For those unaware, Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of a new remastered and expanded edition of the 1982 solo album by Jon Anderson, Animation.

The album was recorded throughout 1981 during Jons first hiatus from YES, with whom he had become an internationally known vocalist and songwriter and followed on from his acclaimed albums Olias of Sunhillow and Song of Seven.

Working with co-producer Neil Kernon and a host of talented musicians such as DAVID SANCIOUS, CLEM CLEMPSON, SIMON PHILLIPS, STEFANO CERRI, CHRIS RAINBOW and JACK BRUCE and DAVE LAWSON, Anderson created an album that absorbed the latest electronic instrument technology whilst retaining an ambitious and progressive edge.

Indeed, Animation was a UK top fifty hit upon its release by Polydor Records in June 1982 and spawned two UK singles, of which the non-album track Spider acted, strangely, as a B-side to both releases.

1. Olympia
2. Animation
3. Surrender
4. All In A Matter of Time
5. Unlearning (The Dividing Line)
6. Boundaries
7. Pressure Point
8. Much Better Reason
9. All Gods Children
10. Spider [Bonus Track]
11. The Spell (Demo) [Bonus Track]

Over the years, Jon Anderson has produced so much great music - and written so many cosmic and spiritual lyrics - both with Yes and solo.

In fact works like Toltec (1996) and Angels Embrace (1995) belong to my all times favorite pieces of music. But his best work ever has always seemed to me to be Animation.

Every song is complex and uplifting, and played by an excellent cast of musicians like master-drummer Simon Phillips, keyboard virtuoso David Sancious and Clem Clempson.

All musicians who have played with Jack Bruce, and actually Jack provides some signature bass playing on the opening track Olympia.

Despite being a difficult time for Jon personally, leaving Yes, the music is so up-lifting, that it makes both body, heart and soul dance.

And it sounds just as fresh as the day it was released. A real and genuine, timeless beauty. And the title track is, of course, a moving testimony to the power of life and birth, setting the experience of watching his daughter being born to some intricate music and some heartfelt lyrics.

And as Jon says in the booklet, the very catchy Surrender really could, and should, have been a major hit. It is certainly one of those songs that keep spinning in your head again and again (all that and with lyrics about getting rid of all the nuclear weapons!)

As for the two bonus tracks, well, Spider is a simply tremendous near 3 minute musical experience with Simon Phillips on drums - and at his very finest!

Thick layered music combine with thick layered vocals and some ultra fine lyrics to bring forth a genuine rocker that even comes complete with a wee Latin edge!

In short, it is everything Anderson stands for in the one, relatively short ditty, my friends!

That all said, The Spell is probably the best track on the CD for me! A 10 minute musical story about murder, love, and friendship, as Jon states in the liner notes, he himself has a difficult time explaining this one. Nevertheless a touching, and moving piece of music, even here in its demo form.

Animation has since become a favorite album among aficionados of Jon Andersons work. This Esoteric Recordings edition has been newly re-mastered from the original Polydor Records master tapes and is expanded to include the single B-side track Spider and the rare demo The Spell.

The original album artwork is restored in a digipak. The booklet also features a new essay with an exclusive interview with Jon Anderson.

Animation came at a point in my life when I felt very creative and adventurous musically and the birth of my third child Jade was the key, Anderson explains.

Watching her arrive in this world was truly magical and I sing about her eyes slowly opening as I was captured by an Angel in disguise as I sang it.

Surrender remains a wonderful way of creating Peace on Earth, he continues, and All in Matter of Time, all these songs relate to my love of life and hope for our future on this amazing planet Earth.

The songs seem timeless to me and sound very fresh. Love and light. - Jon Anderson

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