The Animals - The Best Of The Animals (1987)

The Best Of The Animals has been released in multiple configurations. The first album from 1966 contained eleven tracks. In 1987, it was re-released on compact disc with a couple of replacement songs, a new running order, and four additional tunes. Both formats included the longer, 4:29 rendition of "House of the Rising Sun" instead of the edited-for-radio 45 rpm. The cover photo is identical on both the LP and CD.

On this updated collection of tunes, the American hit single of "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place" was replaced with the UK version that's considered inferior to the one appearing on the original vinyl. Apparently, ABKCO Records received enough negative feedback from fans that they brought the US version back when a third, very different compilation was issued in 2004 that used Direct Stream Technology (DSD) to make a superior sounding CD.

The original Animals were a short-lived outfit. Many of the usual creative differences and business reasons that cause great bands to die also led to their breakup before the end of 1966. The lineup of the early, classic, hitmaking quintet featured Eric Burdon on vocals, Hilton Valentine on guitar, Chas Chandler on bass, keyboard player Alan Price and drummer John Steel. Dave Rowberry replaced Price in 1965.

Frontman Burdon organized a new group in 1967 under the moniker Eric Burdon and the Animals and expanded their repertiore to include hippie and psychedelic influences after he moved them to California. None of their songs are on this disc. Except for Burdon, they're a completely different band.

Burdon was an earthy, powerful vocalist capable of handling almost any blues, R&B, or rock song he wanted to. He could scream with the best of them. Along with The Rolling Stones, The Animals were definitely a popular, rebellious antidote for British Invasion fans looking for something edgier than Herman's Hermits or Freddie and the Dreamers.

In addition to the two singles already discussed above you'll find much-loved Animal classics such as, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "It's My Life," "Bring it on Home to Me," "I'm Cryin,'" and more among the treats you'll own if you secure a copy of this #6 success on the Billboard 200 album chart.

As was often the case in the 1960s, the configuration of an artist's American album releases didn't always match the UK versions. Such was the case with The Animals. If you don't want all of their four or five LPs - depending on which part of the world you live in - this single disc compilation with the early band should be perfect for you.
 

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