GOLDEN EARRING – Switch (1975)

The follow up to GOLDEN EARRING‘s breakthrough album in North America (Moontan from 1973), was Switch, released in March of ’75. With the success of Moontan, and particularly the hit “Radar Love” in North America, the Dutch band toured more in the US and Canada, and a follow-up album would’ve been highly anticipated. Switch was the band’s 10th album, and would be given a big promotional push (see below) from MCA, likely with big expectations. As the title Switch – Golden Earring would make a few switches, including adding a keyboard player, a couple of guest players, and in direction with a more pop and experimental record. Keyboard player Robert Jan Stips was listed as a bandmember, having left Dutch prog band Supersister, and guests Eelco Geiling (slide guitar) and Bertus Borgers (sax) – both of whom guested on Moontan, as well as George Kooymans solo project ‘Jojo‘.

While Moontan featured the classic cover photo by Ronnie Hertz in a gatefold sleeve, Switch came in a single sleeve with cover featuring a drawing of wooden puppet on a string in distress (with a few strings broken), done by Corstiaan de Vries – who was best known for his portraits, and had worked on costumes and sets in the Rotterdam ballet. I think it’s a great cover, with a white backing, lyrics and band pics inserted. Songs for Switch would be mainly shorter and more varied, almost as if the band was really looking for a hit single. Things start out promising with the “Intro”, with synths soaring overtop, kinda reminiscent of more progressive bands like Pink Floyd or Eloy; this couples with the upbeat largely instrumental rock of “Plus Minus Absurdio”, with the words being repeated in the song. “Love Is A Rodeo” kicks off with a classic riff from George Kooymans, and this this track is a cool rocker; dig the backing vocals on the chorus, and the organ and keyboards throughout this one. Would’ve made a fine single. Perhaps the album’s best known cuts would be the singles – “The Switch”, and “Kill Me (Ce Soir)”, both very different to anything the band had done before. “Kill Me” told the tale of an activist rock star’s assassination – “Vick Timms…a vague tribute to Jim Morrison”. Interesting that the single is titled “Ce Soir”, while the album track is titled “Kill Me (Ce Soir)”, great vocals from Barry Hay. The title track dealt with various things that can be switched, and is one of my favorite here, with various changes, and use of piano, synths, and George Kooymans’ solos that highlight this recording (unfortunately, much of this was chopped off for the single edit). I gotta say I kind of prefer a few of the live recorded versions out there from the ensuing tour.

Side 2 features the reggae influenced “Tons Of Time”; a good tune and interesting, with a few changes, and a very cool synth & guitar break. This one was released as a single in some territories as well. “Daddy’s Gonna Save My Soul” a tale of a rich kid who’s tycoon father is going to save him. Also memorable for Bertus Borgers’ epic sax solo. Another favorite here is “Troubles & Hassles”, another rocker, with some lighter piano moments and a killer solo. Switch ends with “Lonesome DJ”, a story of a disc jockey reaching out to an ex girlfriend, hoping she’s still tuned in. The first part of the song (w/ George Kooymans’ lead vocal) is a ballad based on piano and lighter guitar, with a good vocal & harmony blend. The song’s 2nd movement rocks, featuring more piano and Hammond organ coming to the end; musically this part of the song reminds me of “Monster” by Steppenwolf (anyone else?). This is another that I think would’ve made a fine single, and perhaps one that would still get air-play. What I really like about this album is the overall sound and production; with the keyboards giving it a much more modern sound and the album sounding ahead of it’s time and still fresh. Although I enjoy the whole album, I think it lacked that epic follow up single to “Radar Love”. Most of this album would feature in the band’s live show at various times over the next year + , including the B-side “Lucky Number” (see the few live recordings on Youtube), but nothing from Switch would wind up on the band’s classic Live album!

In the band’s homeland, Switch topped the charts, but in North America it didn’t measure up to Moontan, just breaking the Top 100 in Canada (#79), and not even breaking the US Billboard’s top 100. The band would continue to change with their next few albums, and this most adventurous and enjoyable record seems to get mixed reviews by fans. A shame Switch wasn’t huge for Golden Earring over hear, despite it’s differences and lack of success, I think it makes for essential ’70s rock listening. As a ‘newer’ fan to Golden Earring, I’d like to hear what longtime fans thought of this album at the time and where it ranks amongst the band’s many studio recordings.

Major MCA Push For Earring
HOLLYWOOD – Rick Frio, MCA vice president of marketing, has announced a promotion and sales campaign to coincide with the March release of Golden Earring’s track/MCA LP “Switch” and with the Dutch rock group’s concert tour of the U.S. set for spring. MCA has prepared radio spots for airing in key markets. In addition, print ads will appear in all major trade and consumer publications to tie in with Golden Earring’s American tour dates. T-shirts, iron-ons, stickers and posters are also being prepared. In-store and window displays will be shipped to key dealers and a billboard on Sunset Blvd. will announce the release of Golden Earring’s LP, “Switch.” Golden Earring is set to begin their 21/2 month -long tour April 3. The band will headline concerts in 21 cities. (CashBox News, )3-08-75)

New Earring Single
HOLLYWOOD – Rick Frio, MCA vice president of marketing, has announced that a single, “Ce Soir,” by recording group Golden Earring, will be released in February, prior to the release of Golden Earring’s second Track/MCA LP, “Switch.” Golden Earring’s first Track/MCA album, “Moontan,” was certified gold by the R.I.A.A. in 1974. (CashBox, 02-22-75)

New Earring Single
LOS ANGELES – MCA Records is rush – releasing the single, “Switch,” from Golden Earring’s album of the same name. Shipping date is set for May 7. Golden Earring is currently on tour in the United States to support their album. The Dutch group is selling out in many areas requiring the addition of second shows. (CashBox, 05-03-75)

GOLDEN EARRING – Switch. Track Super 2406 117.
Production: Golden Earring – Currently touring in Britain, Golden Earring is a very accomplished band, and this album will go a long way towards proving to executive producer Freddy Haayen that they are in line for public recognition in Britain. A single from the album, Kill Me (Ce Soir) has been lifted as a single, and the company are hoping it will give them their second hit in the UK. following on from Radar Love. Production work is superb, and adds weight to an excitingly programmed collection. (Music Week, May 3, 1975)

GOLDEN EARRING, “SWITCH.” Dutch delights further their Track tradition on this second label release, as Barry Hay’s onstage eroticism grabs hold of vinyl too. The selections are heavy metal movers spiced with the quintet’s dramatic flavor, as the exciting “Love Is a Rodeo,” “Troubles & Hassles” and “Kill Me (Ce Soir)” tunefully testify. Track/MCA-2139 (Record World, 03-22-75).

SWITCH – Golden Earring – MCA MCA -2139 – Producers: Golden Earring
Another smash disc from this heavy metal band from Holland. Tight vocal harmonies and excellent musicianship highlight this follow-up to
their first top album. Heavy FM airplay is un – doubtable for this one. Of the eight selections on this record we especially like “Intro/Plus Minus
Absurdio,” “The Switch,” and the current single “Kill Me (Ce Soir).” We predict to be hearing a lot of this group in the future. (CashBox, 03-22-75)

LINKS: