Even Ray Davies has trouble picking his favourite Kinks album.
"Wow," he says when asked which one of his 30-some discs he would recommend to someone who has never heard his work. "Um, I'm trying to think ... I guess I'd have to say Muswell Hillbillies. There's anger in that, and humour, and some sort of thought put into it. It's more of a conceptualized piece, but I'd go with that one."
Of course, there's no reason to stop at one. Here's our guide to essential Kinks albums, in chronological order.
Something Else
YEAR: 1967
SUMMARY: Arguably their first great album, this mellow offering has what many consider Davies' finest song: Waterloo Sunset.
HIGHLIGHTS: David Watts, Waterloo Sunset
The Village Green Preservation Society
YEAR: 1968
SUMMARY: Davies' nostalgia for a simpler, more traditional England is eloquently expressed in this concept album.
HIGHLIGHTS: Village Green Preservation Society, Picture Book
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
YEAR: 1969
SUMMARY: This edgy song cycle follows a young Londoner's move to Australia following the Second World War.
HIGHLIGHTS: Victoria, Shangri-La
Lola vs. The Powerman & The Money Go-Round
YEAR: 1970
SUMMARY: The concept -- Ray lashes out at the music industry -- is looser than usual, but the songs are still strong.
HIGHLIGHTS: Lola, Apeman, Got to be Free
Muswell Hillbillies
YEAR: 1971
SUMMARY: Ray's fusion of British kitchen-sink drama and American roots music reaches its creative zenith.
HIGHLIGHTS: 20th Century Man, Alcohol
Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
YEAR: 1989
SUMMARY: Sadly, a truly definitive Kinks box set doesn't exist. But this 18-track best-of is as good as it gets.
HIGHLIGHTS: You Really Got Me, All Day and All of the Night
