Bleep

Sanctuary release The Kinks’ 1979 album Arthur (Or The Decline & Fall Of The British Empire) as part of their reissue series marking the British rock legends’ 50th birthday. With bassist John Dalton replacing Pete Quaife, their seventh studio album sees them return to their earlier, heavier rock’n’roll style. Originally intended as the soundtrack for a TV play that never materialized, the concept album revolves around The Kinks’ favourite theme of British nostalgia. It tells the story of carpet layer Arthur who lives in a London suburb whose kids emigrate to Australia – and as usual for The Kinks is inspired by real life events, Ray Davies’ older sister Rose and her husband emigrating to Australia.