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Arthur or the decline and fall of the british empire

THE KINKS

315 €
Estimated vinyl value [2026 Valuation]
Technical Identification Sheet
RELEASE NUMBER (Discogs ID)5414181
Excel File Row269
Date Added to Archive27/09/2026, 14:06:19
Pressing Year1969
Pressing Type (Press)1ST
Country of PressingUK
Record LabelPYE
Stereo / MonoSTEREO
Catalogue NumberNSPL 18317
BarcodeN/A
Matrix / Runout Side ANSPL 18317A-1 *T STEREO B 1 KT
("Gatefold, UK 1st Press - light blue Pye Label - No Poster")
Matrix / Runout Side BNSPL 18317B-1 *T STEREO L 1 KT
Sleeve ConditionEX
Media ConditionM
Inner Sleeve ConditionNM
GenreClassic Rock & Roots
External LinkView Original Release ↗
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WhatsApp +39 334 693 8825traversamusichall@gmail.com
Story & Background
This first PYE pressing from 1969 of *Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire* carries with it a fascinating and crucial story regarding its genesis. The album was in fact born as a soundtrack for a television rock opera commissioned by Granada Television, also titled *Arthur*. Ray Davies, along with screenwriter Julian Mitchell, had developed a complex narrative about the decline of the British Empire through the eyes of a humble North London working man, Arthur Morgan, based on Davies' brother-in-law. Although the ambitious television project never saw the light of day due to funding and production issues, The Kinks decided to go ahead with the album, keeping the conceptual structure and narrative depth intact. This gives the record a coherence and thematic progression rare for the era, transforming it from a simple LP into a true musical work with a deeply British soul, a testament to Davies' vision that transcended the original medium.

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Official Tracklist
  • A1 - Victoria
  • A2 - Yes Sir, No Sir
  • A3 - Some Mother's Son
  • A4 - Drivin'
  • A5 - Brainwashed
  • A6 - Australia
  • B1 - Shangri-La
  • B2 - Mr. Churchill Says
  • B3 - She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina
  • B4 - Young And Innocent Days
  • B5 - Nothing To Say
  • B6 - Arthur
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