GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt 12" Vinyl LP Album

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.

Album Front Cover Photo of GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt

"To The Hilt" Album Description:

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.

Production & Recording Information

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 was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes.

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The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation.

One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image.

Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer."

The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created.

Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to.

Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis

Album cover photography: Howard Bartrop, Richard Manning, Aubrey Powell, Peter Christopherson


Music Genre:

Dutch Hard Rock, Nederbeat

Label & Catalognr:

MCA Records MCA-2183

Media Format:

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  

Year & Country:

1976 USA

Musicians:
  • Barry Hay - Lead Vocals
  • George Kooymans - Guitars, Vocals
  • Rinus Gerritsen - Bass
  • The Drummer - Cesar Zuiderwijk
  • Guest Musicians:
  • Robert Jan Stips - Keyboards

    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.

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Why Me? 7:15
  2. Facedancer 4:08
  3. To The Hilt 3:06
  4. Nomad 7:06
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Sleep Walkin' 5:00
  2. Latin Lightnin' 7:15
  3. Violins 10:20

High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt
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Photo Of The Back Cover GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt
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Photo of the custom inner sleeve GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt
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Photo of the custom inner sleeve GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt
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Photo Side One GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt
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Photo of Side Two GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt
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FEATURED GOLDEN EARRING VINYL RECORDS

Band Information:

  Golden Earring is a Dutch rock band that has been making music for more than six decades. The band was formed in 1961 in The Hague, Netherlands, and has gone on to become one of the most successful and influential rock bands in Dutch history. Their unique blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and pop rock has won them legions of fans around the world, and their music continues to be celebrated to this day.

  The original lineup of Golden Earring consisted of lead vocalist Frans Krassenburg, guitarist George Kooymans, bassist Rinus Gerritsen, and drummer Jaap Eggermont. They first gained national attention in the Netherlands with their 1965 single "Please Go," which became a hit and helped establish the band as a major force in Dutch rock music. They followed this up with a series of successful albums and singles, including "Dong-Dong-Di-Ki-Di-Gi-Dong," "That Day," and "Sound of the Screaming Day."

  Barry Hay joined Golden Earring in 1967, replacing Frans Krassenburg as the band's lead vocalist. Krassenburg had left the band earlier that year, and Golden Earring was looking for a new singer. They found Hay, who had previously been a member of the band The Haigs, and he quickly became an integral part of the band's sound and success. Hay's distinctive vocals and stage presence helped to take Golden Earring to new heights of popularity in the Netherlands and beyond. He remains a member of the band to this day.

  In the early 1970s, Golden Earring began to gain international attention with the release of their album "Moontan" in 1973. The album featured their biggest hit single, "Radar Love," which reached the top 10 in the United States and other countries around the world. "Moontan" also showcased the band's ability to mix hard rock with more experimental and progressive elements, and it remains a classic of the genre.

  Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Golden Earring continued to release successful albums and singles, including "Twilight Zone," "When the Lady Smiles," and "Going to the Run." They also continued to tour extensively, building a loyal fan base around the world. In the 1990s and 2000s, the band continued to release new music and tour, although they slowed down somewhat in their output.

  One of the hallmarks of Golden Earring's music is their ability to blend different styles and genres into their own unique sound. Their music often combines elements of hard rock, pop, blues, and progressive rock, creating a sound that is both catchy and complex. They also place a heavy emphasis on guitar work, with Kooymans and Gerritsen both being accomplished musicians in their own right.

  In addition to their music, Golden Earring has also been known for their dynamic and energetic live performances. They have performed in front of huge crowds at festivals and stadiums around the world, and their live shows are often praised for their intensity and passion.

  Despite their long and storied career, Golden Earring remains one of the most underrated and underappreciated bands in rock music. While they are well-known in their native Netherlands and have a dedicated following around the world, they have never quite achieved the level of success and recognition that their music deserves. Nevertheless, their influence can be heard in the work of many other artists, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of rock musicians.

  Golden Earring, originally known as The Golden Earrings, changed their name to Golden Earring in 1969, dropping the "s" from their original name. The reason for the change was simply that the band members felt that the new name sounded more modern and streamlined.

  The band had originally taken their name from a song called "Golden Earrings," which had been a hit for the American duo Peggy Lee and Victor Young in 1947. However, the band members felt that the name was a bit old-fashioned and did not reflect the more contemporary sound they were developing.

  The decision to drop the "s" from their name was made during the recording of their album "Eight Miles High" in 1969. The album marked a departure from the band's earlier sound and was a more experimental and psychedelic effort. The new name reflected the band's desire to move forward and embrace new musical styles and ideas.

  The change in name did not have a significant impact on the band's success or popularity. In fact, they went on to achieve some of their biggest hits and highest levels of success under the name Golden Earring, including their iconic song "Radar Love."

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Thumbnail of GOLDEN EARRING - The Best Of Golden Earring 10 Years 20 Hits 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

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."

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GOLDEN EARRING - Contraband 12" Vinyl LP Band

Thumbnail of GOLDEN EARRING - Contraband 12" Vinyl LP Band album front cover

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 vibrant musical epoch.

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GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt 12" Vinyl LP Album

Thumbnail of GOLDEN EARRING – To The Hilt 12" Vinyl LP Album  album front cover

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.

Learn more

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Thumbnail of GOLDEN EARRING - Live ( Double LP ) 12" 2LP Vinyl Album album front cover

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.

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Thumbnail of GOLDEN EARRING - Prisoner Of The Night 12" Vinyl LP Album  album front cover

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.

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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.

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