Golden Earring is Heavy
For most American music fans, Golden Earring is one perfect song, 'Radar Love.' If it comes on late night radio while you are driving it is the perfect driving song.
But, to most of us, then, Golden Earring is basically a one-hit wonder, known for one amazing song that in its relentless rhythmic drone is also practically a novelty song.
But they are so much more.
In Holland, they are prodigious hitmakers, charted hits numbering more than 40. Their albums are staples of Dutch record collections, easy to find and still very listenable.
I recently came across a clean copy of their 1972 'Together' album in Amsterdam's 'Second Life Music.' The cover looks like an invitation to hang out, the plants, candles, and hair testimony to the laid back 70s hippie rock 'n' roll lifestyle. The music is great, heavy and tuneful.
So much than just a single great song.
Hey Paul, Thanks for your post on Golden Earring. I totally agree, they have put out so much great music which deserves them to be called so much more than a one hit wonder.There are arguably very few bands around as long as the Earring, since 1961, and even moreso: in the same unchanges line-up,since 1970.Few bands are as expereinced live,so yes:the bassplayer was invited by Jimi Hendrix to join his Experience and the drummer was asked by the Who.They have toured the US extensively from 1969-1984 but they never really made the move to live in America, which may explain why they are stars in Nederland right now,and not international anymore.
The photo on Together is made in George's livingroom.
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Dear Bibo,
You're welcome! I just spent last weekend listening to the album again, as well as Fleetwood Mac's seriously underrated 1969 'Then Play On.' Both are great, bluesy records, but the Golden Earring goes so much further, mixing genres and playing beautifully and surpisingly. Thanks for the information about the bassplayer and the drummer! I did not know that or, for that matter, that the photo was made in George's living room. How do you that?!
Thanks for reading the blog and hope you come back soon and often.
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