The Animals Animalization 180g LP (Mono)

The Animals' fourth U.S. album, Animalization, is a characteristic mix of blues, R&B, and traditional folk covers, plus Eric Burdon originals co-written with new Animals keyboardist Dave Rowberry. The hits "Don't Bring Me Down," "Inside-Looking Out," and "See See Rider" are included. Animalization is available on 180-gram vinyl and has been remastered utilizing high-resolution sources from first-generation mono master tapes. Features liner notes by Rolling Stone Senior Editor David Fricke.

While the Stones did a fine job paying tribute to the American bluesmen that inspired them early on, what they didn't have was Eric Burdon. The Newcastle-born vocalist possessed an electrifying, growling tenor voice that elevated his band the Animals from mere copycats into a formidable R&B combo. The proof is plain to hear on the four albums the band released in the U.S. between 1964 and 1966, all of which have been recently reissued in glorious mono. Though these records were, in fact, a mish-mash of album cuts and singles, they still possess a deep, steady fire fueled by the quintet's infectious chemistry and keyboardist Alan Price's virtuosic solos.