Nazareth’s “Hair of the Dog” – The Untamed 1975 Hard Rock Anthem That Defined an Era #vinylrecords

"Hair of the Dog" Album Description:

In the world of classic rock, Nazareth's "Hair of the Dog" stands as a testament to the band's enduring musical prowess and the cultural milieu of the mid-1970s. Released in 1975 in Great Britain, this 12" vinyl LP album not only showcased Nazareth's distinctive sound but also contributed significantly to the musical landscape of its time.

The album's cover, adorned with the captivating illustrations of Dave Roe, immediately draws the listener into the world of "Hair of the Dog." Roe's artistic contribution adds a visual dimension to the music, reflecting the album's themes and setting the stage for the auditory journey that awaits.

Manny Charlton, the seasoned producer behind the album, played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic tapestry of "Hair of the Dog." Recorded at Escape Studios in Kent, the production values of the album were a testament to Charlton's keen understanding of the band's musical vision. His expertise elevated the tracks, bringing forth the nuances of Nazareth's sound with precision and finesse.

Musically, "Hair of the Dog" is a compelling fusion of hard rock and blues, a hallmark of Nazareth's distinctive style. The album features iconic tracks such as the eponymous "Hair of the Dog" and the anthemic "Love Hurts." These songs not only resonated with audiences of the time but have endured through the decades, solidifying Nazareth's place in the pantheon of rock music.

Within the context of the mid-1970s, "Hair of the Dog" arrived during a period marked by the heyday of classic rock. The album's release coincided with a cultural zeitgeist where rock music was a powerful force shaping the attitudes and lifestyles of a generation. Nazareth's contribution to this era was significant, as "Hair of the Dog" became a soundtrack for the times, capturing the essence of the 1970s rock scene.

Moreover, the 12" vinyl LP format itself played a crucial role in the overall experience of "Hair of the Dog." In an era dominated by vinyl records, the physicality of the album added a tangible connection between the listener and the music. The act of placing the needle on the vinyl and immersing oneself in the uninterrupted flow of the tracks created a ritualistic engagement that is distinctively associated with the analog era.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Progressive Hard Rock / Heavy Metal

Collector Notes / Liner Notes

1: This album includes the original custom cardboard inner sleeve with artwork.

Label & Catalognr:

Mountain Records – Cat#: TOPS 107

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Gramophone

Year & Country:

1975 – Made in Gt Britain

Producers:

Manny Charlton – Producer
Founding guitarist of Nazareth, Manny Charlton was pivotal in defining the band’s heavy, melodic sound. As producer of "Hair of the Dog", he captured a perfect balance between grit and clarity. His production work became highly regarded after this album’s success, which helped propel Nazareth into international stardom.

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Tony Taverner – Recording Engineer (at Escape Studios, Kent)
British engineer active during the 1970s–80s, known for his work with Nazareth and other Mountain Records acts. His technical precision and understated approach contributed to the album’s raw yet powerful tone.
John Punter ("Django") – Engineer for Additional Recording & Mixing (at AIR London)
John “Django” Punter was a renowned producer and sound engineer whose credits include Roxy Music, Japan, and Bryan Ferry. His refined mixing touch at AIR London added polish and depth to Nazareth’s rugged sound.
Mike & Sean – Tape Operators
Assisted in maintaining analog tape integrity during tracking and mix sessions — essential for the clarity of 1970s analog productions.

Recording Location:

Escape Studios – Kent, England

Escape Studios was a favored spot for British hard rock recordings, offering a no-frills atmosphere ideal for capturing live, high-energy performances.

Mixing Studio & Location:

AIR London Studios – London, England

Founded by legendary producer George Martin, AIR London became one of the most prestigious studios in the UK, hosting artists like Queen, Genesis, and Paul McCartney. Nazareth’s mix sessions benefited from its world-class acoustics.

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Dave Roe – Sleeve Illustration & Cover Design
Dave Roe, a UK illustrator active in the 1970s and 1980s, was known for creating surreal and highly detailed rock album covers. His work on "Hair of the Dog" remains one of Mountain Records’ most recognizable visual designs. Read more about Dave Roe

David Roe’s artistry combined fantasy and realism, reflecting the mood and mythology of the rock era. Beyond Nazareth, he contributed to album visuals for several British rock acts under Mountain and Bronze Records.

His legacy lies in his ability to visualize the intensity of 1970s hard rock — gritty, imaginative, and timeless. Collectors continue to praise his contribution to the visual side of classic rock culture.

