Animals - Pink Floyd

Vinyl L.P - Pink Floyd Records Ltd - PFRLP10.

1976 - Europe - Reissue 2016.

Sleeve design: Roger Waters.

Art direction: HIPGNOSIS.

Graphics: Nick Mason.

Photography: Aubrey Powell, Howard Bartrop.

Additional photograpy: Peter Christopherson, Nic Tucker, Bob Ellis, Rob Brimson, Colin Jones.

Inflatable Pig: E.R.G. Amsterdam.

Location: Battersea Power Station, London, England.

Back cover

Gatefold

Inner sleeve

Inner sleeve

Inner sleeve

Labels

Cover sticker

Pink Floyd

David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason & Richard Wright

About the artwork:

"Animals by Pink Floyd"

Original rejected concept art by Storm Thorgerson.

Photo production

Photo production

Memorabila:

Harvest Records

Art print signed by Storm Thorgerson

      About the artist and the album:

Pink Floyd is one of the most influential rock bands in history, formed in London in 1965. Initially part of the psychedelic underground scene, they gained attention with their debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967), largely driven by Barrett’s whimsical and surreal songwriting, they revolutionized music with concept albums that blended experimental soundscapes, philosophical lyrics, and striking visuals. The band’s classic lineup included Barrett, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason. Their work spans genres like art rock, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and even symphonic rock.

Some of their most iconic albums include The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). These records not only achieved massive commercial success but also left a lasting cultural impact, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of modern rock. Their live performances became legendary for elaborate light shows and immersive atmospheres.

Their music often explores themes of alienation, war, mental health, and societal critique. Songs like “Comfortably Numb,” “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” and “Another Brick in the Wall” remain timeless classics. Even decades after their peak, Pink Floyd continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.

Animals is their tenth studio album, released on January 21, 1977, and is known for its dark themes and critique of capitalism. Is a concept album that reflects the sociopolitical climate of the late 1970s in England, inspired by George Orwell's "Animal Farm," using the metaphor of animals to categorize different classes in society. The three main groups represented are: Dogs (representing ruthless businessmen), Pigs (symbolizing corrupt politicians and moralists), Sheep (depicting the mindless masses that follow blindly).

It was the first album recorded in the band's own studios, Britannia Row Studios. Upon its release, received positive reviews and achieved commercial success, reaching number two on the UK Albums Chart and number three on the US Billboard 200. The album has since been certified platinum multiple times in the US, indicating its lasting popularity. 

The cover features a giant inflatable pig, nicknamed "Algie", floating between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station in London. During the photoshoot in December 1976, the pig broke free from its tethers and flew off into the London sky, reaching an altitude of 30,000 feet. The incident forced the cancellation of flights at Heathrow Airport after pilots reported seeing a flying pig; it eventually landed on a farm in Kent. The final cover image is a photomontage of the pig and the power station.