ANIMALS

Bookended with the acoustic Pigs on the Wing, Animals features three lengthy and strong pieces from the group. Beginning with Dogs, this album is based roughly around George Orwell's Animal Farm as each track symbolizes different social classes (Dogs being those who enforce the law of the Pigs upon the Sheep). The first track contains some of David Gilmour's best vocal work as Rick Wright provides layered synthesizers backdropping some biting guitar leads by Gilmour. The lyrics are pushed to the forefront ("You have to be trusted by the people that you lie to/ So that when they turn their backs on you/ You'll get the chance to put the knife in"), illustrating the darker sides of human nature found in the actions of 'dogs' who are "told what to do my the man." A very well constructed piece of music that presents a number of reoccurring themes but really is bolstered by the lyrical progression as well as the work of Gilmour and Wright.

Pigs (Three Different Ones) begins side two, illustrating three different types ruthless businessmen and politicians. The centerpiece of this track is Gimour's talk-box solo after the second verse, simulating pig noises and achieving a sound which seems like a cross between a moog, a muted trumpet, and God knows what. Lead vocals come from the chief architect of the project Roger Waters and while they fit the music well, I prefer Gilmour's vocals to a larger degree. However, they fit the dark mood and scathing social commentary he presents in the material.

Rick Wright starts off Sheep with a wonderful introduction on the Fender-Rhodes. And then gradually a bassline builds in intensive, played not by Waters (who plays rhythm guitar) but by Gilmour and propelling the piece along. Wright's playing throughout this track is wonderful particularly his solo before the parody of Psalm 23 where the Sheep symbol is elaborated upon ("He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places/ He converteth me to lamb cutlets/ For lo, he hath great power, and great hunger/ When cometh the day we lowly ones/ Through quiet reflection and great dedication/ Master the art of karate/ Lo we shall rise up/ And then we'll make the Buggers eyes water"). The piece finishes with a very excellent passage featuring a great guitar lick.

A great album, with a dark tone that hinges on sardonic cynicism. Strong guitar and bass work for Gilmour fans to enjoy and really the last major contribution Rick Wright's keyboards had during Roger Waters' stay with the band. The project contains some great music and is a well worth a listen.