EAGLES Hotel California / New Kid in Town - Vinyl Album Cover Gallery & Information #vinylrecords

Album Description

The year was 1976, and the Eagles were at the height of their success. With their intricate harmonies, catchy melodies, and insightful songwriting, they had become one of the most iconic rock bands of the era. It was during this time that they released a special 7" vinyl single in France, featuring two of their biggest hits, "Hotel California" and "New Kid in Town". Produced by the renowned Bill Szymczyk, this vinyl single remains a cherished collector's item for fans of the band and vinyl enthusiasts alike.

"Hotel California" is undoubtedly one of the Eagles' most recognizable songs. Opening with a haunting guitar riff that immediately transports you to the desolate desert landscape of Southern California, the song captivates listeners with its mysterious and poetic lyrics. The dual guitar solo by Don Felder and Joe Walsh, accompanied by Glenn Frey's soaring vocals, creates an atmosphere of both longing and intrigue. The song's atmospheric production, combined with its powerful storytelling, solidified its place in rock music history. As the A-side of this vinyl single, "Hotel California" continues to captivate listeners, taking them on a journey that remains as mesmerizing today as it was back in 1976.

On the flip side of this vinyl single, we find "New Kid in Town", a softer and more introspective track. The Eagles were known for their ability to infuse their rock sound with elements of country and folk, and this song perfectly showcases that versatility. Written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and J.D. Souther, "New Kid in Town" explores the themes of love and fame, and how the latter can affect relationships. Henley's heartfelt vocals, along with the band's tight harmonies and intricate instrumentation, make this track a timeless classic. It reached the top of the charts upon its release and remains a fan favorite to this day.

Bill Szymczyk, the esteemed producer behind this vinyl single, played a crucial role in shaping the Eagles' sound. Having worked with the band on previous albums such as "One of These Nights" and "Hotel California", Szymczyk understood their musical vision and brought it to life with his expert production skills. His ability to capture the essence of the band's sound and translate it onto vinyl is evident in the quality of this single. The crispness of the guitars, the richness of the vocals, and the overall balance of the mix are a testament to Szymczyk's talent and the chemistry he had with the Eagles.

Music Genre:

Rock, Soft Rock

Album Production Information:

Produced by Bill Szymczyk

Record Label Information

Asylum Records 13.084

Packaging:

Picture Sleeve

Media Format:

7" Vinyl Single Record

Year & Country:

1976 Made in France

Photos of EAGLES Hotel California / New Kid in Town 7" Sleeve

The sleeve of Hotel California by the Eagles, as seen in the image, features a well-known and iconic design. Here are its key elements:

• Background: A warm sunset or dusk sky with palm trees creates a dramatic and atmospheric scene.

• Central Focus: The Beverly Hills Hotel, often associated with the song’s theme, is illuminated, giving a mysterious yet inviting feel.

• Typography:

• The band’s name, “EAGLES”, is prominently displayed in bold red capital letters at the top left.

• The album title, “Hotel California”, is written in a stylized blue neon script in the bottom right, resembling a hotel sign.

• A sticker-like text reading “VERSION ORIGINALE” appears in the upper right corner.

• A handwritten “33” inside a circle suggests it’s a 33 RPM vinyl record.

• Other Details:

• The cover has some visible handwriting, possibly signatures or markings.

• The Asylum Records logo is positioned in the lower right corner.

This cover remains one of the most famous in rock history, perfectly complementing the themes of luxury, mystique, and excess conveyed in the song.

The label on this 7-inch vinyl single of Hotel California by the Eagles features a classic Asylum Records design, with the following key details:

• Label Design: The label has a light blue and white sky-like gradient background, a signature style of Asylum Records. At the top, the Asylum Records logo appears, depicting an old wooden door or window, reinforcing the label’s branding.

• Song Information:

• Artist: Eagles is printed prominently in bold black letters.

• Song Title: Hotel California is displayed below the band’s name.

• Duration: The track runs 6 minutes and 30 seconds.

• Songwriters: Credited to Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey.

• Producer: Listed as Bill Szymczyk.

• Edition: “Ed. Pandora Prod.” appears at the bottom, likely referring to the publishing rights.

• Format Details:

• The record is a 45 Tours (45 RPM) single, intended for stereo playback.

• The catalog number 13.084 / 13.084 A is printed on the left side.

• Rights & Distribution: Marked with SACEM and GEMA, indicating European distribution rights.

This particular vinyl single reflects a French or European pressing of Hotel California, identifiable by the “SACEM” rights society mark and the 45 Tours notation, which is French for “45 RPM”. The label maintains a clean, minimalistic layout, putting emphasis on the song and artist without excessive decoration.