BR Music of Holland has collected the entire singles catalog of the Animals, spanning their career as both the Animals and Eric Burdon and the Animals in this double-disc anthology, and at quite an impressive price. It has been a real problem in the past to get a decent collection of Animals music. This set solves that problem, at least in so far as collecting all the hits in one place at one time. The booklet has complete track by track annotations, but is skimpy on biographical info. But hey, it far outdistances any other collection available. In fact this BR set is a combination of a previous 1994 BR release (disc 1) with the addition of the 21 tracks on disc two. The sound quality is quite good, and the price makes it quite a bargain. Pick it up and enjoy Eric and the Animals at their best.

Throughout the years, I have heard many complications of the Animals- mostly in vinyl and audio cassette. Such complications, until now, were lacking many qualities: poor sound quality, re-recorded tracks (utterly dissapointing, and a limited array of selected tracks to put on an album. Well, those times are now over, thank goodness. The music of the Animals is not like any other music of the time period. Eric Burdon, with fiery, loud vocals- which can change in tone and attitude in a single song, is rhapsadic. Accompanying Burdon's vocals, the sound of a dreary organ, steady drumming, and other such qualities,are clearly apparent in the tracks in this CD as described:

CD 1: rich with early Animals' music. Classics like House of the Rising Sun, It's My Life, and We Got to Get Out of This Place- are just splinters of a redwood tree. Here, the FULL version of "Talkin' Bout You" is played- with strong blues flavor and a touch of soul.

Other tracks like "Roadrunner," I'm In Love Again" are nice to hear in sheer clarity, compared to listening to those songs on vinyl (yes, a long time ago). Rareties like "Blue Feeling" and "Mess Around" are nice to have on CD. Finally, the song "The Night" is a track recorded in 1983, nice to check out.

CD2:Chronicle of the Second Era of the Animals. Tracks 1 thru 3 were recorded just before the original lineup of the Animals dissolved. The song "Don't Bring Me Down" is a good illustration of the talents of the original bassist- the late Chas Chandler, who would later be the manager of the Jimi Hendrix experience. The bass rift has a catchy rhythm and of course, the firery talent of Eric Burdon.

From tracks 4 thru 21, the works of the second era of the Animals is well chronicled. The band, at the time, was called "Eric Burdon and the New Animals" for obvious reasons. Here, a more innovative group of musicians emerge. Instead of Hilton Valentine (a very mediocre guitarist), John Weider plays slide guitar as well as violin. Weider's talent can no better be illustrated by playin lead/slide guitar of the songs: When I Was Young, A Girl Named Sandoz, and the COMPLETE, FULL version of Sky Pilot",an anthem about a chaplain who deals with the atrocities of war.

In addition, acoustic, electric guitarist Vic Briggs shows his talen on "Good Times" and The Other Side of this Life" as the acoustic guitar player- beautifully played. And of course, Burdon continued to maintain his musical talent: being from a calm and gentle voice ("Anything" and White Houses") to fiery and scortching ("Monterey",I'm An Animal")as well as many others.

The only hype that I have here is: where is "Winds of Change" and "Paint it Black." Also, it would be nice to hear "Hey Gyp," but the tracks included in this selection can pick up the slack.

The song "I'm An Animal" is a rare example of the works of guitarist Andy Summers, who would later join "The Police" 10 years later.

I was pleased to hear these classics in such clear clarity. Note that you may hear some scratching, mainly due to the ravages of time. However, if you are a fan of the Animals or British blues/soul, I highly reccomend this set.

Some people may think of the Anmals as a "bubble gum" band or "moldy oldies" band with little talent. Now, After listening to this entire CD set, you will not think of the Animals as such. I bet other classic rock fans will agree.

Have you ever played that game with your friends--suppose you were shipwrecked on a desert island--suppose ( somehow ) there was electricity and a CD system--if you could only have 10 or 20 CDs, which ones would you choose ? Well--for "baby boomers" like me, here are two discs that qualify. This is without question the ultimate collection of hits--and great "B" sides--of the Animals, and Eric Burdon. It is the most beautiful import from Holland since the tulip !

In North America, it was called the "British Invasion"--in Britain, the "Beat Boom". The Beatles' international success opened the door for many other UK groups, and the R & B-influenced Animals--the pride of Newcastle--were easily one of the best. " The House of the Rising Sun " is surely one of the greatest singles of all time, and with Eric's powerful, earthy voice , many other hits would follow. They are all included in this package.

It should be noted that their early hits were all produced by Mickie Most, who passed away earlier this year. The Animals' fine keyboard player, Alan Price, left the band after a few hits--I seem to recall that Alan didn't like flying--but went on to forge a successful career in music on his own. A terrific singer/songwriter himself, Alan's talent can be enjoyed through a wonderful, two-disc anthology called "Geordie Boy", released in 2002.

The Animals went through various personnel changes over the years, with the occasional "reunion" tour. Their induction into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame was much-deserved. Some of the 60s British groups sound dated today, but the Animals' music remains exciting and vital.

A couple of years ago, I saw Eric perform at the annual Ottawa Bluesfest, with a group of younger musicians known as the "New Animals". Well--Eric is no "oldies act" ! Of course, he did many of his hits, but his voice is as strong and dynamic as ever and the Ottawa crowd loved him !

So--if you are trying to decide which Animals collection to buy, don't hesitate. This is it ! 41 tracks--2 generously-filled CDs--and very reasonably priced.

Can I give it 6 stars ?