Album Information:
Album ID: 9964
About The Animals:
The Animals were an English rock band formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in the early 1960s. Their original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Eric Burdon, keyboardist Alan Price, guitarist Hilton Valentine, drummer John Steel, and bassist Bryan 'Chas' Chandler.
The band came to prominence with their hit song 'The House of the Rising Sun,' a traditional folk ballad that they reworked into a bluesy rock classic. The song became a worldwide hit and topped the charts in both the UK and the US in 1964.
The Animals continued to release hit singles throughout the mid-1960s, including 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood,' 'We Gotta Get Out of This Place,' and 'It's My Life.' Their distinctive sound combined Burdon's powerful vocals with Price's jazzy organ playing and Valentine's distinctive guitar riffs.
However, tensions began to mount within the band, and Price left in 1965 to form his own group. The band continued with a new lineup, but by 1969, Burdon had also departed for a solo career.
Despite their relatively short lifespan, The Animals left a lasting impact on rock music. They were one of the first British bands to achieve success in the US, paving the way for the British Invasion that would follow. Their sound was also influential in the development of the blues rock genre.
In the decades since their heyday, The Animals' music has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and commercials, and their songs continue to be beloved by music fans around the world.
About the album Animal Tracks:
Animal Tracks is a classic British album released by the iconic blues and rock band, The Animals. The album was released in September 1965 by Columbia Records in the United States and Decca Records in the United Kingdom. The album was produced by Mickie Most and consisted of twelve tracks.
The Animals' unique blend of R&B, blues, and rock n' roll is evident throughout the album. The album features five covers and seven original compositions, showcasing the band's songwriting prowess. The album's opening track is a cover of John Lee Hooker's 'Boom Boom,' which immediately sets the tone for the entire album. The band's fiery and passionate performance on this track is a testament to their musical prowess.
Another standout track on the album is 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood,' which the band made their own with their distinct sound and unique interpretation. Eric Burdon's emotive vocals take center stage, and the band's driving rhythm section provides the perfect backdrop.
The Animals also showcase their ability to explore different genres on Animal Tracks. 'Club A-Go-Go' has a jazzy, lounge feel, while 'For Miss Caulker' is a mellow, acoustic ballad with haunting harmonies. 'Gonna Send You Back to Walker' is a straight-up blues track that showcases the band's musical prowess.
Animal Tracks was a commercial success, peaking at number six on the UK Albums Chart and number 130 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album remains a classic of the British Invasion era, and The Animals' unique blend of blues and rock has influenced generations of musicians. Animal Tracks is a must-listen for fans of classic rock and blues.
Members:
The Animals were an English rock band formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in the early 1960s. The group is best known for hits such as 'House of the Rising Sun,' 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood,' and 'We Gotta Get Out of This Place.' Here are the key members of The Animals along with complete biographies of each member:
1. Eric Burdon - lead singer
Eric Burdon was born on May 11, 1941, in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He rose to fame as the lead singer of The Animals and later as the frontman for the band War. He was known for his powerful and soulful voice, which was heavily influenced by American blues and R&B. Burdon left The Animals in 1966 to pursue a solo career before joining War in 1969.
2. Alan Price - keyboardist
Alan Price was born on April 19, 1942, in Fatfield, County Durham, England. He was The Animals' primary keyboardist and was instrumental in the band's early success. He wrote and arranged many of their hits, including 'House of the Rising Sun.' Price left the band in 1965 to pursue a solo career.
3. Hilton Valentine - guitarist
Hilton Valentine was born on May 21, 1943, in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, England. He was The Animals' lead guitarist and is best known for his memorable opening riff on 'House of the Rising Sun.' Valentine left the band in 1966 to join the group Skiffle.
4. Chas Chandler - bassist
Chas Chandler was born on December 18, 1938, in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He was The Animals' bassist and also served as the group's manager. Chandler was instrumental in getting the band signed to their record label and bringing their music to a wider audience. He left the band in 1966 to pursue a career as a music manager.
