January 5 — Arthur (or The Decline and Fall of the British Empire) by The Kinks

When this album happened: 1969. I probably started listening in college.

Dumb things I know about it: Not much, really. I’m a Kinks poseur — I get this album and Village Green confused. I did have a geography professor, from England, who proclaimed in class that the Kinks were better than the Beatles, and seemed disappointed when he got no reaction. He was ready for a fight.

What I like about it: “Shangri-La” is one of the best songs ever. It’s also really hard to try and play, if I remember correctly. Whenever I say “Australia”, I want to pronounce it like they do in the song.

What I’m not as crazy about: Some of the songs kinda blend together. I know it’s supposed to be a rock opera, but it’s a little hard to follow the story. Or maybe I just don’t pay the requisite attention.

Next up: Johnny Cash — At Folsom Prison