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.

Would just like to point out the Victooooria is also the best city. :)

Great Segue from the Ventures !

One of my favorite Kinks songs.

Sounds nothing like Ray Davies.

Always makes me smile and do a fist pump.

The singer's voice in this song sounds like Jack Johnson to me.

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.

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.

Ray Davies.  Who else sings vocals for the Kinks??  (I don't understand.)

His brother, Dave, sang some, but your point is well-taken.

awful. very overrated. couldn't wait for it to stop

Ray Davies.  Who else sings vocals for the Kinks??  (I don't understand.)

Yes!  that version was an early purchase of mine during my youthful explorations in search of *proper* music.   I'm always dubious about preferring a cover version to the original* - there's a part of me that thinks it's somehow disrespectful of the original artist - but in this case, the great memories of the time I have of that time far outweigh such fake loyalty.   

 
* I'm assuming here that the Kinks' version is the original and not itself a cover? 

I wouldn't have guessed the Kinks in a hundred years. It is just such a completely different sound. Who's singing the vocals?

really? wow. sounds just like them to me. what kinks do you usually listen to?

I wouldn't have guessed the Kinks in a hundred years. It is just such a completely different sound. Who's singing the vocals?

Much prefer the version done by The Fall.