Pink Floyd's"Animals," released in January 1977 in the Netherlands, is a groundbreaking concept album critiquing 1970s Britain's social-political landscape. Its three tracks serve as allegories for societal classes. The Dutch vinyl, cataloged as Harvest – 5C 062-98434, features a Gatefold cover revealing artwork, lyrics, and production details. This release, marked by its European imprint, contributed to the album's enduring legacy, resonating beyond its temporal origins and shaping the progressive rock genre.
"Animals" Album Description:
In the world of progressive rock, Pink Floyd's "Animals" stands out as a seminal work that not only defined the sound of its era but also encapsulated the sociopolitical zeitgeist of 1970s Britain. Released in January 1977, this iconic album marked a significant departure from the band's earlier musical style, solidifying Pink Floyd's reputation as pioneers of the genre.
Conceptual Brilliance and Social Commentary
"Animals" is not merely an album; it is a conceptually driven journey that critiques the social and political landscape of its time. The album's three main tracks - "Dogs," "Pigs (Three Different Ones)," and "Sheep" - serve as a musical allegory, each representing a distinct societal class. The lyrics delve into the disillusionment and discontent prevalent in 1970s Britain, offering a scathing commentary on capitalism, authoritarianism, and societal divisions.
The narrative unfolds with the precision of a well-crafted novel, and the musical composition mirrors the thematic depth. Pink Floyd's masterful fusion of progressive rock and experimental elements creates an immersive experience that resonates with listeners even today.
Gatefold Cover: Unveiling the Artistic Ensemble
The physical manifestation of this musical opus is the 12" LP vinyl, specifically the Netherlands release under the Harvest label with the catalog number 5C 062-98434. The album comes encased in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), also known as a Gatefold cover, adding a tactile dimension to the auditory journey.
Upon opening the Gatefold cover, listeners are greeted with a visual feast. The inner pages reveal a carefully curated ensemble of photos, artwork, production details, and lyrics. This marriage of auditory and visual elements enhances the overall experience, providing fans with a deeper connection to the music and its thematic core.
1977 Netherlands Release: A European Imprint
The year 1977 marked the release of "Animals" in the Netherlands, adding a European imprint to the album's global journey. The cultural and political context of the time infused the Dutch release with a unique resonance, contributing to the album's reception and interpretation across borders.
In the context of the European music scene of the 1970s, Pink Floyd's "Animals" played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of progressive rock. Its impact was not confined to the shores of Britain; it reverberated across the continent, leaving an indelible mark on the collective musical consciousness.
Enduring Legacy
As the years have passed, "Animals" has not faded into obscurity. Instead, it has secured a lasting legacy, continually influencing subsequent generations of musicians and captivating new audiences. Its relevance extends beyond the temporal boundaries of the 1970s, transcending into a timeless piece of musical artistry.
Album Fact Sheet: PINK FLOYD Animals
Music Genre:
Prog Rock, Acid/Psych Rock
Album Production:
Roger Waters Pink Floyd Music Publishers Ltd 1977 ,
Photography; Aubrey Powell, Peter Christopherson, Howard Bartrop, Nic Tucker, Bob Ellis, Rob Brimson, Colin Jones
Inflatable Pig designed by E,R,G Amsterdam
Record Label & Catalognr:
Catalognr: Harvest – 5C 062-98434
Album Packaging:
This 12" LP black vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover.
The inner pages of this album cover contains photos, artwork, album production details and lyrics of all the songs.
Record Format:
12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram
Year & Country:
1977 Netherlands
Complete Track-listing of the album "PINK FLOYD Animals"
The detailed tracklist of this record "PINK FLOYD Animals" is:
Track-listing Side One:
Pigs on the Wing 1
Dogs
Track-listing Side Two:
Pigs (Three different ones)
Sheep
Pigs on the Wing 2
High Resolution and Quality Photos of Complete Album Covers "PINK FLOYD Animals"
The cover of "Animals" by Pink Floyd, released in 1977. This iconic album cover features a photograph of Battersea Power Station in London with an inflatable pig floating between two of its chimneys. Designed by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis, with input from Roger Waters, this image uses stark industrial imagery combined with surrealism to comment on themes of alienation, societal decay, and the effects of unchecked capitalism.
The power station, a monumental structure, represents the industrial might and control exerted by those in power—a fitting backdrop for an album inspired by George Orwell’s "Animal Farm". In "Animals", Pink Floyd divides society into three metaphorical groups—dogs, pigs, and sheep—each symbolizing different social classes and power dynamics. The floating pig, hovering above the station, represents the ruling class or "pigs" who manipulate and control society for their own gain. This theme is reflected in the album's lyrics, which address issues of greed, corruption, and the exploitation of the working class.
The overcast sky, with dark clouds looming, adds a sense of foreboding and suggests that these oppressive forces cast a shadow over society. The album cover uses visual irony, with the pig—a symbol of self-indulgence and corruption—soaring in an almost majestic fashion above a gritty industrial scene, highlighting the dissonance between the idealized vision of power and its grim reality for the ordinary person.
