GOLDEN EARRING [AKA: WALL OF DOLLS]

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.