PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top - 12" Vinyl LP Album

  Paganini a Swiss Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band from the town of Basel, Switzerland. This band was founded by Marco Paganini in 1983. The main activity period was from 1983 until 1987 with it's original band-members: Marco Paganini - Lead Vocals, Edgar Zanoni - Guitars, Iso - Bass, P.B. Bega - Drums, Ralph Murthy - Guitars. Around 1988 the band was reformed with Marco Paganini remaining as only member from the original formation. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

Album Front Cover Photo of PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top

Paganini's "It's a Long Way to the Top": Melodic Hard Rock in the Hair Metal Heyday
Album Description:

Released in 1987, Paganini's debut album "It's a Long Way to the Top" emerged during the peak of the hair metal era, offering a unique blend of melodic hard rock with a touch of European flair. This 12" vinyl LP album showcased the band's musical prowess and catchy songwriting, solidifying their place in the hard rock scene.

Historical Context

The late 1980s saw the hair metal scene explode in popularity, with bands like Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, and Poison dominating the charts. Paganini, hailing from Switzerland, offered a European perspective on the genre, incorporating elements of their native hard rock and heavy metal traditions into their sound.

Musical Exploration

"It's a Long Way to the Top" features a diverse range of musical styles, from anthemic rockers to power ballads. The band's songwriting is characterized by strong melodies, soaring vocals, and memorable guitar riffs. Marc Paganini's charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals are complemented by the band's tight musicianship, creating a dynamic and engaging sound.

Genre Fusion

While firmly rooted in the hard rock genre, "It's a Long Way to the Top" also incorporates elements of heavy metal and glam rock. This fusion of styles adds depth and complexity to the album, creating a sound that is both catchy and powerful. The band's ability to seamlessly blend different genres showcases their musical versatility and their willingness to experiment with different sounds.

Production and Recording

The album was recorded at Pink Tonstudios in Switzerland, a state-of-the-art facility known for its work with numerous rock and metal bands. Produced by Paganini and mixed by Erwin Musper, "It's a Long Way to the Top" boasts a polished and professional sound that captures the band's energy and passion.

Album Cover Art

The album cover, featuring a stylized image of the band members in front of a dramatic cityscape, perfectly embodies the album's hard rock aesthetic and aspirational themes. The bold colors and dramatic lighting create a visually striking image that captures the band's larger-than-life persona.

Essential Album Information For: PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Vertigo 830 790 / AA 830 790-1.1Y / LC 1633

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1987 Germany

PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top Production & Recording Information

Album Packaging

This album includes the original thick custom inner sleeve with album details, and photos of the Paganini band-members. 

Producers:

Vic Vergeat ( ex Toad ) - Producer

Vic Vergeat, a Swiss musician and producer whose dynamic career spanned decades and genres. Enter the World of Vic Vergeat

 

Recording Location:

This album "It's a Long Way To The Top" was Recorded and Mixed Karo Studio, Munster, Germany.

 Karo Musikstudio a recording studio originally founded in Münster, Germany, later relocated to Brackel, Germany. Operated by Kalle Trapp (Sound Engineer) and Rolf Köhler (Sound Engineer)

Photography:

Robert Ellis, London - Photographer

Robert Ellis is a highly accomplished British photographer renowned for his exceptional work in the field of music photography. With a career spanning several decades, Ellis has captured iconic moments and personalities in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the visual representation of music culture. His work has been prominently featured in esteemed publications such as NME (New Musical Express), Melody Maker, Kerrang, and Sounds, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim.

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Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Robert Ellis developed an early passion for photography and music. In the 1970s, he embarked on his professional journey as a photographer, immersing himself in the music scene of the era. Ellis quickly established himself as a talented and versatile photographer, capturing the energy, spirit, and raw emotion of live performances.

Ellis's keen eye and ability to capture the essence of musicians in their element soon caught the attention of leading music-related publications. His work became highly sought after, and he started receiving assignments from prestigious magazines, including NME, Melody Maker, Kerrang, and Sounds. These publications were instrumental in shaping the music culture and disseminating information about emerging and established artists, making Ellis's photographs an integral part of the narrative.

Throughout his career, Robert Ellis had the opportunity to photograph numerous influential musicians, bands, and artists. From capturing intimate portraits of legendary figures such as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Mick Jagger to documenting the explosive energy of performances by bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and The Clash, Ellis consistently delivered stunning images that resonated with audiences worldwide.

One of Ellis's notable strengths as a photographer was his ability to establish a rapport with his subjects, putting them at ease and capturing their authentic selves. His photographs often reflected the deep connection he formed with the artists, revealing the vulnerability and passion behind their public personas. Whether in the chaos of a live concert or the stillness of a backstage moment, Ellis's images told stories that transcended the music itself, creating a visual legacy that would endure for years to come.

Musicians on: PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top

Band-members, Musicians:

Mark Paganini - lead and backing vocals

Ralph Murthy - guitars, backing vocals

Edgar Zanoni - guitars, backing vocals

Iso - bass, backing vocals

P.B. Bega - drums, backing vocals

Track-listing of: PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top

Tracklisting:
  1. It's A Long Way To The Top 04:22
  2. Rich Girl 03:53
  3. Salted Water Kisses 04:13
  4. One Of A Kind 03:03
  5. Our Rock Will Find A Way 03:55
  6. Mr. Big Mouth 04:51
  7. Hold You Back 04:00
  8. For Your Love 04:43
  9. Get Ready 04:11

PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top
Front Cover Photo Of PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top

 

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Photo Of The Back Cover PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top
Photo of album back cover PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top

 

Close up of Side One PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top record's label
Close up of Side One PAGANINI - It's a long way to the Top

Orange and Yellow Colour VERTIGO 830 790-1 Record Label Details: AA 830 790-1.1Y Made in West Germany LC 1633 GEMA ℗ 1987 Phonogram Gmbh, Hamburg

Index of PAGANINI Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

PAGANINI - It's A Long Way To The Top
Thumbnail of PAGANINI - It's A Long Way To The Top album front cover

Vertigo 830 790 / AA 830 790-1.1Y / LC 1633 , 1987 , Germany

PAGANINI - It's A Long Way To The Top is a captivating 12" Vinyl LP that encapsulates the musical prowess and determination of the artist, taking listeners on a thrilling journey of highs and lows through its captivating melodies, skillful instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the soul of anyone fortunate enough to experience its sonic tapestry.

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PAGANINI - Weapon Of Love
Thumbnail of PAGANINI - It's A Long Way To The Top album front cover

Vertigo 826 068 , 1985 , Made in Germany

"PAGANINI - Weapon Of Love" is a captivating debut release by Swiss Hard Rock/Glam Metal band "Paganini". Produced by Vic Vergaet and released in 1985 on Vertigo Record Label, the album showcases powerful rock anthems with a touch of glam, accompanied by a lyrics sleeve that adds depth to the listening experience

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