What makes Kings of Oblivion by Pink Fairies notable?

Kings of Oblivion is often noted for its avant-garde sound that influenced the subsequent punk movement, particularly with tracks like 'City Kids' capturing a rebellious spirit. The album has maintained a cult status among fans of psychedelic and underground rock, showcasing the band's unique approach during an era rich with musical experimentation. Released in 1973, Kings of Oblivion was the third studio album by Pink Fairies, following their self-titled debut and the more experimental album, What a Bunch of Sweeties. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the UK underground scene, blending influences from both glam rock and psychedelic movements.

How many songs are on Kings of Oblivion?

Kings of Oblivion has 7 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Kings of Oblivion

Pink Fairies · 1973

38 min · 7 tracks · psychedelic rock

A wild fusion of psychedelic rock and proto-punk energy, blending raw instrumentation with surreal lyrical themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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City Kids — This track exemplifies the band's blend of gritty realism and playful exuberance, representing a youthful defiance that resonates throughout the album.
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I Wish I Was a Girl — The extended runtime allows for an exploration of gender themes and societal norms, making it a standout moment that captures the album's experimental edge.
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When's the Fun Begin? — With its driving rhythm and catchy chorus, this track encapsulates the carefree attitude prevalent in 70s counterculture while highlighting the band's knack for memorable hooks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic punk elements with psychedelic rock, showcasing distinct songwriting and a unique sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm on 'City Kids', establishing a high-energy pace that persists through the first half.
Tracks like 'I Wish I Was a Girl' and 'When's the Fun Begin?' feature abrupt tempo shifts, creating a sense of unpredictability.
The final track, 'Street Urchin', concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, contrasting with the more structured earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 City Kids 3:45
2 I Wish I Was a Girl 9:41
3 When's the Fun Begin? 6:13
4 Chromium Plating 3:48
5 Raceway 4:08
6 Chambermaid 3:18
7 Street Urchin 7:07

What to play next

Listen next

Flashback

1975

Go back to

What a Bunch of Sweeties

1972

Full Pink Fairies discography Artists like Pink Fairies

psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata