"Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)" Album Description:
In the colorful tapestry of 1980s heavy metal, few bands stood out as provocatively as W.A.S.P. (We Are Sexual Perverts). The band, led by frontman Blackie Lawless, gained notoriety for their theatrical stage presence, explicit lyrics, and rebellious attitude. One of their most infamous tracks, "Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)," became a symbol of rebellion and controversy, especially after its exclusion from the album and subsequent labeling by the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) as one of its "Filthy Fifteen."
The Debut and the Controversial Single
W.A.S.P. released their self-titled debut album in 1984, featuring tracks that captured the spirit of the glam metal era. However, one track didn't make it onto the initial release – "Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)." This sexually charged anthem was held back due to its explicit content and controversial title.
The song's exclusion from the album did little to quell its notoriety. Instead, W.A.S.P. decided to release "Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)" as a stand-alone single, contributing to its mystique and making it a collector's item. The original UK 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl release became particularly sought after, showcasing the band's commitment to pushing the boundaries of acceptability.
The PMRC's "Filthy Fifteen"
During the 1980s, the PMRC, led by Tipper Gore, sought to address what they perceived as objectionable content in music. The PMRC compiled a list of songs known as the "Filthy Fifteen," which included tracks considered explicit, violent, or offensive. "Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)" found its place on this infamous list, further fueling its controversial reputation.
W.A.S.P.'s Response to Censorship
Rather than succumb to pressure, W.A.S.P. embraced the controversy surrounding "Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)." Blackie Lawless, the band's charismatic frontman, defended the song, asserting that the title and lyrics were meant to be provocative and not taken literally. The band's defiance in the face of censorship only added to their rebellious image.
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Music Genre:
Heavy Metal
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Album
Production information:
The album: "W.A.S.P - Animal (F**K Like a Beast)" was produced by:
Mike Varney
Mike Varney – Producer, Shrapnel Records founderThe behind-the-scenes catalyst of the 80s shred boom, with late-70s punk fingerprints all over his origin story. Read more... Mike Varney is the American producer and label boss who turned fast fingers into a business plan. I first clocked him in the late 1970s, thumping bass in San Francisco punks The Nuns, then moving to guitar with the Rocky Sullivan Band. Out in Novato, California, he founded Shrapnel Records in 1980, and by the early 1980s he was hunting new monsters via Guitar Player "Spotlight" and the U.S. Metal compilations. Mid-80s he supercharged the shred boom with releases tied to Steeler (with Yngwie Malmsteen) and Racer X, then kept the pipeline hot for Cacophony, Vinnie Moore, Tony MacAlpine and friends. Later he widened the map with Tone Center and Blues Bureau, still betting on feel as much as speed.
Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
Stephen M. Fontano
Album cover photography: Ross Halfin
Collector's notes:
Ross Halfin – Photographer
The guy who made hard rock look like it smelled: sweat, flash powder, and backstage neon.
Read more...
Ross Halfin is the British lens-slinger who turned loud music into evidence, not decoration. Late 1970s had him cutting his teeth for Sounds, stalking the punk spill—The Clash, The Jam, the Sex Pistols—fast, close, no mercy. From 1980 onward he became Kerrang!’s chief photographer and stayed in that trench for about two decades, which says plenty about stamina. The 1980s pushed him deeper into heavy metal: Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath—tour buses, arenas, and the occasional glamour that still looked slightly dangerous. Since then the circle widened and hardened: Metallica and the big hard-rock orbit, shot with the same blunt honesty. Trust the timing, trust the grin, distrust the posing.
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Record Label & Catalognr:
Music For Nations MFN 12 KUT 109
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Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
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Year & Country:
Made in England
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