Wednesday, January 07, 2026

Songs I'd Forgotten I Loved From Albums I Haven't Listened to in Ages (An Occasional Series): Special "And Speaking of Gorgeous" Edition

From their 1971 classic Muswell Hillbillies, please enjoy -- I recommend under the headphones -- The Kinks and their lightyears beyond poignant ode to "Oklahoma U.S.A."

I used to listen to that album with near-religious fervor back in the day, but I can't for the life of me recall the last time I even thought about it. Until the above YouTube clip popped up on the feed of a Facebook acquaintance the other day.

Words, as I so often say of late, fail me. 😎

I should add that the real-life pub in the album cover photo -- the Archway Tavern -- apparently is still in business; if I ever get back to London, I'm gonna make it a point to have my picture taken at the end of the bar, where Kinks Dave Davies and Mick Avory are seen hanging out.

Bucket list and all that, know what I mean? 😎😎

6 comments:

Cleveland Jeff said...

Lovely song from an under-appreciated Kinks record.

Alzo said...

"...Dave Davies and Mick Avory are seen hanging out." Presumably taking a pause from pummeling each another.
You are so right on the money here. The prettiest song from my favorite Kinks Kollection. Excellent use of the accordion. Yo Lo Tengo also did a very nice cover.

steve simels said...

Never heard the YLT cover — thanks for the tip.

Rob B Mullen said...

"She walks to work but is still in a daze
She's Rita Hayworth or Doris Day
And Erroll Flynn's going to take her away
To Oklahoma, USA."
Once again Ray showed that he stood with the best of a generations narrative composers - Dylan, L/Mc, Bruce, Lou...

I grew up going to school plays, my parents show records and Ed Sullivan...
Gordon MacRea singing "Oklahoma"
Still an earworm...

Anonymous said...

That was gorgeous.
C in California

Allan Rosenberg said...

Beautiful, magical! A typical Kinks track from this amazing era!

Captain Al