Animal Tracks: The Story of The Animals
by Sean Egan
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Book Summary Information
Author: Sean EganEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-07-01
ISBN: 1900924188
Number of pages: 224
Publisher: Helter Skelter Publishing
Book Reviews of Animal Tracks: The Story of The Animals
Book Review: Animal Behavior
Summary: 4 Stars
Along with the Yardbirds, the Animals were the great overlooked band when it came to 60s biographies. No more. Yardites were finally rewarded last year with Greg Russo's exhaustive tome, ULTIMATE RAVE UP. Here, Sean Egan chronicles Newcastle's finest in a lucid and engaging bio that highlights the Geordies' thrilling music, clashing personalities and disaster-prone management. Good points: a thorough run-through of the band's history, freckled with commentary about their records, interesting road stories and a rock solid analysis about why the Animals were unable to build upon their massive early success. (Hints: Mike Jeffery; a lack of songwriting talent). The insightful interviews with John Steel, Hilton Valentine, Vic Briggs, Dave Rowberry, Zoot Money and Eric Burdon are the best part of this book. Bad points: Not enough photos; no commentary from Alan Price (though that's not Egan's fault, Price refused); and Egan's silly conclusion that the New Animals made better music than the originals (be honest - do YOU prefer "San Franciscan Nights" to "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"?). Perhaps Price's instincts were sound - all of his ex-bandmates trash him, especially Burdon and Steel. On the other hand, Price's hoarding of the "House of the Rising Sun" royalties looks all the more suspicious when he refuses to defend himself. The erratic Burdon comes off as alternately charismatic, gutsy, obnoxious, backstabbing and goofy - sometimes all of the above on one page. Chas Chandler's role as the band's muscle and soul is contrasted by the others' assertion that he really couldn't play the bass that well. Hilton Valentine's LSD collapse is addressed tactfully, while John Steel comes off as the most likeable Animal - a laid-back guy with a talent for putting things in perspective. Given how volatile they were, it's amazing the Animals were able to get as far as they did. These guys made the Who look harmonious. If you're a fan of the band (or 60s Brit-rock), this book is for you. Just don't expect a happy ending.
Summary of Animal Tracks: The Story of The Animals
Definitive biography of the band behind hits like trans-Atlantic #1 ?House of the Rising Sun? that briefly rivalled the Beatles and Stones for popularity, before relocating to San Francisco and re-emerging as a hitmaking Acid Rock band. Hours of new interviews contribute to this gripping portrait of a hugely talented group of musicians who never quite fulfilled their potential.
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