Does the 2018 'Animals' Remix Sound Different from the 1977 Original? And Which One Do Fans Prefer?

The 2018 remix of Animals—released first in the Later Years box set, then as a standalone CD in 2022—is not just a fresh coat of paint. It’s a fundamentally different mix: James Guthrie pulled the instruments apart, changed the stereo placement, brightened the highs, and even slightly altered the timing in a few spots. For example, the backwards message in “Sheep” is much clearer now, and the bass on “Dogs” hits harder. The 2022 stand-alone CD is identical to the box set version, so no extra variation there.

Fan preference is split pretty cleanly. Purists argue the original 1977 stereo master had a dense, atmospheric murk that matched the bleakness of the album. The remix, they say, sacrifices that character for clarity and punch. Others—especially those who grew up with mediocre vinyl pressings—love hearing every detail without the hiss and muddle. There’s no unanimous winner, but the remix has gained more defenders over time, partly because it’s the only version in print for now.