Special Thanks:

Charly Prevost – Spiritual Guidance & Sympathy

A close associate of the band, credited for providing morale and personal support during the recording sessions.

Dedication: R.I.P. “The Gangsy”

A heartfelt tribute from the band to a departed friend or crew member, reflecting their close-knit touring circle.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:

Dan McCafferty – Lead Vocals
As the gritty voice behind Nazareth, Dan McCafferty became one of hard rock’s most distinctive vocalists. His raspy, soulful delivery defined hits like “Love Hurts” and “Hair of the Dog.” Beyond Nazareth, McCafferty released solo albums and influenced singers such as Brian Johnson of AC/DC.
Manny Charlton – Lead Guitar, Producer
Founding guitarist and key songwriter of Nazareth, Charlton shaped their heavy blues-based sound. He produced and played lead guitar on “Hair of the Dog,” helping the band achieve international fame. His later solo career explored blues and classic rock with refined musicianship.
Pete Agnew – Bass Guitar
The steady backbone of Nazareth since its inception, Agnew’s deep, rhythmic basslines grounded the band’s heavy grooves. He contributed backing vocals and co-wrote several songs, remaining active in Nazareth’s later line-ups well into the 21st century.
Darrell Sweet – Drums
A founding member, Darrell Sweet powered Nazareth’s rhythm section with his solid, punchy drumming. His work on “Hair of the Dog” and the band’s 1970s output set the percussive foundation for the group’s signature sound. He continued performing until his untimely passing in 1999.

Additional Musicians & Production Team

Max Middleton – Piano (on "Guilty")

A classically trained jazz and rock pianist, Max Middleton was best known for his work with Jeff Beck on albums like “Blow by Blow.” His smooth, expressive playing brought a soulful edge to Nazareth’s “Guilty,” enhancing the track’s bluesy atmosphere.

Vicki Brown, Lisa Strike, Barry St. John – Backing Vocals (on "Guilty")

Three of Britain’s most in-demand session vocalists of the 1970s. Vicki Brown performed with The Vernons Girls and on Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” Lisa Strike lent her voice to Electric Light Orchestra and Alan Parsons Project, while Barry St. John was known for her powerful tone on sessions for Elton John and T. Rex. Together, they added rich harmony layers that gave “Guilty” its gospel-like depth.

Simon Phillips – Tabla (on "Please Don't Judas Me")

A drumming prodigy and later a member of Toto, Simon Phillips began his studio career in the early 1970s. His unique addition of tabla on “Please Don’t Judas Me” brought an exotic texture rarely heard in hard rock, foreshadowing his diverse musical range across jazz, fusion, and rock projects.

Vicky Silva – Backing Vocals (on "Please Don't Judas Me")

A versatile British session singer of the mid-1970s, Vicky Silva contributed ethereal harmonies that elevated the haunting finale “Please Don’t Judas Me.” Her subtle tone blended seamlessly with Nazareth’s darker arrangements, emphasizing the song’s cinematic feel.

Complete Track-listing (International/European Original LP):

Tracklisting Side One:

Hair of the DogSingle
The title track and breakout single of the album, featuring the famous talkbox guitar riff. Became a staple of 1970s hard rock radio and a signature song for Nazareth.
Miss Misery
A dark, driving rocker that showcases the band’s gritty rhythm section and McCafferty’s trademark vocal growl.
GuiltyGuest
A blues-infused track (a Randy Newman cover) enhanced by guest pianist Max Middleton and backing vocals by Vicki Brown, Liza Strike, and Barry St. John. **Note: This track was replaced by the cover of "Love Hurts" on the original US release.**
Changin' Times
A progressive hard rock number blending complex rhythms with heavy guitar riffs. Highlights the band’s transition into a heavier, more experimental sound.

Video: Nazareth - Hair of the Dog (Austrian TV, 1975)

Tracklisting Side Two:

Beggar's DayCover
A cover of a song originally written by Nils Lofgren, reinterpreted with Nazareth’s heavier, more defiant tone. It flows seamlessly into the next instrumental track.
Rose in the Heather
Instrumental continuation of “Beggar’s Day,” featuring melodic guitar themes from Manny Charlton.
Whiskey Drinkin' Woman
A humorous yet hard-hitting blues rock track. It became a fan favorite for its swaggering rhythm and barroom storytelling.
Please Don't Judas MeGuest
The epic closing track, featuring Simon Phillips on tabla and Vicky Silva on backing vocals. A haunting, cinematic piece blending rock with Eastern influences — a standout in the band’s catalog.

