ANIMALS

My first review here, so I figure I'd better start with the best (and most listened to) album in my collection, 'Animals'. If I could recommend only one album, of any musical genre, this would be it.

"Pigs On The Wing" appears innocently enough to the unsuspecting listener as a short and soft intro. But be forewarned, this is no ordinary FLOYD. Prepare to be pulled in and taken on a forty minute...

"You've got to be crazy..."

Too late, it has begun. Just try to hang on.

"Dogs" is the most complete FLOYD song ever written. It has everything that could possibly illustrate what their music is: Waters' most biting and cynical lyrics; emotion-provoking Gilmour solos; tone; sound sampling; equal Gilmour/Waters song structure; atmosphere; plenty of satire; two different vocalists and yet still more Gilmour guitar all painted on a seventeen minute canvass. And how very dark and sombre this piece of art is. What Waters creates lyrically, Gilmour matches musically. Do yourself a favour and download the free "Dogs" mp3 file offered by this site, it will change the way you listen to music.

As great as the studio version of "Pigs (3DO)" is on this album, it is absolutely mental when heard live! Some of the most astounding guitar work of Gilmour's career can be found on the 20+ minute RoIO's of this song on their '77 Tour. There is no other experience like Gilmour improvising on his Strat. One of the truly cherished Live songs from their vast catalogue.

Rick Wright comes to the forefront with his keyboard work on "Sheep": arguably the hardest punk song written, from the most un-punk band ever. The bass and keyboards play prominent roles on this track, setting the frantic pace of a simulated chase. Marvel at the (Gilmour performed) driving bass line during the sixth minute of this song, just prior to the android-inspired Lord's Prayer. Pay attention not only to what Waters is saying in this song, but HOW he is saying it. Similar to Peter Gabriel, Waters doesn't just sing, he vocalizes.

And just as suddenly as it began, the experience ends with the reprise of "Pigs On The Wing" wafting past us once again through our now enlightened ears, and assaulted mind, gently floating past what looks to be Battersea Station...

Easily the most important FLOYD album, prog album, and rock album that I own. Not just a cornerstone of any musical collection, but its zenith.