As the organist in the first Animals line-up, Alan Price was
perhaps the most important instrumental contributor to their early run of hits.
He left the group in 1965 after only a year or so of international success.
Their first single Baby Let Me Take You Home, based on an old blues song,
stalled just outside the top twenty. Their follow up, House of the Rising Sun,
was a traditional song arranged (according to Eric Burdon) by the group. However
it was Alan Price whose name was shown on the record label. This caused some
problems and resentment later in the group's life. The record went to Number one
on both sides of the Atlantic and cemented the position of the Animals in 60s
pop culture.
Their first album was released in November of that year. Interestingly it had
been recorded before the success of, House of the Rising Sun. Produced by Mickie
Most, the album reflects the early influences of the group and indeed other
fledgling R & B groups of the period. Covers of tracks written by Chuck Berry,
John Lee Hooker and Fats Domino give the album a strong backbone. The opening
track Story of Bo Diddley is a wonderful homage to the man himself. The only
original track on the album, was written by Eric Burdon. Delivered at pace with
the typical Diddley driving beat, Burdon himself delivers the vocals with
panache and some humour.
The album is a confident and well produced piece which is what you would expect
from producer Mickie Most. Contributions from Chas Chandler, John Steele and
Hilton Valentine support Alan Price's driving keyboards and Eric Burdon's harsh,
sometimes strained vocals. This album serves as a prime example, not only of
British R & B in the early sixties, but also the group in its original and
arguably best line up.