Video: Nazareth Whiskey drinkin woman

Nazareth "Hair of the Dog" Album Photo Gallery:

Album Front Cover Photo

The front cover artwork of Nazareth’s 1975 album Hair of the Dog, featuring a surreal and menacing fantasy scene illustrated by Dave Roe. The image shows a monstrous, three-headed beast emerging from the sea, each head with snarling faces, sharp fangs, and glowing yellow eyes. Behind it, jagged skeletal structures rise like coral, while a tattered purple sail flaps against a bleak, stormy sky. The band name Nazareth and album title Hair of the Dog appear in bold, purple gothic lettering at the top left. — The front cover of the original British pressing of Nazareth’s *Hair of the Dog* album (1975) is an unforgettable visual composition by illustrator *Dave Roe*. It captures a surreal, nightmarish landscape that perfectly echoes the raw energy and menace of the record’s hard-rock sound.

Dominating the scene is a colossal, three-headed beast emerging from turbulent waves — its fur matted, its jaws open in a snarl, and its glowing yellow eyes fixed forward with primal fury. Each monstrous face seems part wolf, part demon, blending animalistic rage with eerie intelligence.

To the left, a torn, purple sail arches like a broken wing, clinging to a skeletal mast. Around the creature rise strange coral-like formations, their shapes twisted and bone-like, hinting at a drowned, decaying world. The entire color palette — muted purples, greys, and greens — evokes the sense of something ancient and apocalyptic rising from the depths.

At the top left, the band’s name *Nazareth* and the title *Hair of the Dog* appear in bold gothic lettering, their deep violet hue reinforcing the otherworldly mood. The artwork stands among hard rock’s most iconic covers, reflecting the feral spirit of the music within.

Album Back Cover Photo

The back cover of Nazareth’s Hair of the Dog continues artist Dave Roe’s haunting fantasy world. Instead of the monstrous figures of the front, the focus shifts to a desolate sea of muted greens and grays, where colossal coral-like towers rise from the mist, eroded and overgrown with tangled vegetation.

Each structure appears otherworldly—part fossilized tree, part decaying creature—dripping with organic detail and surrounded by churning foam. Smaller rock spires float in the distance, enhancing the sense of depth and alien isolation.

On the left, a solid black vertical panel contains the album’s song list and production credits, printed in white text. Below, the Mountain Records logo and artist signature confirm the British origin of this pressing. At the top right, the catalog number TOPS 107 appears in minimalist type, grounding the surreal imagery in the tangible reality of a 1970s vinyl artifact.

The composition perfectly complements the front cover’s mythic energy, creating a sense of visual continuity between chaos and calm — a dreamscape caught between life, decay, and imagination.

Custom Inner Sleeve Photo

The inner sleeve artwork from Nazareth’s 1975 album Hair of the Dog, printed in stark black and white. The image reinterprets the album’s front cover design by Dave Roe, showing three demonic wolf-like faces with glowing eyes beneath a crescent moon covered in organic, thorn-like shapes. Their snarling expressions emerge from a chaotic landscape of skeletal coral and twisted shadows, all rendered in high-contrast monochrome ink on pale background. — The custom inner sleeve of the British pressing of Nazareth’s *Hair of the Dog* transforms the album’s feral cover design into a striking monochrome composition. Rendered entirely in black ink against a pale gray background, it distills *Dave Roe*’s nightmarish imagery into something raw and graphic.

The same three demonic wolf-like faces from the cover reappear here, but stripped of color, their fanged mouths and piercing eyes drawn with exaggerated, violent lines. Above them looms a large, crescent-shaped moon, covered in eerie, cell-like clusters that evoke infection or decay, adding to the image’s otherworldly menace.

To the left, the suggestion of a torn sail and jagged coral formations remains, creating a sense of continuity with the full-color front artwork. The design’s high-contrast aesthetic amplifies its intensity — a perfect visual echo of the gritty, aggressive tone that defines the album itself.

This inner sleeve, unique to the UK edition, also included printed song lyrics and credits on the reverse side, completing the immersive visual and tactile experience of the original vinyl release.

Close-up Photo of the Record’s Label

This close-up photo showcases the Side One record label of Nazareth’s 1975 album Hair of the Dog, pressed in Great Britain by Mountain Records under catalog number TOPS 107. The distinctive Mountain logo — a bold, red-and-white 3D “M” resting on a green field — dominates the top half of the design and serves as an iconic emblem of 1970s UK hard rock releases.

