#478: The Kinks, ‘Something Else By The Kinks’
Pye, 1968
This is probably my favorite album on this list so far. I like the Kinks a lot but had never listened to one of their albums straight through.
The first time I heard this album, I was living in a trailer in Arizona. That trailer was such a refuge for me. I would get home from work, change my clothes and go on a hike and then shower and listen to an album on this list while I made food. This was the routine for like 4 weeks and I was so satisfied. I don’t think I spoke to anyone from 4pm until 8am the next day and it was sort of an exhale.
This album was the first time I danced alone in that trailer. It was nerdy and not very coordinated but I felt so good being alone. Knowing that absolutely no one would walk in nor would anyone ever know (until I wrote this) was such a relief.
I never felt lonely when I listened to albums like this. There are so many stories and interesting characters throughout this album. It’s like stepping into a world where my problems can be put on a shelf for 2 hours and 15 minutes and I get to lose myself in David Watts’ drama or the two sisters or the community that is working through the death of the clown.
I listened to this album over and over while I was in Arizona (...probably why I didn’t make great headway on the list…). I danced to it, I hiked to it, I cooked to it, I was grumpy listening and I was happy listening. In every one of those experiences, I didn’t feel alone. I felt so wrapped up in this world they created and it felt so good, maybe it is because I could control when I entered into that realm and when I left. Or maybe it is just because the songs are good.
I mean Wes Anderson knows that. It feels like he features ‘Waterloo Sunset’ in all his movies, even though you and I both know it’s not true.
This time, I listened to the album alone in my room in my parents’ house. I am not in a place where I feel lonely or stressed or overwhelmed. But these friends throughout these songs were welcome and I loved meeting them again while my heart is fuller and my mind is clearer.
Top songs: Death of a Clown, Waterloo Sunset