The Animals

Overview

The Animals are an iconic English rock band, formed in Newcastle upon Tyne during the early 1960s. Gaining international prominence with their raw, bluesy sound, The Animals were part of the British Invasion that swept the United States and the world in the mid-1960s. Known for their gritty, deep-voiced lead singer Eric Burdon, the band created music that combined rock with elements of blues and rhythm and blues, reflecting the working-class environment of their Northern England origins. Their rendition of the traditional folk song, 'The House of the Rising Sun,' is particularly influential and is often considered one of the definitive recordings of the 1960s, reaching number one on the charts in both the UK and the US.

Formation and Early Years

The Animals were formed from two popular Tyneside bands, the Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo and the Kansas City Five. The merging of these groups brought together a group of musicians who had a shared passion for American blues music, a genre that was starting to gain traction among British youth. Benny Gallacher and John Steel, both from the Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo, joined forces with musicians like Hilton Valentine and Chas Chandler, and eventually Eric Burdon, forming what would become The Animals. Initially a club band, they honed their skills playing in local venues around Newcastle and nearby villages. The break came when they decided to relocate to London in 1964, seeking to carve out a niche in the burgeoning rock and roll scene of the city.

Career Highlights

The Animals rapidly gained popularity in the UK and soon after with American audiences as well. Their rendition of 'The House of the Rising Sun' became a transatlantic hit, which was quickly followed by more chart-toppers like 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood,' and 'We Gotta Get Out of This Place.' The energy and passion of their performances set them apart in a crowded scene and established them as one of the most exciting bands of the British Invasion. The group toured extensively, which significantly raised their profile in both the UK and internationally. Their music was also characterized by the soulful vocals of Eric Burdon and the distinctive organ work of Alan Price. As they progressed, The Animals' music began to incorporate more experimental styles, with Burdon taking on a more central role in songwriting.

Musical Style

Musically, The Animals are often described as one of the most blues-oriented groups of the British Invasion. They were heavily influenced by early American blues artists such as Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, and Ray Charles. Their sound was grounded in a deep a respect for these artists, with whom they shared a love for the deep, emotive qualities of the blues. However, The Animals were not confined to one genre, as their music also integrated elements of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and folk. The energy of rock and the authenticity of blues combined with Eric Burdon's growling vocal style and Alan Price’s skillful organ work crafted a distinct and enduring sound that set them apart from many of their contemporaries.

Most Important Albums

The band released several albums that captured their fearless style and musical evolution. Their debut album, 'The Animals' (1964), introduced their powerful sound to the world. It featured several blues standards and showcased their passion for this style. 'Animal Tracks' (1965) was another significant release, evidencing the band's development in its songwriting and musical sophistication. Eric Burdon & The Animals marked a new phase in their career with albums like 'Animalization' and 'Animalism', both of which showed a diversification in their musical approach and a move toward more psychedelic sounds. These albums were critically acclaimed and included some of their biggest hits, which helped solidify their place in rock history.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of The Animals transcends their impressive chart success. They are admired not just for their music but also for embodying a bridge between early blues and rock music. The influence of their take on 'The House of the Rising Sun' remains significant, often covered and referenced by a multitude of artists across various genres. The Animals' emphasis on authenticity, especially in the blues, encouraged many other British bands to explore the same musical avenues. As a result, they had a profound influence on subsequent artists in the rock, blues, and psychedelic genres. Members such as Eric Burdon continued to have impactful careers, further contributing to the legacy of The Animals and ensuring the timelessness of their music in rock history.