5. John Steel - drummer
John Steel was born on February 4, 1941, in Gateshead, England. He was The Animals' drummer and was a key contributor to the band's early sound. However, he left the band in 1966 due to creative differences with other members.
6. Dave Rowberry - keyboardist
Dave Rowberry was born on July 4, 1940, in Leicester, England. He joined The Animals in 1965 as Alan Price's replacement on keyboards. He played on some of the band's most successful hits but left the group in 1966 due to personal reasons.
7. Barry Jenkins - drummer
Barry Jenkins was born on December 22, 1944, in Leicester, England. He joined The Animals in 1966 as John Steel's replacement on drums. He played on the band's last few albums and contributed to several hit singles. Jenkins left the band in 1968 to pursue a career as a session musician.
Track List for Animal Tracks:
I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I am not capable of browsing the internet or listening to music. However, here is the track list and a brief description of each track in the album Animal Tracks by The Animals.
1. 'Mess Around' - A cover of the Ray Charles classic, this song features the soulful vocals of lead singer Eric Burdon and the bluesy guitar riffs of Hilton Valentine.
2. 'How You've Changed' - Written by Chuck Berry, this uptempo track showcases the band's rockabilly roots with its catchy chord progression and driving beat.
3. 'Hallelujah I Love Her So' - Another Ray Charles cover, this song highlights the band's ability to infuse blues and R&B into their rock and roll sound.
4. 'I Believe to My Soul' - A soulful ballad with gospel-inspired harmonies, this track showcases Burdon's emotive vocals.
5. 'Worried Life Blues' - A slow blues number with heartfelt lyrics about the pains of love and loss, this song features some impressive guitar work from Valentine.
6. 'Roberta' - A rollicking rock and roll tune with catchy hooks and a danceable beat.
7. 'I Ain't Got You' - This bluesy track features gritty vocals from Burdon and some impressive harmonica playing from guest musician Alan Price.
8. 'Bright Lights Big City' - A cover of the Jimmy Reed classic, this song features a catchy guitar riff and some energetic drumming from John Steel.
9. 'Let the Good Times Roll' - A rollicking R&B number with catchy hooks and a party vibe.
10. 'For Miss Caulker' - An instrumental track with some impressive guitar work from Valentine and Price.
Overall, Animal Tracks is a solid album from The Animals, showcasing their ability to infuse rock and roll with elements of blues, R&B, and soul.
Discography for The Animals:
Albums:
1. The Animals (1964)
2. The Animals on Tour (1965)
3. Animal Tracks (1965)
4. Animalisms (1966)
5. Animalization (1966)
6. Winds of Change (1967)
7. The Twain Shall Meet (1968)
8. Every One of Us (1968)
9. Love Is (1968)
10. Before We Were So Rudely Interrupted (1977)
Singles:
1. 'Baby Let Me Take You Home' (1964)
2. 'Boom Boom' (1964)
3. 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' (1965)
4. 'Bring It On Home to Me' (1965)
5. 'We Gotta Get Out of This Place' (1965)
6. 'It's My Life' (1965)
7. 'Inside-Looking Out' (1966)
8. 'Don't Bring Me Down' (1966)
9. 'See See Rider' (1966)
10. 'Help Me Girl' (1967)
11. 'When I Was Young' (1967)
12. 'San Franciscan Nights' (1967)
13. 'Monterey' (1967)
14. 'Sky Pilot' (1968)
15. 'White Houses' (1968)
16. 'Ring of Fire' (1968)
Other releases:
1. 'The Best of the Animals' (1966, compilation)
2. 'The Most of the Animals' (1966, compilation)
3. 'Before We Were So Rudely Interrupted' (1977, reimagining of early Animals songs)
4. 'Ark' (1983, album by Eric Burdon and the Animals, featuring original members)
5. 'Rip it to Shreds: Their Greatest Hits' (1997, compilation)