Pink Floyd – Animals 2018 Remix (1977 – 2022)
Released in the days of punk rock, and generally hated and ignored by the new generation. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll find ‘Animals’ to be much more ‘punk’ than most punk albums.
‘Animals’ by Pink Floyd is a piece of sarcastic, ironic, sour and exceptionally accurate social criticism. Lyrically, the album has more in common with punk than prog. But ironically, musically, “Animals” is also the closest Pink Floyd ever got to Prog.
This 2018 remix largely corrects what was found to be wrong with the original mix – the slightly mushy and “flat” sound. The 2018 remix sounds so much better.
The details emerge more clearly, and each instrument has been given more room to ‘breath’.
At least that’s how it sounds to my ears. My original vinyl copy was purchased in Greece way back in the late 70s, and although I don’t know much about Greek pressings, I don’t think they are known for their superior quality. My 1994 CD copy sounds better, but yet again, no cigar (pun intended).
But this one is ace. It’s like having something clogged up in your ears for 45 years, and suddenly your ears pop and you can hear clearly again.
I’ve been involved in countless discussions about whether Pink Floyd was prog, space rock, cleverly disguised art rock or simply a straight-up pop group throughout the years, and I’m none the wiser. But when it comes to this album, in particular, I feel that Waters & Co. closed in on the philosophy of prog rock – at least musically if not lyrically.
And it is a glorious album. Almost as good as ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ and ‘Wish You Were Here’ (and soooo superior to “The Wall” IMO). Gilmour has never sounded better than here, and the songs ebb and flow so naturally. Especially ‘Dogs’ breaks down into the different movements so in such an elegant way, that you are hardly aware of the time changes and all the musical antics that are happening in the song.
‘Animals’ come across as the most complex of all Pink Floyd albums, and it really rewards repeated listening, especially now that the muffled sound and production have been cleaned up.
And that David Gilmour guitar solo that comes in at 3.45 on “Dogs” is undoubtedly one of his crowning moments.
Frode Singsass | Now Spinning Magazine
I haven’t listened to this album for many years and was surprised how fresh it sounded in the remixed version. The keyboard sounds, in particular, come over much more clearly than I remember and the whole thing has more punch. The wood block percussion on Pigs is brighter and more prominent gives the song more bite and vocals throughout are less muddy. It was never a bad album but I wouldn’t have put it on a level with Wish You Were Here before now…
Truly enjoyed the remix. Much clearer and defined
Great remix… the sound is more ‘alive’ I think. Great dynamics too and a lot of stuff I didn’t hear in the original mix.
I bought the original LP in 1983 and it sounded very dark and introvert(wich I liked at the time).
The new mix is much clearer and more open.
One of their best albums, I agree. This remix is a step up again, as reviewed here.
That said the vinyl pressings are a real let down. Not good for such a big brand band.
Marked, crackly, scratched… Definitely needs to be sorted.
Floyd’s best album of all time. The lyrics are timeless and will always relate to life in this world.
Was privileged to see this performed live back in 1977 at Stafford Bingley Hall.
A night I will never forget.
“And that David Gilmour guitar solo that comes in at 3.45 on “Dogs” is undoubtedly one of his crowning moments.”
oh, so so true!
I have an edit of just that guitar solo…its on the frequent playlist.
Just been listening to the remix and was thinking how some of the now more crystallne sounding instrumental adventures have elements of prog and well your review says the same thing! The drums sound so much better and the detail of the funkiness of the bass playing on Pigs is clearer as are some of the bass slides down. There are some guitar and keys parts I have not noticed before. I like the remix apart from the relentlessly repeated descending guitar line that supports the vocal melody of the last few lines of Dogs which is too high in the mix for me and almost reminds me of Brian May. But overall the remix is from a musical perspective wonderful.