The lower section contains detailed track information, beginning with “Hair of the Dog,” followed by “Miss Misery,” “Guilty,” and “Changin’ Times.” Each song’s publishing credits and copyright details are printed in small black type. The label also includes Produced by Manny Charlton and notes A Mountain Records Production beneath the tracklist.

Around the edge, fine print reads “EMI Records Ltd. All rights of the manufacturer…” — the standard legal rim text for UK EMI-distributed vinyl during this period. The vibrant color scheme and clean typography make this label a visual classic among collectors of British hard rock LPs.

When Disk Space Was Pricier Than Vinyl

Back when I first picked up Hair of the Dog, the only “cloud” we knew was the one threatening to rain on the record fair. Hard drives cost more than guitars, and storing a high-resolution album photo was a luxury reserved for oil tycoons and NASA. Every megabyte had to justify its existence — and album art was the first to go.

So no, I couldn’t afford the digital space to keep the back cover back then. Ironically, the vinyl itself outlived every floppy, tape, and disk I ever owned — proof that analog patience always beats digital poverty.

Index of NAZARETH - Vinyl Albums LP Discography & Gallery

NAZARETH - 2xS (French & German Releases)

Thumbnail of NAZARETH - 2xS (2 x S, French Release) album front cover

Nazareth's 1982 album, "2XS," produced by John Punter and recorded at Air Studios, Montserrat, stands as a pinnacle in hard rock history. Featuring hits like "Love Leads To Madness" and "Dream On," the album's international release, showcases the band's global resonance.

- 2xS French Release 12" Vinyl LP 2xS German Release 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Ballad Album

Vertigo 824 395 , 1985 , Germany

"The Ballad Album" is a compilation album by the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth, released in 1983. The album features some of the band's biggest ballads, including "Love Hurts," "Dream On," "This Flight Tonight," and "Where Are You Now." These tracks showcase the band's versatility and range,

Ballad Album 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Catch

Thumbnail of NAZARETH - The Catch album front cover

Vertigo 818 823 , 1984 , Germany

Released in 1984, "The Catch" by Scottish hard rock band Nazareth is a 12" Vinyl LP with a captivating album cover. This studio album blends original tracks and cover songs, highlighting the band's musical diversity. Reviews were mixed, praising the musicianship and song quality

Catch 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Cinema

Vertigo 630 300 , 1986 , Netherlands

Nazareth's 1986 album "Cinema" stands as a pivotal moment in Scottish hard rock. Produced by Eddie Delana and Doug Banker, its recording spanned diverse studios, crafting a dynamic sonic experience. The visual allure, with Heide Bussler's artwork and Peter Anderson's photography, complemented the music.

Cinema 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Close Enough for Rock 'n' Roll

A&M 1976 SP-4562 , 1976 , Canada

Nazareth's 1976 album, "Close Enough for Rock 'n' Roll," epitomizes the spirit of the era, offering a timeless blend of gritty hard rock. Produced by Manny Charlton and recorded in Montreal, its tracks, notably "Telegram," showcase the band's versatility.

Close Enough for Rock 'n' Roll 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Exercises

Philips 63 061 , 1972 , Germany

Nazareth's "Exercises," a 12" Vinyl LP, showcases the Scottish rock band's prowess in blues-tinged hard rock. Released as their second studio album, it delves into historical narratives, notably the "Glencoe massacre." The haunting song vividly recounts the tragic incident.

Exercises 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Expect No Mercy

Vertigo 6370 424 , 1977 , Italy

"Expect No Mercy" is the 1977 studio album by Scottish hard rock band Nazareth. It was the band's first album to be produced by Manny Charlton, who would go on to produce several more of their albums. "Expect No Mercy" is considered to be a classic of 1970s hard rock and is still highly regarded by fans and musicians

Expect No Mercy (Italian Release) 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Fool Circle

Vertigo 6302 099 Full Circle Management Ltd , 1980 , France

Nazareth's 1980 release "Fool Circle" stands as a timeless classic in rock music. Produced by Jeff Baxter and engineered by Geoff Emerick, the album represents a pivotal moment in the band's evolution. Its 12" vinyl release contributed to its allure during a transformative period in the music industry.

