Eric Burdon Talks New Album, Reveals He Likely Won't Be Celebrating Animals' 50th Anniversary

Eric Burdon is back with a brand-new album, 'Til Your River Runs Dry, which hit stores last week. The British-born rocker has always been enamored with American roots music, and that love is reflected in the genres he tackles on 12-song collection, including blues, R&B, gospel and New Orleans jazz. The album has been described as the founding Animals singer's most personal to date, and finds him musing on such topics as politics, war, religion, romance and the environment.

As the record's title suggests, the environment is a particularly concern for Burdon, specifically the subject of water, both the lack and the overabundance of it. The album's first track and lead single is called "Water," and Burdon says it reflects his interest in the issue.

Another song on the album, "River Is Rising," deals with the theme of flooding, which Burdon has observed is a problem more people around the world have become aware of in recent years. Burdon used the story of Fats Domino's delayed rescue from his home after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans as specific inspiration for this brooding gospel-soul tune.

Also on the album, Burdon pays homage to one of his musical influences, the late Bo Diddley -- not once, but twice. The album features "Bo Diddley Special," a tribute to the rock 'n' roll pioneer that he co-wrote, as well as a cover of Bo's "Before You Accuse Me.""Any excuse to do the Bo Diddley 'Bolongo' beat.

Burdon laments that he never met Bo, revealing that the only time he ever came "face to face" with the blues-rock legend was at his 2008 funeral service, at which the Animals frontman performed.

Meanwhile, The Animals' and Burdon's label, ABKCO, has announced plans to release a special retrospective this year to celebrate the anniversary.

Regarding the situation, Eric adds, "What's done is done and, sure, the records stand by themselves, so the record company, I'm sure, are gonna do something. But, as for me, it'll just be another day in paradise."

Visit EricBurdon.com to find out more about 'Til Your River Runs Dry and to check out Burdon's full tour schedule.