A digital transfer of an early acetate of the wonderful Animals studio tracks. Take my opinion here as just that but, it seems to be actually a digital transfer of a tape recording of the acetate. I only say that because there seems to be some sonic impact due to having a generation or two of sources in the process. The high end is lacking and the bottom end is a bit diffused but all in all, a great listen and there isn't much surface noise to interfere with the recording. There just isn't much presence with this, a bit cold.
The running order of tracks with the acetate is totally different than how things ended up on the actual LP. In fact, it's more like the 1977 tour setlist for the Animals portion of the show with "Pigs (three different ones)" opening the disc and the actual mix of the individual songs is quite similar to the final mixes for the album. The obvious difference with the material is of course the fact that "Pigs On The Wing" is one cohesive tune here on the acetate instead of being split to open and close the album like it does officially. I would have to dig around to see if I can locate a copy of the recording but I dare say that this version of "Pigs On The Wing" is what was used on the 8-track version of Animals where there is the superb guitar solo bridging the middle of the tune. This is the real treat of it all for me and is the only real highlight as the rest matches so closely to the official album. If you are a fan of this the Animals production, this is certainly recommended as a nice collectible. I also like the graphic treatment given to this unique release, utilizing some Hipgnosis photography outtakes as a variation but instantly recognizable version of the Animals package.
