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GOLDEN EARRING [AKA: WALL OF DOLLS]

Golden Earring

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Golden Earring Golden Earring [Aka: Wall of Dolls] album cover
3.86 | 67 ratings | 8 reviews | 19% 5 stars

Excellent addition to any
rock music collection

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Studio Album, released in 1970

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Yellow and Blue (3:48)
2. The Loner (3:29)
3. This Is the Time of the Year (3:36)
4. Big Tree, Blue Sea (6:09)
5. The Wall of Dolls (3:34)
6. Back Home (3:49)
7. See See (3:10)
8. I'm Going to Send My Pigeons to the Sky (5:57)
9. As Long as the Wind Blows (5:21)

Total Time 38:53

Line-up / Musicians

- George Kooymans / lead guitar, vocals (1,3,9)
- Barry Hay / flute, rhythm guitar, vocals (2,4-8)
- Rinus Gerritsen / bass, organ, piano, Mellotron
- Cesar Zuiderwijk / drums, percussion

With:
- Bertus Borgers / saxophone (not confirmed)
- Eelco Gelling / guitar (not confirmed)

Releases information

Artwork: Ron Seubert with Claude Van Heye (photo)

LP Polydor ‎- 2340 003 (1970, Netherlands)
LP Music On Vinyl ‎- MOVLP051 (2009, Netherlands)

CD Polydor ‎- 841 442-2 (1986, Netherlands)
CD Red Bullet ‎- RB 66.203 (2001, Netherlands) Remastered

Thanks to Sean Trane for the addition
and to Quinino for the last updates
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GOLDEN EARRING Golden Earring [Aka: Wall of Dolls] ratings distribution


3.86
(67 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of rock music(19%)
19%
Excellent addition to any rock music collection(49%)
49%
Good, but non-essential (27%)
27%
Collectors/fans only (4%)
4%
Poor. Only for completionists (0%)
0%

GOLDEN EARRING Golden Earring [Aka: Wall of Dolls] reviews


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Collaborators/Experts Reviews

Review by Sean Trane
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Prog Folk
4 stars This eponymous GE album (and not TGE anymore) is also know as Wall Of Dolls in retrospect to the voodoo-esque gatefold artwork picture while the inside gatefold showed the band (still the usual quartet) in exploring some forest. This album did not receive exactly the same track list depending in which country it was released in, but it in this one that the group started making international impact with their Tull-esque Big Tree Blue Sea, although the track will be present in further studio release (even as far as Moontan some three years later).

Besides the usual hard rocker GE will be known for, like Landing in 8MH and Back Home in WOD, the albums holds many more tracks that develop some atmosphere, sometimes mysterious, sometimes a bit gloomier: like As Long As The Wind Blows, the title track or The Loner. WOD is a bit perplexing because in some ways it's proggy, yet could've been so much more had they extended a few tracks and maybe skipped some more. And of course there is the absolute beauty of Big Tree Blue Sea, the longer track of the album, but also an international hit (in an edited version): with its awesome flute parts and its crunchy guitars, you might have mistaken this track for a lesser known Tull single, but it's pure GE works.

WOD is probably my fave GE and the centre of what I call their first trilogy (8MH; WOD & ST) and definitely a very good entry point to the group's early priggish period.

Review by Chris S
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars 1970 marked the release of this Wall Of Dolls album. It is important to mention that even though GE were not really remotely progressive at this juncture their hints at future progressive sounds were laid down on some of these tracks. This Is The Time Of The Year is a good example of some more complicated riffs. Big Tree Blue Sea with it's flute intro and psychedlic like lyrics is reminiscent of early Gravy Train or even Jethro Tull. Great song and nice tight arrangements. As Long As The Wind Blows is another epic song with great vocals and bass.They seemed to be very much in control of their sound way back then and this album is a great example for anyone wanting to find out more from this famous Dutch band. GE were one of the first bands to shift musical direction even as early as 1975 so make sure you check this one and all their material up to 1976 out. For comparisons with their other works this rates right up there near the top of the ladder. Four stars.
Review by ZowieZiggy
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars To be honest, I only discovered the band a few years later ('73) after this release but their back catalogue is so impressive that I decided a couple of years ago to dig into their huge repertoire. I was more than pleased when I saw them make their entry on PA.

Don't expect too much of our beloved genre here (prog I mean) but the combination of some heavy style with several fine fluting environment are definitely heading the mighty Tull. Don't look for plagiarism 'cause there is no such thing in here. Still, the comparison is inevitable in several songs (''Yellow And Blue'' amongst others).

There are some very good rock tunes feature like the hardish ''This Is The Time Of The Year''. One of my fave out here is the moving '' As Long As The Wind Blows''. A definite Led Zep atmosphere is surrounding this great song. Barry is superb as usual: he is really a fine singer and performer.

When you look at their web-site, they are still heavily touring which is quite remarkable after such a long career. Of course, almost all of their concerts are taking place in The Netherlands but I might well head north to go and see these flying Dutchmen one of these days.

This album could have been featured into the Heavy prog style since most of the songs are heading the genre. The best example is the title track which also add some fine psychedelic texture. Another highlight even if it is too short to my taste. And '' I'm Going To Send My Pigeons To The Sky'' doesn't fall short either.

''Back Home'' is another great Tull song, ooooups sorry: Golden Earring one. Especially during the superb opening. Just remember that this album was recorded in 1970 and that the heavy Tull (which I appreciate an awful lot) was only to be heard a little later. So, yes: GE was quite innovative at the time. Probably one of the greatest Dutch band of all time (all genres).

There are no weak moments available on this work, the combination of of heavy prog with rock are leading to a very pleasant album tinted with some prog elements (''See See''). This release is worth a listen for those who would like to discover another aspect from this great band.

The steps to the great ''Moontan'' are set. No one can stop them. The sublime closing ''Big Tree Blue Sea'' features some fabulous and heavy fluting parts. Another highlight of this work which is not short of.

Four stars for this good effort (seven out of ten being more appropriate) which still sound fresh almost forty years later. This is a sign for sure.

Review by Seyo
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars The eponymous, 6th studio album, by GOLDEN EARRING was their first truly successful and creatively arranged piece of work. Also known as "The Wall of Dolls", it arguably remains one of their best studio efforts.

Unlike the equally stunning "Moontan", which was yet to come 3 years later, this seems somewhat subdued, at least on the first listen. There are no obvious hits like "Radar Love", no lengthy progressively developed jams in the vein of "Vanilla Queen" or "Are You Receiving Me". On the other hand it is well-structured, produced and balanced so there are no minor gaps or inconsistencies between songs like those present in parts of "Moontan" ("Suzy Lunacy" or "Vince Taylor").

All in all, the music runs smoothly throughout the album, so the transition between harder up-tempo rockers and prog-oriented psych ballads is never bumpy. Barry Hay's flute has a prominent role here, so comparison with JETHRO TULL is natural. Although not a virtuoso like Anderson, his flute just adds a sufficient spice to such excellent tracks as "Yellow and Blue", "Big Tree, Blue See" and "Back Home".

Heavy blues-rock "The Loner" sounds like taken from the first two LED ZEPPELIN albums, but on the other hand slower and darker ballads "The Wall of Dolls" and "See See" shows the band's well capable of making psych-inspired and more complex compositions, which would culminate on the following years' major track "She Flies on Strange Wings" from the LP "Seven Tears". Irresistibly catchy melody hooks and choruses of "This Is the Time of the Year" and "Back Home" had certain hit potentials and even nowadays seem not to have lost much of their past appeals.

Along with "Moontan", this album is their best effort from the classic 1970s period and definitely deserves your attention.

PERSONAL RATING: 4,5/5

P.A. RATING: 4/5

Review by Gatot
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Golden Earring was one of the bands that colored my childhood in the 70s through their song 'From Heaven From Hell' taken from 'Together' (1972) album because my brother, Jokky, kept playing the cassette. Since then I was quite familiar with the music and I explored other albums like 'The Wall of Dolls' (Golden Earring). I was then aware that actually this Dutch band started in 1961 in The Hague. I always consider GE (not general Electric, of course) as rock'n'roll band with their compositions mainly using rhythm section as basic elements of their music. On top of that are the guitar, vocal plus sometime flute. This album is actually a sixth album while the previous five I have never heard it until now. One thing that I admire from this band who initially put The Beatles as their main influence is their solod line-up of Barry Hay (vocals, guitar, flute and saxophone, member since 1968), George Kooymans (vocals and guitar, founder of band), Rinus Gerritsen (bass and keyboard, founding member), and Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums and percussion, member since 1970). They have sold millions of albums worldwide, and they are the oldest rock band in the world that are still performing today. This year they celebrate their 48th birthday ? one year younger than me! (ooops! I'm getting old ?,oh dear ?)

