Golden Earring - To the Hilt (1976) Vinyl LP • Sleepwalkin', Progressive Rock

Catalog Number: MCA-2183

Record Grading: Near Mint (NM or M-), Sleeve Grading: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Condition Details:

Photo/lyric insert included. Vinyl plays nicely (play-graded). Cover has a few creases near edges; scuffing, surface abrasions (front/back). Inner-sleeve is original (mca logo). Spine is easy-to-read with mild-wear and some small splits. Shelf-wear along top/bottom-edge and corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and divots. (Not a cut-out.)

Tracks:

• Why Me?
• Facedancer
• To The Hilt
• Nomad
• Sleep Walkin'
• Latin Lightnin'
• Violins

About The Record:

To the Hilt, by Golden Earring, released in January 1976 by the Dutch rock band on Polydor Records, marked a shift to progressive, keyboard-driven sounds compared to their guitar-heavy Moontan from 1973. The album featured the classic lineup—Barry Hay (vocals), George Kooymans (guitar/vocals), Rinus Gerritsen (bass), Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums), and keyboardist Robert Jan Stips—incorporating synthesizers and intricate arrangements with a prog rock flair. Historically notable as one of their most experimental works following the global success of Radar Love, it earned positive reviews but saw limited commercial success, particularly in the U.S., reflecting the band’s challenge to sustain international momentum. The lead single, Sleepwalkin’, reached No. 5 in the Netherlands but lacked broader chart impact, while tracks like Nomad and Violins stood out as progressive highlights. The non-album single Kill Me (Ce Soir) from 1975’s Switch gained later significance through a cover by Iron Maiden, highlighting Golden Earring’s influence on heavy metal.