Pink Floyd “Animals” 1977. Their 10th studio album, Animals went to no. 2 in the UK and to no. 3 in the US. It’s a continuation of the prog rock concept album format that the band started with their previous LP’s Meddle and Wish You Were Here. Apparently it’s now considered one of their best releases. I’m not a big prog-rock aficionado – I get way too bored and often irritated with navel-gazing noodling, so I’ll defer to the so-called experts on that best-of consideration. Except for “Pigs on the Wing (Part One)” and “Pigs on the Wing (Part Two),” the songs are long. Shocking, I know, “Pigs on the Wing” is/are my top track(s) mostly because they are strongly reminiscent of my favorite Floyd song “Wish You Were Here” (the only song I ever learned how to play on guitar). “Dogs” is far too long but I like the part towards the end of the song that strongly brings to mind the track “Have a Cigar” (also on Wish You Were Here), the same vibe continues on “Pigs (Three Different Ones).” I’ve only seen Roger Waters perform once (never saw Pink Floyd), in 2022 where he performed “Sheep” from Animals. Honestly I don’t really remember that one but the internet says it is so.

The concept of Animals, was – according to Wiki and album that was a commentary on the “sociopolitical conditions of mid-1970s Britain….loosely based on George Orwell’s political fable Animal Farm, the album’s lyrics describe various classes in society as different kinds of animals: the predatory dogs, the despotic ruthless pigs, and the mindless and unquestioning herd of sheep…The album is also in part a response to the punk rock movement, which grew in popularity as a nihilistic statement against the prevailing social and political conditions, and in response to the complacency and nostalgia that appeared to surround rock music.” We’re currently (always, actually) working to thin the vinyl herd – I’m ambivalent about this one, it could stay or go.