In a highly anticipated move for fans, Pink Floyd has announced the reissue of their seminal album, Animals, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. This deluxe release is set to drop on January 22 and will be available in various formats, including a deluxe box set, vinyl, CD, Blu-ray, and digital versions through Sony Music.
The reissue comes after a complicated release history. Initially, a planned box set was scrapped due to issues with liner notes, but the album was later released as Animals 2018 Remix. The new deluxe box set will feature three LPs, including the original 1977 album, the 2018 remix by James Guthrie, and a disc of rare tracks, including an unheard song by Roger Waters titled Young Nicholas Jon.
In addition to the LPs, the box set will include five CDs that mirror the vinyl offerings, as well as a two-disc set featuring a live recording from the Oakland Coliseum Arena in 1977. This live performance was captured by a young bootlegger, providing fans with a unique glimpse into the band’s live sound during that era.
Fans can also look forward to a Blu-ray disc that contains all audio formats, with the 2018 remix available in both 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. A 64-page hardback book will accompany the set, featuring new sleeve notes from author Jonathan Lethem, an interview with the bootlegger, and insights into the iconic album art from Hipgnosis’ Aubrey Powell.
The vinyl release will showcase the original album in striking orange and sandstone color variants, while the digital version will also include the live Oakland show. With this reissue, Pink Floyd aims to rekindle the spirit of Animals, an album that reflects the band’s evolution during a time when punk music was beginning to reshape the musical landscape.
