pointed out to sirdroseph, whom I am not (see original post from 14 years ago), I assume that you also have not listened to the album. You really should. It’s a remarkable feat of unified writing with wonderful musical range. Listen to it and come back and let us know what you think. I am always ready to listen to differing opinions, if they are reasonably stated. The use of words like “claptrap” to describe another’s post does not advance the argument.