"Animals" Album Description:
In the world of music history, Pink Floyd's "Animals" stands as a remarkable testament to the band's artistic prowess and its profound impact on the progressive rock genre. Released in 1977 in Great Britain, this 12" vinyl LP album represents a significant contribution within the context of its time period, reflecting the socio-political landscape and the band's evolving musical vision.
Produced by Roger Waters, one of the founding members of Pink Floyd, the album showcases his distinctive approach to songwriting and conceptual storytelling. Waters' influence is palpable not only in the musical compositions but also in the album's overall thematic coherence. The intricate blend of progressive rock, psychedelic elements, and conceptual narrative makes "Animals" a standout work in the band's discography.
The production of the album, engineered by Brian Humphries, took place at Britannia Row Studios in London. This studio, synonymous with Pink Floyd's recording sessions, played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound during the 1970s. The technical expertise of Humphries contributed to the album's rich and immersive sonic experience, capturing the nuances of each instrument and vocal performance.
The sleeve design, a crucial element of any vinyl release, was helmed by Roger Waters himself. Known for his artistic inclinations, Waters crafted a visually striking cover that complemented the album's thematic depth. The inclusion of an inflatable pig, designed by E.R.G Amsterdam, added an iconic visual element to the album's identity. The pig, featured on the cover and famously used during live performances, became a symbol associated with Pink Floyd's stage presence.
Examining the context of the late 1970s, "Animals" emerges as a poignant commentary on contemporary social and political issues. The album's three main tracks, "Dogs," "Pigs (Three Different Ones)," and "Sheep," draw inspiration from George Orwell's "Animal Farm" and serve as allegories for societal structures and human behavior. This thematic resonance with the socio-political climate of the time contributed to the album's critical acclaim and cultural significance.
"Animals" not only marked a departure from the band's earlier sound but also showcased Pink Floyd's willingness to experiment with complex musical arrangements and unconventional song structures. The album's progressive nature and conceptual unity set it apart as a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
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Music Genre:
Progressive Rock, Psychedelic, Acid |
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Album Production:
Roger Waters Pink Floyd Music Publishers Ltd 1977 ,
Engineered by Brian Humphries,
Brian Humphries – Sound engineerI know Brian Humphries as one of those essential studio men whose work helped shape the dark weight of Black Sabbath and the wide-screen atmosphere of Pink Floyd. Read more... Brian Humphries was the sort of engineer I never ignore, because his name turns up exactly where the sound gets deeper, heavier and more cinematic. In 1970 he co-engineered Black Sabbath's "Paranoid", helping trap that blunt, iron-lunged force without polishing away its menace. With Pink Floyd, he entered the frame in 1969 on "Animals" and "Ummagumma", also working on music connected to "Zabriskie Point". He returned in the mid-1970s as front-of-house mixer during 1974, 1975 and 1977, then engineered "Wish You Were Here" in 1975 and "Animals" in 1977. By the late 1970s he was also tied to Britannia Row, right at the point where Floyd's sound became vast, cold and beautifully unsettling.
Recorded Brittania Row Studios, London,
Sleeve design by Roger Waters,
Organized by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell (
both founders of the Hipgnosis Design Group)
Graphics: Nick Mason
Photography; Aubrey Powell, Peter Christopherson, Howard Bartrop, Nic Tucker, Bob Ellis, Rob Brimson, Colin Jones
Inflatable Pig designed by E.R.G Amsterdam (Eventstructure Research Group Amsterdam)
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Record Label & Catalognr:
SHVL 815 |
| Packaging:This album includes the original thick cardboard custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Pink Floyd Originally released on Harvest Records in the UK and Columbia Records in the US, |
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Record Format:
12" Vinyl LP Record |
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Year and Country:
1977 Made in Great Britain |
