I put this album as the true origin of The Kinks as I grew to really love them. They already had released a number of albums and singles that were popular but it was on Something Else that I feel they kicked off the string of great albums that included Village Green, Arthur, Lola, and Muswell Hillbillies.

I always felt that one of the things that really differentiated The Kinks from their other British Invasion counterparts is that Ray really embraced his British-ness. Not that other bands hid theirs but The Kinks always came across to a young me as very British which was interesting. I think it may have lessened their appeal to some but for me it was fascinating.

From the catchy “David Watts” opener (which The Jam covered quite nicely on All Mod Cons) to the brilliant “Waterloo Sunset” that closes it, Something Else is a joy to listen to. I really must do it more often.