Solid composition combining psychedelic and blues

The roots of their music are basically psychedelic, pop with some flavor of prog, using blues style in some of the compositions. Like in 'Yellow And Blue', the acoustic guitar at intro part layered by ambient flute work confirms their standing in psychedelic with bluesy style. It's a killing track and it's good being put as the album opener. As the music moves, it changes into energetic style maintaining good melody through the vocal line. The harmonies created through vocal and flute are excellent. It might reminds you to the music of Jethro Tull, actually.

'The Loner' relies in itself with the soft guitar riffs that bring the music into medium tempo composition with good melody. You can see the bass guitar playing is quite attractive throughout the song combined with catchy guitar riffs. The guitar solo is also stunning. 'This Is The Time Of The Year' brings the music into break with vocal line performance followed later with soft guitar riffs that bring the music flows in an attractive way.

The opening part of 'Big Tree Blue Sea' would definitely remind you to the kind of Focus / Jethro Tull music. This track has various styles as it moves from one segment to another. That makes a progressive move, actually, in terms of music structure. You might really categorize this as a prog song. The guitar solo and interlude at 'The Wall Of Dolls' are really stunning. 'Back Home' is like The Rolling Stones tune with flutework. The other excellent track is 'As Long As The Wind Blows'.

Overall, I consider this album as an excellent classic rock album especially with its vintage style plus flutework. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild ? GW

Review by b_olariu
PROG REVIEWER
3 stars 3,5 for sure

Golden Earring is one of the first bands I,ve come across since my musical journey begun, is more then 20 years since now, GE remanin a constant band in my CD player. This is the first album they released in a new decade where musical direction and rock in genral got new dimensions and new attitude. This is selftotled album also known as Wall of dolls from 1970, a new era for them, musicaly speaking. I must say that this among my fav GG album ever, is very psychedelic in aproach with some progressive elements thrown in, the result is prety great, even the progressive rock term is very pale here in contrast with other bands from that period. They performed something between psychedelic rock with more edged rock arrangements here and there but also some progressive elements that will always remind me of Focus or Jethro Tull in places. The band conducted by excellent song writters Barry Hay and George Kooymans, who mange to pull the band from an obscure act from Holland tulip fields to a stardom band in mid ,70s. Now, back to this album, I might say is a very misterious album in away, musicaly speaking sometimes the atmosphere is very gloomy, dark like on As Long As The Wind Blows, some more deeper arrangements on Big Tree Blue Sea who remind me in places of Focus and even Jethro Tull, etc. Nice vocal parts, realy great voice has Barry Hay, quite underrated voice from the glory days of music, very smooth tone of voice and very powerfull aswell, also he done a great job on flute here. So, this album is a total winner, among my fav GE albums. Maybe not realy someting as a masterpiece status for sure, but avery worthy album for sure, 3-3,5 . Recommended if anyone wants to discover GE in their prime career.

Review by VianaProghead
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars Review Nº 425

Golden Earring earned a unique place in the Dutch rock music history. Golden Earring was formed in 1961 in The Hague, Holland and still is active in our days, albeit slowing down on their prolific discography. Golden Earring is one of those bands who have literally been cranking out albums since the days when The Beatles were launching the British invasion all over the world. During all these years, the band released an impressive amount of albums and toured many times. After a debut single and album in 1965 the band continued to release new material in every decade that followed. The classic line up of the band came together in 1970 and is still going strong today. Golden Earring continues to perform monthly, performing electric and acoustic shows. No other band in Holland comes near these statistics, really.

