ANIMALS

Dogs, Pigs and Sheep. This is Waters 'Animal Farm' inspired view of our Western world. There are dirty politician pigs sitting at the top, caring about little but their own good. There are sly business dogs that lurk around, make deals behind each others backs, pretending to like each other, keep up their facades, playing games. And then there's ordinary people. The ones being preyed upon. The sheep.

This album is how I think Pink Floyd should have stayed -- Waters mainly dealing with the lyrical concept while the others take care of the music. It just works great on this album. The acoustic intro of 'Dogs' lead us gently into the cynical, but sad world of many business men. They do what they can to stay on top of their destructive game. To gain more and more. But in the end, they've got nothing that really matters. They're just another bunch of sad old men, all alone, dying of cancer, as Waters coldly puts it. The lyrics are backed by breathtaking music. From gentle accoustic atmospheric passages to more aggressive parts, to the spaced out middle section with distant dog barks and finally the sad powerful ending. It's just perfect. One of my absolute favorite Floyd tracks. Easily a 10/10.

'Pigs' is more of a generic song musically. Not as spacy and atmospheric as 'Dogs'. It's more to the point, which is the politicians and them pretending to care while all that's in it for them is personal gain and moving up the career ladder. The whole pig concept is humorously referred to by various pig sounds and a steady, slow, lurking rhythm. Nearing the end both the lyrics and music get more and more aggressive, a side of Floyd not so often seen. I'll give it 8/10.

The album closer 'Sheep' is my favorite after 'Dogs'. It gives Wright a little time in the spotlight too, on the jazzy el piano intro (he is however highly present throughout the album, painting textures and creating atmospheres with string synths, organs etc.) The track soon picks up pace and features some great guitar riffs and licks. His stratocaster sound rocks! The song deals with ordinary people -- the sheep -- obeying their leaders, looking out for dogs. The album does however end on a high note, as the sheep kill the dogs. This is accompanied by a cheerful riff by Gilmour. I just love that ending! A 9/10.

Over all Animals is a really strong album. The short instrumental 'Pigs on the Wing' serves as a nice intro and closer to the album. It's so short that it doesn't really play that much of a role. It's the three conceptual pieces that count, and they are all great. I give the album 9/10 -- five stars.