When I was a kid, I was raised with the impression that the Kinks were the biggest band in the history of the world. This was because my parents had every single Kinks album, making them the most represented artist in their collection. It was some years later that I learned the Kinks were not the biggest band ever. I got into a heated argument with another kid in fifth grade over who was better- the Kinks or the Beatles. When my mother admitted to me that the Beatles were indeed bigger and more popular than the Kinks, I thought my world was going to fall apart.

I eventually got over that fact, but never forgot how the Kinks' music resonated with me, more so than the Beatles. Some of it must be from my mother's influence, as she would often play their records for us and sing along, but I think I also think something of Ray Davies lyrics stuck with me.

When most people talk about Kinks albums, they talk abuot either Arthur or The Village Green Preservation Society as albums. Their other albums, such as their self-titled, or Something Else are good, but not quite as cohesive as Arthur or Village Green... For me, Arthur sticks out because I was originally supposed to be named Victoria after the first song on the album. Further listening helped the themes of post-war Britain steep into my psyche, leaving me with a strange sense of isolation and conformity, just as the protagonist- Arthur. To this day, listening to Arthur gives me that warm sense of home like putting on an old pair of slippers.

Suffice to say, the Kinks influence on me personally and muscially goes well beyond just this album. Here is a more detailed analysis of how Ray and Dave Davies have made me a more interesting person.