ANIMALS

How could any band release a follow up after the likes of Wish You Were Here and still release an essential classic? Well Pink Floyd did very ably with Animals. A snarling gnashing album full of vitriol, angst and evident distaste of society and the establishment at the time. ' Pigs on the Wing part one' starts the album off. Short accoustic piece led by Roger Waters and what a beautiful piece of music too. Probably the most nostagic parts, 1 and 2 on Animals. ' Dogs' is the prize though on Animals. A 17 minute epic full of angry and sad lyrics. Musically very rich with keyboard, bass and excellent Gilmour guitar. Mason's drumming too is superb. ' Pigs - 3 different kinds' takes a real stab at the late Mary Whitehouse, the prim lady from the UK who took great pleasure in trying to slap censorship on anything from expletives to nipples...' Your'e really a cry....". 'Sheep' is next and well the title is self explanatory about aimless wars and ' lemming' like metality. A great edited rendition of the Lords Prayer on Sheep too. The album ends off on ' Pigs on the wing part 2' which really cements why being with loved ones are probably the safest and best course in this mad world. No change since 1977 really! Animals is a dark brooding classic and was such a bold statement by the Floyd. In restrospect only The Wall could logically follow Animals, not so?