Shangri-La (The Kinks song): Difference between revisions
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"'''Shangri-La'''" is a song written by [[Ray Davies]] of [[The Kinks]]. The song appeared on the 1969 [[concept album]], ''[[Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)]]'' |
"'''Shangri-La'''" is a song written by [[Ray Davies]] of [[The Kinks]]. The song appeared on the 1969 [[concept album]], ''[[Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)]]'' |
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The song describes a man named Arthur, the title character from the album. Arthur lives in a house which is called, somewhat sarcastically, a [[Shangri-La]]. In the beginning of the song, the Shangri-La appears to be a true paradise but, as the song continues, it becomes clear that Arthur's house is as much of a prison as it is a haven. In a compassionate, ironic mood the verses depict British middle-class aspirations and material progress in the years after World War II. |
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The song itself is eclectic in musical sounds. It begins quietly, with Ray singing quietly over the finger-picking of an acoustic guitar. After one verse, the tension builds as brass instruments subtly add to the soundscape. Then, the finger picking becomes faster, and harpsichord as well as drums come into play, as Ray's brother Dave joins in on harmony vocals. Then the climactic and eponymous chorus comes, charging from F to A, recalling the Spector-like wall of sound productions of the earlier decade, but with the thick and heavy tones of their contemporaries. After another verse/chorus, the fast-paced rock 'middle-eight' arrives, sandwiched between the beginning and end soft rock verses. [[Dave Davies]] claimed this is his favorite song by his brother Ray. |
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Music critic [[Johnny Rogan]] calls the song "one of Davies' best from the period," noting that "his ambivalence to the subject is evident throughout as he takes an alternately affectionate and sardonic look at cosy middle class aspiration."<ref name=rogan>{{cite book|title=The Complete Guide to the Music of the Kinks|author=[[Johnny Rogan|Rogan, J.]]|page=71|year=1998|publisher=Omnibus Press|isbn=0711963142}}</ref> [[Allmusic]] critic Stewart Mason agrees that "Shangri-La" is "one of Ray Davies' finest songs ever."<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|title=Shangri-La|author=Mason, S.|url=http://www.allmusic.com/song/shangri-la-mt0014690883|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|accessdate=2012-08-11}}</ref> George Starostin, on his music review website "Only Solitaire", praises the song, saying that it "ranks as one of the top three or four Kinks' songs ever". |
Music critic [[Johnny Rogan]] calls the song "one of Davies' best from the period," noting that "his ambivalence to the subject is evident throughout as he takes an alternately affectionate and sardonic look at cosy middle class aspiration."<ref name=rogan>{{cite book|title=The Complete Guide to the Music of the Kinks|author=[[Johnny Rogan|Rogan, J.]]|page=71|year=1998|publisher=Omnibus Press|isbn=0711963142}}</ref> [[Allmusic]] critic Stewart Mason agrees that "Shangri-La" is "one of Ray Davies' finest songs ever."<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|title=Shangri-La|author=Mason, S.|url=http://www.allmusic.com/song/shangri-la-mt0014690883|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|accessdate=2012-08-11}}</ref> George Starostin, on his music review website "Only Solitaire", praises the song, saying that it "ranks as one of the top three or four Kinks' songs ever". |
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Revision as of 05:04, 17 December 2012
| "Shangri-La" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| B-side | "This Man He Weeps Tonight" (Dave Davies) |
"Shangri-La" is a song written by Ray Davies of The Kinks. The song appeared on the 1969 concept album, Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
Music critic Johnny Rogan calls the song "one of Davies' best from the period," noting that "his ambivalence to the subject is evident throughout as he takes an alternately affectionate and sardonic look at cosy middle class aspiration."[1] Allmusic critic Stewart Mason agrees that "Shangri-La" is "one of Ray Davies' finest songs ever."[2] George Starostin, on his music review website "Only Solitaire", praises the song, saying that it "ranks as one of the top three or four Kinks' songs ever".
The song is featured in a UK advert about reducing your carbon footprint and a UK trailer for the BBC3 comedy program The Wrong Door.
A new recording 2009 can be found on the release The Kinks Choral Collection by Ray Davies with the Crouch End Festival Chorus.
References
- ^ Rogan, J. (1998). The Complete Guide to the Music of the Kinks. Omnibus Press. p. 71. ISBN 0711963142.
- ^ Mason, S. "Shangri-La". Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-08-11.
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