Song #117 - "The House Of The Rising Sun" - The Animals

Recorded - May 18, 1964

Released - June 19, 1964 (UK), July, 1964 (US)

#1 for weeks of September 5, 12, and 19, 1964. 

     All of the British Invasion era groups that had reached the coveted #1 position in America have all been more in the rock/pop style. This certainly applies for bands like The Beatles, The Hollies, and The Dave Clark Five. But then there were groups that were far more blues and soul influenced. You had The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds, and then you also had perhaps the most authentically soulful British band, The Animals.

     Lead vocalist Eric Burton remains one of the most unique voices of the 1960's with his blue eyes soul vocals adding a level of honest sincerity and emotion to every Animals song. The band had formed in 1963 and released their debut single "Baby Let Me Take You Home" in 1964, which barely did a thing in the States. When they released their second single, a version of the traditional folk song "House Of The Rising Sun", everything changed and the band became instant stars. 

     Part of what makes this song so memorable is the fact that it has such a wide appeal. Fans of poppier music can sing along to some of the lyrics and can recognize the song whenever it comes on the radio due to guitarist Hilton Valentine's opening guitar part. Those who like more complex and deep music can appreciate the pain and raw emotion in Eric's lead vocals and then there's Alan Price's keyboard part...

     Before this song came around, there had never really been many rock oriented pop bands on the charts that had made liberal use of the electric organ. With "House Of The Rising Sun", the instrument is what gives the song its signature sound. It adds an almost gospel-like feel to what would otherwise be a simple soulful-rock song. When you combine that deep organ with Eric Burton's vocals, the listener gets taken to a higher plain. 

     Sadly, this will be the only time The Animals will be on this list as none of their other songs reached #1, (Although they frequently hit the top 10 or 5 with songs like "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place"). The fact that much of their work from 1964-1966 matches "House Of The Rising Sun" in quality just goes to show how you can't judge a band or song's goodness based on chart position alone. The Animals certainly earn a more in-depth look, and if you are new to them, I'd highly recommend picking up some of their albums and singles. 

Final Verdict - The only #1 hit single by a band that is perhaps a bit underrated. "House Of The Rising Sun" is musically and vocally one of the most timeless performances of all time and I have a feeling it will still be remembered when the song turns 100 in 2064. 

              Coming Up Next - "Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison. 

Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, and I'm just a soul whose intentions are good.