"Something Else by the Kinks", released on September 15, 1967, is the fifth studio album by the English rock band the Kinks. The album, produced by Shel Talmy (his last for the band), continues the Kinks' shift towards a baroque pop and music hall style, characterized by Ray Davies' observational and introspective lyrics. It features notable keyboard work by Nicky Hopkins and backing vocals by Ray Davies's wife, Rasa.
The album was preceded by the singles "Waterloo Sunset," one of the Kinks' most acclaimed tracks, and "Death of a Clown" by Dave Davies, both of which charted in the UK top 3. Despite these hits and positive reviews, Something Else was the Kinks' lowest-charting album in both the UK and US at the time of its release. However, it has since gained retrospective acclaim and is considered a cult favorite, ranking No. 288 on Rolling Stone's 2003 list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" and No. 237 in Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000).
Something Else by the Kinks marked a significant shift in the band's sound and production style, as Ray Davies took over production duties following Shel Talmy's departure. Davies, however, felt uncertain about his production skills and later remarked that he might not have been the best choice to produce the album, suggesting that a more conventional approach might have been beneficial.
The album was recorded between autumn 1966 and summer 1967, a period during which the Kinks reduced their touring and focused on recording songs. Although "End of the Season" was recorded in April 1966, most of the album's material was developed during this time. The song "Village Green," recorded in November 1966, was included on a French EP in 1967 but did not appear on a Kinks album until The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society.
