Pink Floyd

Overview of Pink Floyd's "Animals"

Released on January 21, 1977, "Animals" is the tenth studio album by the British rock band Pink Floyd. The album was issued through Harvest Records and is available in vinyl LP format. It represents a concept album that critiques the socio-political landscape of Britain in the mid-1970s. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's "Animal Farm," the album categorizes society into three animal types: dogs, pigs, and sheep.

Concept and Themes

In "Animals," Pink Floyd uses these animal metaphors to depict various societal roles. The "dogs" symbolize ruthless businessmen who prioritize profit above all. The "pigs" represent the corrupt elite, highlighting issues of greed and power. The "sheep" are the passive masses who follow without questioning. Unlike Orwell's focus on Stalinism, Roger Waters, the band's primary lyricist, directs his critique toward contemporary capitalist practices and political systems.

Artwork and Design

The album cover features a giant inflatable pig, designed by E.R.G. Amsterdam, floating between the iconic chimneys of Battersea Power Station in London. The concept was developed by Roger Waters, with sleeve design organized by Aubrey Powell and Storm Thorgerson. The inflatable pig was constructed by Ballon Fabrik, a German company known for making airships. During the album's cover shoot, one of the pig's mooring cables broke, causing it to drift towards Heathrow Airport, which led to a temporary disruption in air traffic.

Production Credits

Pink Floyd took a hands-on approach to the album's production. The engineering was handled by Brian Humphries. Graphics for the album were created by Nick Mason, while photography was contributed by several individuals, including Aubrey Powell and Colin Jones. The album's sound reflects the band's progressive rock style, characterized by lengthy compositions and intricate arrangements.

Musical Structure

Musically, "Animals" features a mix of extended tracks that explore various themes. The album opens with "Pigs On The Wing 1," a brief piece that sets the tone for the following songs. "Dogs," which spans over 17 minutes, delves into the darker aspects of human nature and ambition. The track "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" critiques societal elites, while "Sheep" presents themes of control and rebellion. The album concludes with "Pigs On The Wing 2," mirroring the opening track.

Pink Floyd's "Animals" was released on Harvest Records in the UK in 1977.