The first outlines of Golden Earring emerge in the early 60's in The Hague, inspired by the British music. In those times, the music scene in The Hague starts to thrive, thanks to hundreds of brand new bands who perform in local clubs and halls. It doesn't take long for Golden Earring to become one of the prominent faces of this new era in the Dutch music. In the years that follow Golden Earring show a spectacular artistic growth. The band embraces new influences, while creating their own distinguished sound. Meanwhile the albums from the band began to coming, "Just Ear-Rings" in 1965, "Winter-Harvest" in 1967, "Miracle Mirror" in 1968 and "On The Double" in 1969. The band's growth has its consequences and in 1969, Golden Earring tours America, a first for any Dutch band. Later that year the band returns to the States to promote their new album "Eight Miles High" of 1969. That album became the first true classic album to Golden Earring, a very important mark to the band, showing that the band continues expanding their horizons. Their self-titled new album, also known as "Wall Of Dolls" by many fans, shows the sound of Golden Earring with a new style.

So, "Golden Earring" is the sixth studio album of Golden Earring and was released in 1970. The line up on the album is George Kooymans (lead and backing vocals and guitar), Barry Hay (lead vocals and backing vocals, guitar and flute), Rinus Gerritsen (bass guitar, piano, organ and Mellotron) and Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums and percussion).

"Golden Earring" is a hard rock album with its roots firmly in the blues with a touch of the psychedelic music. The flute is one of the main instruments used on the album. Some music lovers associate the flute work with Jethro Tull. And no matter how similar it is to Jethro Tull or not. In this case, we have almost a tracing from Ian Anderson. Musically, the music on the album can be divided into two categories, the heavy blues-like ballads and hard based rock with repetitive riffs. These riffs often cause a déjà vu sensation because it seems you have already heard all this somewhere. Sometimes Golden Earring tries to trample across the Led Zeppelin field. Still, other hard rock heroes will not be overlooked like The Rolling Stones and Deep Purple. At the same time it seems that Barry Hay and George Kooymans try to imitate Robert Plant. The bass lovers should also pay attention to Rinus Gerritsen and to George Kooymans for his guitar playing. By the way, John Bonham influences can also clearly see in the Cesar Zuiderwijk drumming style.

The album begins wisely with "Yellow And Blue", a folky title dear to Kooymans. The acoustic guitar and the ambient flute work confirm their standing in psychedelic with a bluesy style. But, as soon as the second title, we get to the heart of the matter with "The Loner" where the guitar riff is heavy and the bass has a bass sound. "This Is The Time Of The Year" is more melodic, in turn angry and softer to the psychedelic and with a throbbing chorus. "Big Tree Blue Sea" is a kind of a mid-tempo electric trip, a little bit scary and where the flute, invariably, brings us back to Jethro Tull. "The Wall Of Dolls" is a simple music piece but magnified by the echo of the guitar. It's a superb track just like "Back Home". "Back Home" is another great track in Jethro Tull's style, especially during the superb opening. They returned to folk with "See See" that combines heavy prog with rock elements, before returning to heavy riffs with "I'm Going To Send My Pigeons To The Sky". This is a wacky track reminiscent of Budgie. The final track "As Long As The Wind Blow" is an epic ride song that brilliantly closes these forty minutes of magic rock music, which at times has many prog traces.

Conclusion: "Golden Earring" is a very well balanced album. Undoubtedly, it represents one of the best albums of this classic Dutch rock band. In reality, we can't say that this is properly a truly prog rock album, but I can see prog traces on some of its tracks. It has some complicated riffs and it reminds me some other bands like Led Zeppelin, Gravy Train and even Jethro Tull. It has some great tracks and nice arrangements too. This is typically a good Golden Earring album. It's full of guitar oriented blues rock with some nice vocals. Like most of their albums it's well produced and full of quality material. There's a little psychedelic and a little prog, and a lot of rock and roll. It can be considered a classic album of the golden era of the 70's. It's recommended to anyone who wants to discover the band in their prime career.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

Latest members reviews

4 stars This is an underrated album generally, but good to see that it has good reviews and ratings on the prog-archives. This shows Dutch rockers Golden Earring had matured well from their 60's pop-rock sound. The songs are really engaging, best of all is "Big Tree, Blue Sea" which is a six minute stompe ... (read more)

Report this review (#600171) | Posted by Frankie Flowers | Saturday, December 31, 2011 | Review Permanlink

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