Album Back Cover Photo of "PINK FLOYD Animals"
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Inner Sleeve of "PINK FLOYD Animals" Album
Photo of "PINK FLOYD Animals" Album's Inner Sleeve
Enlarged & Zoomed photo of "PINK FLOYD Animals" Record's Label
Using the marked/"highlighted" rectangles below , you will be able to correctly identify this release of the album.
Pink Floyd's 1977 "Animals" French release, adorned with a distinctive catalog number, showcases Roger Waters' production brilliance. Engineered by Brian Humphries at Britannia Row Studios, London, the album boasts Waters' artistic sleeve design and an inflatable pig by E,R,G Amsterdam. Amidst the progressive 1970s music scene, "Animals" stands as a timeless blend of musical innovation and conceptual storytelling, solidifying Pink Floyd's enduring influence. The French version adds a collector's touch to this iconic piece of rock history.
Pink Floyd's 1977 "Animals" German release, a 12" Vinyl LP, is a collector's gem with a gatefold cover and original inner sleeve. Harvest label 1C 064-98 434 showcases Roger Waters' sleeve design and an inflatable pig by E,R,G Amsterdam. Recorded at Britannia Row Studios, London, engineered by Brian Humphries, the album encapsulates Pink Floyd's innovative spirit, making it a timeless piece in the vibrant 1977 music landscape.
Pink Floyd's 1977 "Animals" shines as a musical and visual marvel, with a distinctive German release on pink vinyl. Roger Waters' meticulous craftsmanship at Britannia Row Studios is evident in the sonic brilliance. The gatefold cover, designed by Waters and executed by the Hipgnosis Design Group, complements the iconic inflatable pig. This limited edition's farbige pressung status adds a collector's touch, encapsulating Pink Floyd's innovative spirit in a timeless gem.
This is the hard to find (rare) release of Pink Floyd's Animal album which has an uncovered catalognr on the bottom right half of the label. Later releases of this album have this catalognr blacked-out and printed in the upper right half of the record label.
Harvest SHVL 815 , Barking Dog Blue Picture Label , 1977 , Gt. Britain
Pink Floyd's "Animals" 12" Vinyl LP, Britain's 1st pressing, captivates collectors with stamper codes, no scan codes, and unique inner sleeve. Released in 1977 on Harvest Records, its production showcases Roger Waters' influence, Brittania Row Studios' engineering, and collaborative visual design by Hipgnosis. The iconic Inflatable Pig adds a distinct touch. Labeled "1977 Made in Gt Britain," the album's enduring legacy lies in its musical brilliance and meticulous craftsmanship.
Pink Floyd's 1977 "Animals" LP, produced by Roger Waters, is a landmark in progressive rock. Recorded at Britannia Row Studios in London, engineered by Brian Humphries, the album features Waters' thematic brilliance and iconic sleeve design. Its socio-political commentary, inspired by Orwell's "Animal Farm," makes it a timeless masterpiece. The album's experimental nature and sonic richness define Pink Floyd's artistic evolution during a pivotal period in music history.
Pink Floyd's 1977 "Animals"
Japanese 12" Vinyl LP is a musical relic, adorned with an OBI strip, gatefold design, and a four-page leaflet in Japanese. The production includes an original thick paper inner sleeve with complete lyrics. Cataloged as CBS/Sony Japan 25Ap 340, this edition, "Made in Japan," signifies a unique blend of artistry, cultural richness, and craftsmanship, encapsulating the essence of the late '70s music scene.
Pink Floyd's "Animals," released in January 1977 in the Netherlands, is a groundbreaking concept album critiquing 1970s Britain's social-political landscape. Its three tracks serve as allegories for societal classes. The Dutch vinyl, cataloged as Harvest – 5C 062-98434, features a Gatefold cover revealing artwork, lyrics, and production details. This release, marked by its European imprint, contributed to the album's enduring legacy, resonating beyond its temporal origins and shaping the progressive rock genre.
Pink Floyd's "Animals" 12" Vinyl LP, released in the Netherlands in 1977 under Harvest 1A 064-98434, is a sonic masterpiece and collector's gem. With a distinctive gatefold cover and thick custom inner sleeve featuring complete lyrics, it embodies the 1970s vinyl era. Meticulously produced in Holland, it reflects the progressive rock ethos, offering a timeless connection to the band's exploration of societal issues.
Pink Floyd's "Animals" 12" Vinyl LP, released by Jugoton in Yugoslavia, stands as a sonic masterpiece and visual marvel. Produced by Roger Waters and Pink Floyd Music Publishers Ltd in 1977, its Britannia Row Studios recording reflects meticulous craftsmanship. The gatefold cover, designed by Roger Waters and curated by Hipgnosis, adds a visual dimension. Addressing societal issues, this album remains an enduring symbol of musical and artistic brilliance from the late 1970s.
