ANIMALS

1977 saw the explosion of the punkscene in Britain where bands such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Jam had taken over the industry. Prog rock was starting to get old and more upbeat, loud and frantic guitar was needed. Despite this Pink Floyd were still one of the best known and loved bands of 70's and at their prime. Whether The boys meant to or not, Animals had a more upbeat approach to it (this is very evident in the outro piano solo in sheep), probably subconciously, but it seemed to reflect the styles of the time.

Animals is a concept album which compares people in society to animals. The successful business types being the dogs, arrogant people of the media and higher class being pigs and people who follow trends and societies rules as being sheep. Of course this has to be backed up by appropriate lyrics but luckily that's no problem for Roger Waters.

Animals begins and ends with opposite versions of the quick acoustic piece "pigs on the wing" and is a good way of opening and closing the concept album. The main album lies in the 3 tracks inbetween. "Dogs" is the first of these, which shows impressive solo's by gilmour, rhythmic synth and piano pieces that are mirrored against rogers dark lyrics and basslines. The drumming is consistant where it is used yet slightly lacking in places. Dogs progresses well and is one of the bands most underrated pieces since atom heart mother. This is probably the best track on the album.

"Pigs (Three Different Ones)" is slyly titled and is perhaps a little weaker than "Dogs" and "Sheep" as it takes a while to pick up. The chorus here is excellent and is also very dark and daring. "Sheep" is the only song from animals that appeared on Echoes and rightly so. This has stretchy vocals that manage to rush through the raging piano and guitar battles. This song may weave on a bit but it is very captivating and enjoyable to listen to. The excellent outro is Richard Wrights highlight on the album. Animals may be a dismal attack on society but this is one of the bands most brilliant albums. Roger wouldn't be smiling very much after this one though.