Fool Circle (French Release) 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Glad When You're Gone

Vertigo 6078 205 , 1974 , Holland

The 7" Vinyl Picture Sleeve Single by Nazareth, featuring "Glad When You're Gone" and "Light My Way," epitomizes the band's influence in 1970s rock. Released during a pivotal era, the hard rock sound of "Glad When You're Gone" mirrors the rebellious spirit, while the contrasting "Light My Way"

Glad When You're Gone 7" Vinyl Single

NAZARETH - Greatest Hits (1972-1975)

Vertigo 6370 411 , 1972-1975 , Germany

Greatest Hits is the album by the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth, released in 1975. By this time Nazareth had experienced considerable success with albums and singles. This compilation showcased tracks from the band's third album Razamanaz through their sixth album Hair of the Dog, as well as some non-album singles.

Greatest Hits (1972-1975) 12" Vinyl LP

Thumbnail of NAZARETH - Hair of the Dog (German Release) album front cover

NAZARETH - Hair of the Dog (German & UK Release)

Explosive from the first riff, NAZARETH’s Hair of the Dog hit the world in 1975 with unfiltered energy. Manny Charlton’s raw production and Dave Roe’s dramatic cover art created a perfect storm of sight and sound. The UK and German pressings captured the band’s feral spirit — still howling through turntables today.

- Hair of the Dog German Release 12" Vinyl LP - Hair of the Dog Gt Britain Release 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Loud 'n' Proud (French & German Releases) 12" Vinyl LP

Thumbnail of NAZARETH - Loud 'n' Proud (French Release) album front cover

In 1973, Nazareth, the Scottish rock band, released the "Loud and Proud" 12" Vinyl LP Vinyl in France. Produced by Roger Glover of Deep Purple, the album, featuring Manuel Charlton's production and Roger Glover's percussion on "Freewheelin," contributed to the diverse musical landscape of the time.

- Loud 'n' Proud French Release 12" Vinyl LP - Loud 'n' Proud German Release 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Malice in Wonderland (English & German Release)

Thumbnail of NAZARETH - Malice in Wonderland (Germany) album front cover

Nazareth's "Malice in Wonderland" 12" Vinyl LP, released in Germany in 1980 on Vertigo Records, marks a pivotal moment in the 1980s music scene. Produced by Jeff Baxter and recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, the album's global impact is underscored by its international release.

- Malice in Wonderland English Release 12" Vinyl LP - Malice in Wonderland German Release 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - No Mean City (German Release & USA Releases)

NAZARETH - No Mean City (German Release) album front cover vinyl record

Released in England during the enchanting era of Castle Classics, Nazareth's 'Malice in Wonderland' is a 12" Vinyl LP that resonates with timeless rock craftsmanship. This album, a captivating contribution to the music scene, encapsulates the spirit of its era.

- No Mean City (German Release) 12" Vinyl LP - No Mean City (USA Release) 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Rampant

Mooncrest CREST 15 , 1974 ,

Nazareth's 1974 album "Rampant," produced by Roger Glover at Montreux's Mountain Studios, is a sonic masterpiece reflecting the diverse European music landscape of the time. Amidst the mid-70s musical exploration, the album's sophistication
soundscapes, enriched by Glover's touch, made it a pivotal contribution.

Rampant 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Razamanaz

Philips 6303 085 , 1974 , West-Germany

Nazareth's 1974 "Razamanaz" LP, a German release, epitomizes the vibrant rock scene of its time. Infused with Roger Glover's production brilliance, the album marries hard rock and blues influences. Fin Costello and Patrick Watters' photography adds a visual dimension. Amidst the '70s musical diversification

Razamanaz 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Snakes & Ladders

Vertigo 838 426 , 1989 , Germany

Nazareth's 'Snakes 'n' Ladders' (1989) epitomizes late '80s music evolution. Produced by Joey Balin and engineered by Martin Heyes, it seamlessly blends classic rock with contemporary flair. Released on Vertigo Records in Germany, it reflects the global dynamics of the era.

Snakes & Ladders 12" Vinyl LP

NAZARETH - Sound Elixir

Vertigo 812 396 / Fool Circle Limited , 1983 , Germany

Nazareth's "Sound Elixir" LP, released in 1983 on Vertigo records in Germany, epitomizes the musical and visual aesthetics of its time. Produced by Manny Charlton, the album's polished sound, engineered by Calum Malcolm and Mike Fraser, showcases the era's recording advancements.

Sound Elixir 12" Vinyl LP

Nazareth "Hair of the Dog" 12" Vinyl LP Album - Gt Britain Release

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