Thank you for the support, TH. Did I leave out 'self' or 'over-indulgent'? What's the matter with me? I see those adjective as terms of endearment. This is what The NME Book of Rock said of Jimi Hendrix's Voodoo Chile from Electric Ladyland (1968), 'Criticised on release for apparent untogetherness and self-indulgence, Voodoo Chile was later accepted as one of his greatest achievements.' If Jimi Hendrix was regarded as self-indulgent, it's good enough for me and ELP!
US, your comments on my writing about ELP nearly brought a tear to my eye (I'm serious). Re Golden Earring, I recommend Moontan, of which there are two versions, and Live (1977) as essential. Make sure you hear
the US version of Moontan as it has Big Tree, Blue Sea, from an earlier album, and leaves off the mediocre Suzy Lunacy. This configuration of Moontan, NOT the original, was a masterstroke from someone at the record company. Just Like Vince Taylor is pretty good, but the live version is much better anyway. The Contraband and Bloody Buccaneers albums are both strong. Earring's only weak album, in my view, is the new one, Tits 'n' Ass.
Tracklist for the US Version of Moontan - Recommended
1. Radar Love (6:24)
2. Candy's Going Bad (6:12)
3. Vanilla Queen (9:20)
4. Big Tree, Blue Sea (8:13)
5. Are You Receiving Me (9:32)
Confusingly, this is also the track listing for the original UK vinyl and cassette release, as well as early US LP pressings. The US version of the album was originally issued with the UK 'exotic dancer' cover, but it was quickly withdrawn and replaced with the literal 'earring' design. This later cover survived the CD release, so remember, bad cover = great album.
Moontan Original Tracklist (European/ UK version) - Not recommended until you've heard the above version
1. Candy's Going Bad (6:12)
2. Are You Receiving Me (9:31)
3. Suzy Lunacy (Mental Rock) (4:24)
4. Radar Love (6:23)
5. Just Like Vince Taylor (4:33)
6. Vanilla Queen (9:16)
Contraband, known as Mad Love in the US:
Live:
Bloody Buccaneers:
