Golden Earring
Polydor Records, 1970
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The eponymous sixth studio album from the Dutch prog-rock band deserves a second listening. It’s a comprehensive introduction to their musicianship, especially if you were only aware of 1973’s Moontan, their first U.S. release that charted.
Active since 1961, founding members Rinus Gerritsen (bass, keyboards, guitar) and George Kooymans (guitar, vocals) were later joined by Barry Hay (vocals, guitar, flute, saxophone) and Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums, percussion). Despite a few personnel changes, that quartet remained as the core from 1970-2021. The group then dissolved due to Kooymans’ health issues.
Hay’s flute has a prominent role on Golden Earring, so comparison with Jethro Tull is natural. Although not a virtuoso like Ian Anderson, he adds flavor to such excellent tracks as “Yellow and Blue,” “Big Tree, Blue Sea” and “Back Home.”
They released 25 studio albums from 1965-2012 and achieved international fame when the single version of “Radar Love” became a hit in both the U.S. and Europe.