Golden Earring's 1976 album, "To The Hilt," is a sonic masterpiece featuring a fusion of rock, prog, and hard rock. Produced by the band and Fred Haayen, it showcases meticulous sound engineering by John Kriek and Robert Ash. The iconic album cover, designed by Hipgnosis, reflects the surreal and hypnotic spirit of the music.
The 1976 release of "Golden Earring – To The Hilt" marked a significant chapter in the Dutch rock band's musical journey. Beyond the groundbreaking sound and evolution showcased in the album, the intricate details of its creation and presentation contribute to its enduring legacy.
Original Custom Inner Sleeve: One distinctive feature of this album is the inclusion of the original custom inner sleeve. This inner sleeve not only provides essential album details but also boasts the complete lyrics of all songs, offering listeners a deeper connection with the music. The synergy between the lyrical content and the carefully curated artwork enhances the overall listening experience.
Production Credits:
The album was a collaborative effort produced by Golden Earring and Fred Haayen. The meticulous approach to production is reflected in the seamless integration of musical elements, contributing to the album's cohesiveness.
Sound/Recording Engineers:
The sonic tapestry of "To The Hilt" was meticulously crafted by sound and recording engineers John Kriek and Robert Ash. Their technical expertise played a crucial role in capturing the essence of Golden Earring's experimental sound, ensuring a high-quality listening experience for fans.
Album Cover Design:
The visual allure of the album is credited to the renowned art group Hipgnosis, founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. Known for their innovative designs, Hipgnosis created album covers that became iconic in the music industry. The surreal and hypnotic nature of their work aligns seamlessly with the adventurous spirit of Golden Earring's music.
Hipgnosis Legacy:
Hipgnosis's name, a clever play on "hypnosis" and "hip," underscores their belief in the hypnotic power of art to transport audiences to another world. The group's collaborations with influential musicians, including Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, solidified their reputation as trailblazers in album cover design. Notably, their design for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" remains an indelible image in rock history.
Album Cover Photography:
The visual journey continues with the lens work of Howard Bartrop, Richard Manning, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. These photographers skillfully captured the essence of Golden Earring's artistic vision, bringing to life the album cover's vivid imagery.
This album "GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos
The album: "GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt" was produced by: Golden Earring and Fred Haayen
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): John Kriek, Robert Ash
Album cover design: Hipgnosis, Aubrey Powell, George Hardie, Peter Christopherson
Hipgnosis, the legendary British art design group, revolutionized album cover art for rock music. Explore their iconic visual creations on our website, featuring a vast collection of their innovative designs for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and many more.
Here is the web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis
Album cover photography: Howard Bartrop, Richard Manning, Aubrey Powell, Peter Christopherson
Dutch Hard Rock, Nederbeat
MCA Records MCA-2183
Original Custom Inner Sleeve with Photos, Artwork and Lyrics of all the songs performed by Golden Earring
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1976 USA
Biography of: Robert Jan Stips is a highly talented and versatile Dutch musician, singer, songwriter, and composer. Born on 4 December 1950, in The Hague, Netherlands, Stips has had a significant impact on the Dutch music scene and has garnered international recognition for his contributions. With a career spanning over five decades, Stips has showcased his exceptional skills across various genres and has been an influential figure in the progressive rock and pop music scenes.
Stips' musical journey began in the late 1960s when he formed his first band, Supersister. As the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and main songwriter for the group, he helped shape their unique sound, characterized by complex arrangements, witty lyrics, and a fusion of jazz, rock, and classical influences. Supersister achieved considerable success, releasing several critically acclaimed albums, including "Present from Nancy" and "To the Highest Bidder", and captivating audiences with their energetic live performances.
Following the disbandment of Supersister in 1974, Stips embarked on a diverse and illustrious career, collaborating with numerous renowned artists and bands. He became a member of the Dutch progressive rock band Golden Earring, lending his keyboard skills to their music and contributing to their albums "Contraband" and "Prisoner of the Night". Stips also collaborated with the legendary English musician Robert Fripp, known for his work with King Crimson, resulting in the creation of the album "God Save the Queen/Under Heavy Manners".
