Something Else By The Kinks LP

Something Else, expands The Kinks accomplishments, offering 13 classic British pop songs. These offerings focus on more nostalgic and sentimental themes, retreating from the psychedelic and mod posturings that had dominated the rock world. Something Else sounds like nothing else from 1967.

The Kinks change gear on this album, preferring acoustic ballads, music hall numbers, and tempered R&B to fullout guitar attacks. Part of the album’s power lies in its calm music, since it provides an elegant support for Davies’ character portraits and vignettes. From the martial stomp of “David Watts” to the lovely, shimmering “Waterloo Sunset,” there’s not a weak song on the record.

And just as impressive is the emergence of Dave Davies as a songwriter. His Dylanesque “Death of a Clown” and bluesy rocker “Love Me Till the Sun Shines” hold their own against Ray’s masterpieces, and help make Something Else the endlessly fascinating album that it is.