Eric Burdon & the Animals - The Best of Eric Burdon & the Animals, 1966-1968

Mostly Good

I was a little disappointed that "House of the Rising Sun" was omitted from the included tracks, since that was probably their biggest hit, but I guess that is my fault for not paying closer attention to the song list.

Other than that, I am satisfied, and was surpised at how fast I received the shipment. April 4, 2008

The Best of the Sixties!!

I'm glad to see that the world's music can still be available at the click of a mouse. Eric Burton's music was by far outstanding back in the day. This CD was reproduced perfectly and probably better than what we listened to on the radio. Don't hesitate to purchased this CD. It "Won't Let You Down". February 5, 2008

Burdon's Burden.........

Many people have written to your reknown Seer and have asked me to abnegate my reviews because, as they say, I am old and brittle and the stress is just too much. What, with wayward guides, a sea serpent and a dragon (not to mention random entities making an appearance), they feel that my well-being is at risk. Well, they are right (that, or jealous), but my writing goes on even despite the dubious situations in my life. I will continue. After all, I have my honor and integrity on the line here. Besides, everyone must know the great sacrifice I make in order to bring you more reviewing treats. The public is always first and foremost in my mind. (!!). That said-I will proceed. No No, thank me later --please?

This selection is a follow-up to my Animals review that I just published. This is what came after for Eric Burdon. He revised the Animal personnel and put his name up front. I think I would have done the same thing at the time. How does Metamorpho and the Animals sound to you? O.K., O.K., come back into the room. Can't a Seer kid anymore? Anyway, this c.d. explores his recordings from 1966-1968. And you can see an evolution here. Mind you, evolution and progress are two different things. Don't misquote me. I have future primaries to consider, after all.

This, quite frankly, is a hit or miss collection for me. I think Eric Burdon is at his best when he sticks to gritty songs that make his gruff vocals shine through. For the first six songs on this c.d., Eric sticks to his strengths and, in some ways, some of these songs more than measure up to what he had done earlier. Three of the six are stand-outs in my opinion; "Don't Bring Me Down" (a rockin' plea to his love to respond to him in kind. Pay attention to that subliminal Stones "Satisfaction" riff within), "Inside Looking Out" (a concentrated, sharp, elevation of vocals to total intensity- amazingly raw),and "When I Was Young" ( a perfect picture of bad boy Eric done with incredible composition - you can hear the badness- the sexual tension created. A prime cut).

From that point on, sad to say, we tread lightly on the ice. Somewhere, along the line, Eric got involved in the hippie, free love syndrome and it shows. These are snippets from an era long gone and, as such, feel very stilted and dated today. Then again, you could look at it with curiosity and marvel at it's time capsule qualities. It's your choice entirely.

"Sandoz" is horrible. His voice croaks and the band tries to be relevent and exhibit opium den, meditation excess. It's embarassing but don't rest - there is more! "San Franciscan Nights" is not too bad once you get past the hokey speak/intro. The tune itself is not bad. But Eric, giving homage to the Hell's Angels in San Francisco simply because love abounds is a little risky, don't you think? O.K., this was before Mick and Altamont- so you get a pass. This time!

"Good Times" has Eric regretting his bad habits. You know this is definitely downsliding now. "Anything" is Eric's heartfelt Sinatra ballad. Please Eric- stop! I am feeling ill. Just when you thought you were safe, he brings out the echo, the sitar, and embarasses you, me and Ravi Shankar with "Winds of Change". My tears are staining this page as we speak.

All is not lost because, even though he has faux sitar on "Monterey" it at least moves. He sets the mood well and mentions alot of people who performed there that most people alive today do not remember. It doesn't matter. Alot of major groups and, at least, an event worth reminiscenting about. (No! I'm not getting into Woodstock here - and you can't make me!).

You can easily forget the rest except for "Sky Pilot", which is still an interesting piece today. Eric's anti-war statement was so long that they had to divide it up as part A and part B when released as a single. Yet, the experiment of extensive war plane sounds in the middle still serve as a sonically brave venture (with marching sounds of bagpipes too boot!). A one of a kind cut for sure.

My natural tendency is to always be kind and give a 5 star review if I can. With this one there were issues I had to consider. The musical content - in and of itself- wasn't up to high standards for the reasons I explained. The other issue is that, in a day and age where digital technology can clean up the most glaring imperfections in the past, you have little or no effort towards that degree in this release. Sound quality- abysmal. Still listenable? Yes. But abysmal.

Now, let me go dry my tears in a river of salt. This review was most heart wrentching for me and maybe they are right. Maybe I should walk away from reviewing because of the stress. I was going to retire some time ago (remember the picture of me in the headlines being rushed into a waiting cab?). You don't? Hmmmmmm..... maybe my fame needs more spruceing up. Well..........o.k., you convinced me to still write reviews. See you on the next one!

was that a scream I heard? ---- Metamorpho January 22, 2008

Quality could be better.

I was expecting a re-master collection of songs. The recording of this CD sounds like how I first listened to this music, thru a 2 inch speaker on a portable transistor AM radio. There is some attempt to create stereo sound on a few of the songs. Too bad, the music is great! Eric Burdon was great with the Animals. Almost makes me miss the sixties and all that went with it! September 7, 2007

long live the animals

eric burdon is often overlooked for his contributions to 60's music. this is your opportunity to experience some of that magic! May 10, 2007

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