SCORPIONS - ANIMAL MAGNETISM - FAME 12" LP Vinyl Album

  This is the FAME Records release of "Animal Magnetism" by the German Heavy Metal band"Scorpions". It can be identified by the FAME logo in the upper right corner of the album front cover. It should also come with the FAME custom inner sleeve showing a catalog of albums available in their catalog. This album "SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism FAME" includes the original FAME Company inner sleeve .This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

large album front cover photo of: SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism Fame Records 12" LP Vinyl Album

Album Description & Collectors information:

 This web-page explains the significance and impact of the 1980 Scorpions album "Animal Magnetism." Released by FAME Records, this 12" LP vinyl album marked a turning point in the band's career and showcased their evolving musical style. We explore the album's key tracks, lyrical themes, and its overall influence on the hard rock and heavy metal genres. Furthermore, we examine the historical context surrounding the album's release and the Scorpions' trajectory as one of the most influential bands in rock music.

Introduction:
The Scorpions' "Animal Magnetism" album holds a special place in the band's discography, representing a transitional period for their sound and image. Released in 1980 by FAME Records, the album captured the Scorpions' exploration of a heavier and more melodic sound, setting the stage for their subsequent commercial success and international recognition.

Historical Context:
To understand the significance of "Animal Magnetism," it is essential to examine the historical context in which it was released. The 1980s witnessed the rise of heavy metal and hard rock music, with bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden dominating the scene. The Scorpions, with their German roots and unique musical style, were poised to make their mark on the genre.

Musical Evolution:
"Animal Magnetism" marked a shift in the Scorpions' musical direction, incorporating a more polished and melodic sound while still retaining their hard rock edge. Tracks like "The Zoo," "Make It Real," and "Don't Make No Promises (Your Body Can't Keep)" exemplify this transition, with their infectious hooks, catchy choruses, and guitar-driven melodies.

Cover Art:

The album cover was created by Storm Thorgerson of the design firm Hipgnosis and, as with earlier Scorpions album sleeves, courted controversy. However unlike several of their previous album sleeves the controversy did not result in the cover being replaced with an alternate sleeve. Recalling the cover photo with the guy drinking the beer and the girl with the dog, Storm remarked "That one was funny. I don't think we figured it out. We just knew there was something rude somewhere." Scorpions bassist at the time, Francis Buchholz, recalls that, "Herman came up with the title for the album Animal Magnetism and we all liked it because it's an interesting title. So we had this guy Storm who was doing album covers for Pink Floyd, I think he did the one with the guy with the flames. So Storm came up with idea for the Animal Magnetism cover, I personally didn't like it, but the rest of the band loved it. I liked the dog though."

Lyrical Themes:
The album's lyrical content reflected the band's growth as songwriters, tackling a variety of themes such as love, desire, and personal struggles. Tracks like "Animal Magnetism," "Falling in Love," and "Lady Starlight" explore the complexities of human relationships, while "Only a Man" delves into introspective themes of self-discovery.

Cultural Impact:
"Animal Magnetism" not only solidified the Scorpions' position in the rock music scene but also paved the way for their breakthrough success in the 1980s. The album's energetic performances, memorable hooks, and radio-friendly appeal resonated with audiences worldwide, helping the band gain a loyal fanbase and achieve commercial success.

Legacy and Influence:
The influence of "Animal Magnetism" can still be felt in the hard rock and heavy metal genres today. The album's combination of melodic sensibilities and heavy guitar riffs served as a blueprint for numerous bands that followed, leaving a lasting impact on the development of rock music in the 1980s and beyond.

"Animal Magnetism" is the seventh studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions, released in 1980.

 

Music Genre:

  German Heavy Metal / Hard Rock 

Album Production information:

 The album: "SCORPIONS Animal Magnetism (NL) " was produced by: Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music

Dieter Dierks is a German record producer and sound engineer, best known for his work in the music industry. He was born on 19 June 1944, in Stollberg, Germany.

Dierks is a highly regarded figure in the German music scene, and has been involved in the production and engineering of many successful albums and songs. He has worked with a wide range of artists and genres, including rock, pop, folk, and electronic music.

One of his most famous collaborations was with the hard rock band Scorpions, for whom he produced and engineered several albums in the 1970s and 1980s, including "Taken by Force," "Lovedrive," and "Animal Magnetism." These albums helped establish Scorpions as one of the leading hard rock bands of the era, and are widely regarded as classic examples of the genre.

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In addition to his work as a producer and engineer, Dierks is also known for his contributions to the field of recording technology. He has been involved in the development of several new recording techniques and technologies, and has been recognized for his contributions to the industry.

Overall, Dieter Dierks is a talented and influential figure in the world of music production and engineering, who has made a significant impact on the German and international music scenes.

 

This album was recorded at: Dierks Studios, Cologne, Germany and Manta Sound Studios, Toronto, Canada

Dieter Dierks Studios is a renowned recording studio located in Stommeln, Germany. It was established by Dieter Dierks, a highly respected German record producer and sound engineer, during the 1970s. The studio has played a significant role in shaping the sound of numerous prominent artists, particularly in the rock and metal genres.

Dieter Dierks Studios gained widespread recognition due to its commitment to utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. This dedication to innovation allowed the studio to consistently deliver high-quality recordings with exceptional sound quality. Many musicians and bands sought out the studio for its advanced facilities and expertise in capturing and enhancing the distinct characteristics of rock and metal music.

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Several notable artists have recorded at Dieter Dierks Studios. One of the most famous bands associated with the studio is the Scorpions. The studio played a pivotal role in the Scorpions' success and helped them achieve international acclaim with albums like "Lovedrive" (1979), "Animal Magnetism" (1980), and "Blackout" (1982).

Additionally, Accept, another influential German heavy metal band, worked extensively with Dieter Dierks Studios. Their albums "Breaker" (1981), "Restless and Wild" (1982), and "Balls to the Wall" (1983) were recorded at the studio, further solidifying its reputation within the metal community.

Furthermore, the renowned German rock musician Udo Lindenberg also utilized Dieter Dierks Studios for his recordings. Lindenberg's collaboration with the studio resulted in successful albums such as "Panische Nächte" (1976) and "Odyssee" (1983).

Throughout its history, Dieter Dierks Studios has fostered a creative and productive environment, attracting numerous musicians seeking to achieve exceptional sound quality and capture the essence of rock and metal music. The studio's legacy remains intertwined with the success of the artists who have recorded there, and its contributions to the music industry have solidified its status as a respected recording facility.

Album cover design: Hipgnosis

Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes.

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The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation.

One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image.

Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer."

The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created.

Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to.

Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis

Album cover photography: Maintide

Record Label Information:

  HARVEST 1C 038 1575441

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  1980 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism FAME
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Klaus Meine - Vocals

    Klaus Meine is a renowned German vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the legendary rock band, Scorpions. Born on 25 May 1948, in Hannover, Germany, Meine's powerful and distinctive voice has become synonymous with the band's iconic sound.

    Meine's love for music blossomed at a young age. Inspired by his father's love for jazz and swing, he started singing and playing the guitar during his teenage years. His early influences included vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, who played a significant role in shaping his vocal style.

    In 1965, Klaus Meine joined a local band called Copernicus, where he honed his singing skills and gained valuable experience as a performer. However, his breakthrough came in 1969 when he received an invitation to audition for a band called Scorpions. At that time, Scorpions were a relatively unknown band, but Meine's remarkable vocal range and stage presence impressed the other members, and he became the lead vocalist of the band.

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    Under Meine's leadership, Scorpions went on to achieve international success. Their hard rock sound, infused with melodic ballads and powerful anthems, captivated audiences worldwide. Meine's dynamic voice, with its soaring highs and emotional depth, became a trademark of the band's music.

    Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Scorpions released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Lovedrive" (1979), "Blackout" (1982), and "Love at First Sting" (1984). These albums featured hit songs such as "Rock You Like a Hurricane", "No One Like You", and "Still Loving You", which solidified the band's reputation as one of the most influential rock acts of the era.

    Meine's songwriting contributions played a significant role in Scorpions' success. He penned lyrics that resonated with listeners, tackling themes of love, relationships, and societal issues. His heartfelt ballads, such as "Wind of Change" and "Send Me an Angel", became anthems of hope and unity, reaching the top of charts worldwide.

    Despite numerous lineup changes and shifts in the music industry, Meine remained the driving force behind Scorpions. The band continued to release albums and tour extensively, showcasing Meine's remarkable vocal prowess and enduring passion for music.

    In addition to his work with Scorpions, Klaus Meine has also collaborated with other artists. He provided guest vocals for various songs and appeared on projects such as the Michael Schenker Group's album "Written in the Sand" (1996) and the Avantasia rock opera albums.

    Klaus Meine's contributions to music have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the World Music Award for "Legend of Live Music" in 2010. His influence as a vocalist and songwriter extends far beyond Scorpions' dedicated fanbase, and his voice continues to resonate with rock enthusiasts around the world.

    Today, Klaus Meine remains an iconic figure in the rock music scene. His distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and enduring talent have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. As Scorpions continue to captivate audiences and perform live, Meine's contributions to the band and the world of music will always be cherished and remembered.

  • Rudolf Schenker - Guitars

    Rudolf Schenker is a legendary figure in the world of hard rock and heavy metal. Born on 31 August 1948, in Hildesheim, Germany, he would go on to become the founder, guitarist, and driving force behind the internationally acclaimed band Scorpions. With his distinctive guitar style, songwriting prowess, and occasional vocal contributions, Schenker has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

    Rudolf Schenker's musical journey began in the mid-1960s when he formed Scorpions. As the band's founder, he assembled a group of talented musicians who shared his vision for creating powerful and memorable rock music. Initially drawing influences from bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Schenker and his bandmates embarked on a journey to carve out their unique sound.

    Schenker's guitar playing became the centerpiece of Scorpions' music. His style blended elements of hard rock, heavy metal, and classical music, resulting in a distinct and captivating sound. His powerful riffs, melodic solos, and energetic stage presence helped define the band's identity and captivate audiences around the world.

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    As a songwriter, Rudolf Schenker played a crucial role in shaping Scorpions' sound. His contributions to the band's catalog include some of their most iconic hits, such as "Rock You Like a Hurricane," "Wind of Change," and "Still Loving You." These songs, among many others, have become timeless classics and continue to resonate with fans across generations.

    While primarily known as a guitarist, Schenker also showcased his vocal abilities on various occasions. His raw and passionate voice added an extra layer of intensity to the band's performances. His vocals can be heard on songs like "Catch Your Train" and "As Soon as the Good Times Roll," where he delivered memorable performances.

    Throughout his career, Rudolf Schenker has been an influential figure in the German hard rock and heavy metal scene. His contributions to the genre have helped shape its evolution and inspired countless musicians. In recognition of his exceptional talent and influence, Schenker was inducted into the Guitar World Hall of Fame in 2014, a testament to his enduring legacy.

    Beyond his musical endeavors, Schenker shares a familial bond with his brother, Michael Schenker, who is also a renowned guitarist, and his sister, Barbara Schenker. The Schenker siblings have all made significant contributions to the world of rock music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

    Notably, Rudolf Schenker has developed a close association with the German guitar maker Dommenget. He uses guitars crafted by the renowned manufacturer, which have become synonymous with his distinctive sound and playing style.

    With a career spanning several decades, Rudolf Schenker's impact on rock music cannot be overstated. As a founding member of Scorpions, he has played an instrumental role in the band's success and enduring popularity. His virtuosic guitar playing, songwriting abilities, and charismatic stage presence have cemented his status as one of the most important figures in the history of German hard rock and heavy metal.

  • Matthias Jabs - Guitars

      Matthias Jabs guitarist, and a member of the hard rock band Scorpions. He was born on 25 October 1955, in Hannover, Germany.

     Jabs joined Scorpions in 1978, and quickly established himself as one of the band's signature guitarists. Over the years, he has contributed to many of Scorpions' most famous songs, including "Rock You Like a Hurricane," "Still Loving You," and "Wind of Change." With his distinctive playing style, Jabs has helped Scorpions become one of the biggest and most influential hard rock bands of all time.

     In addition to his work with Scorpions, Jabs has also collaborated with other musicians and released several solo albums. He has been recognized for his musical skills with several awards and honors, including being ranked among the top 100 greatest guitarists of all time by various music magazines and websites.

     Outside of music, Jabs is known for his passion for aviation, and he holds a private pilot's license. He is also a trained helicopter pilot, and has used his skills to support various charitable causes.

     Overall, Matthias Jabs is a highly regarded musician and guitarist, who has left a lasting impact on the world of hard rock and heavy metal.

  • Francis Buchholz - bass

    Francis Buchholz - Bass guitar player from Hannover, Germany and was born in 1954. Buchholz started his musical career , together with Ulrich Roth and Hans-Jurgen Rosenthal, during 1972 in a band called "Dawn Road". "Dawn Road" dismantled around 1974 and members joined "Scorpions". Buchholz performed with the Scorpions from 1973 until 1992. Playing on many of their most popular albums, including "Lovedrive" (1979), "Blackout" (1982), and "Love at First Sting" (1984). Buchholz is regarded as one of the best bass guitarists in heavy metal and his playing style, characterized by its melodic phrasing and rhythmic drive, has been a major influence on many other musicians in the genre.

  • Herman Rarebell - Drums

      Herman Rarebell (Real-name: Hermann Josef Erbel) a German drummer, ands a member of the hard rock band Scorpions. He was born on November 11, 1949, in Frankfurt, Germany.

      Rarebell joined Scorpions in 1977, and played with the band until 1995. During his time with Scorpions, he contributed to several of the band's most famous albums, including "Taken by Force," "Lovedrive," and "Animal Magnetism." With his powerful drumming style, Rarebell helped define Scorpions' sound and establish them as one of the leading hard rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s.

      In addition to his work with Scorpions, Rarebell has also collaborated with other musicians and released several solo albums. He is also known for his contributions to the world of drumming, and has been recognized for his musical skills with several awards and honors.

      After leaving Scorpions, Rarebell continued to perform and record music, and remains active in the music industry to this day. He is widely regarded as one of the best drummers in the history of hard rock and heavy metal, and is admired by fans and fellow musicians alike.

      Overall, Herman Rarebell is a talented musician and drummer, who has left a lasting impact on the world of hard rock and heavy metal.

Complete Track-listing of the album "SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism FAME"

The detailed tracklist of this record "SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism FAME" is:

    Track-listing:
  1. Make It Real (Schenker/Rarebell) 3:49
  2. Don't Make No Promises (Your Body Can't Keep) (Jabs/Rarebell) 2:55
  3. Hold Me Tight (Schenker/Meine/Rarebell) 3:53
  4. Twentieth Century Man (Schenker/Meine) 3:00
  5. Lady Starlight (Schenker/Meine) 6:11
  6. Falling in Love (Rarebell) 4:09
  7. Only a Man (Schenker/Meine/Rarebell) 3:32
  8. The Zoo (Schenker/Meine) 5:28
  9. Animal Magnetism (Schenker/Meine/Rarebell) 5:56
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism FAME"
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Album Back Cover  Photo of "SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism FAME"

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High Resolution Photos of scorpions animal magnetism fame  

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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

Index of SCORPIONS - Vinyl Discography & Album Cover Gallery