In the 1980s, Stips formed a new band called Sweet d'Buster, which explored a more pop-oriented sound. The group achieved considerable commercial success, releasing albums such as "Friction" and "Gigs". Stips also contributed his talents as a keyboardist and songwriter to other Dutch bands like Transister and Nits, further establishing his reputation as a sought-after musician and collaborator.
As a solo artist, Stips released several albums, showcasing his abilities as a singer-songwriter and exploring different musical styles. His solo work includes the albums "Egotrip", "Greyhound", and "Rum & Coca Cola". Each release demonstrated Stips' versatility, as he seamlessly transitioned between genres and experimented with innovative sounds and arrangements.
In addition to his work as a performer, Stips has made significant contributions as a composer for film, television, and theater. He has composed music for numerous Dutch films and theater productions, infusing his compositions with his distinctive style and musicality.
Throughout his career, Stips has received recognition and accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He was honored with the Edison Award, the most prestigious music award in the Netherlands, and has been recognized as one of the most influential Dutch musicians of his generation.
Arcade – ADEH 11 , 1975 , Netherlands
"Golden Earring's 1975 compilation album, 'The Best Of Golden Earring 10 Years 20 Hits,' is a sonic journey through the vibrant '70s rock scene. Released by Arcade Records, the LP features iconic tracks like 'Radar Love' and 'Another 45 Miles,' showcasing the Dutch band's musical evolution. This collectors' gem, in 12" Vinyl LP format, transcends time, highlighting Golden Earring's enduring legacy in the annals of rock history."
The Best Of Golden Earring 10 Years 20 Hits 12" Vinyl LP
Polydor 2344 059 , 1976 , Germany
Golden Earring's 1976 album, "Contraband," epitomizes the 1970s rock scene. The LP, a blend of live energy and studio innovation, mirrors the era's musical evolution. Characterized by analog warmth, the production reflects meticulous attention. The album cover, a visual ode to 1970s European aesthetics, complements the LP's sonic journey. "Contraband" remains a cherished artifact, encapsulating the spirit of a musical epoch.
Contraband 12" Vinyl LP
MCA Records MCA-2183 , 1976 , USA
Golden Earring's 1976 album, "To The Hilt," is a sonic masterpiece featuring a fusion of rock, prog, and hard rock. Produced by the band and Fred Haayen, it showcases meticulous sound engineering by John Kriek and Robert Ash. The iconic album cover, designed by Hipgnosis, reflects the surreal and hypnotic spirit of the music.
To The Hilt 12" Vinyl LP Album
Polydor 2335176 , 1977 , Germany
Golden Earring's Live Vinyl 2LP Album, released in 1977 Germany, epitomizes the musical spirit of the era. Produced by John Kriek for Red Bullet Productions, the album seamlessly captures the raw energy of the band's live performance. With a striking cover illustration by Koos van Oostrom and photography by Paul Gerritsma and Dorine v/d Valk, it became a cultural touchstone, leaving an enduring legacy in the musical landscape of 1977.
Live ( Double LP ) 12" 2LP Vinyl
Polydor 2344 161 , 1980 , Netherlands
Golden Earring's 1980 release, "Prisoner Of The Night" (titled "Long Blond Animal" in the USA), epitomizes the dynamic crossroads of rock music in the early '80s. Meticulously produced, it blends the band's mature sound with Robert Jan Stips' unique contributions. From infectious energy to introspective moments, the album remains a sonic masterpiece, leaving an indelible mark on Dutch rock history and influencing subsequent generations.
Prisoner Of The Night 12" Vinyl LP
Polydor 2419 053 , 1967 , Holland
The Golden Earrings' 1967 release, "Winter Harvest," encapsulates the Nederbeat spirit of the late '60s. Recorded during 1965-66, the album, with the 'S' in the band's name, captures the essence of Dutch counterculture and musical experimentation. The LP's production reflects the technical challenges of the era, offering a raw, authentic sound. This timeless gem stands as a testament to the band's evolution and its role in shaping the dynamic cultural landscape of the 1960s.
Winter Harvest Nederbeat 12" Vinyl LP