1. Hotel California (6:35)
2. New Kid In Town (5:05)
3. Life In The Fast Lane (4:49)
4. Wasted Time (5:00)
5. Wasted Time (Reprise) (1:25)
6. Victim Of Love (4:10)
7. Pretty Maids All In A Row (4:11)
8. Try And Love Again (5:15)
9. The Last Resort (7:31)
Hotel California dürfte das beste Album der Band gewesen sein und es unterstrich den Anspruch der Band auf große Aussagen. Das Titelstück spiegelt den Gedanken des verlorenen Paradieses in Kalifornien wider. Das musikalische Bild wird von punktierten, perlenden E-Gitarren und einer dramatischen Perkussion bestimmt. Dazu kommt die wohl berühmteste Textzeile: "You Can Check Out Any Time You Like, But You Can Never Leave". "New Kid In Town" war von gleicher Qualität, wenngleich auch mehr die traditionelle Eagles-Ballade. "Life In The Fast Lane" versuchte Hardrock zu sein, verschoß aber sein Pulver, ohne richtig abzuheben. Der Rest geht in Ordnung, war aber im Grunde nicht mehr als zweite Wahl, die man eben auf dem Album noch unterbringen mußte. Mit Hotel California festigten sie ihren Ruf als Supergruppe der 70er Jahre. --John Milward
Audio
Obwohl das Hotel California klanglich nie wohnlicher wirkte, wurde das Goldstück der Eagles gestrichen - weil die Lizenz von DCC auslief.
© Audio
Stereoplay
Duch Hoffmans Remastering schimmern die Akustikgitarren der Eagles auf "Hotel California" noch seidiger, sie sind räumlich deutlicher separiert, der Baß reicht tiefer herab, und die Stimmen klingen naürlicher. ** Klang.: 08-09
© Stereoplay
| Review | by William Ruhlmann |
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The Eagles took 18 months between their fourth and fifth albums, reportedly spending eight months in the studio recording Hotel California. The album was also their first to be made without Bernie Leadon, who had given the band much of its country flavor, and with rock guitarist Joe Walsh. As a result, the album marks a major leap for the Eagles from their earlier work, as well as a stylistic shift toward mainstream rock. An even more important aspect, however, is the emergence of Don Henley as the band's dominant voice, both as a singer and a lyricist. On the six songs to which he contributes, Henley sketches a thematic statement that begins by using California as a metaphor for a dark, surreal world of dissipation; comments on the ephemeral nature of success and the attraction of excess; branches out into romantic disappointment; and finally sketches a broad, pessimistic history of America that borders on nihilism. Of course, the lyrics kick in some time after one has appreciated the album's music, which marks a peak in the Eagles' playing. Early on, the group couldn't rock convincingly, but the rhythm section of Henley and Meisner has finally solidified, and the electric guitar work of Don Felder and Joe Walsh has arena-rock heft. In the early part of their career, the Eagles never seemed to get a sound big enough for their ambitions; after changes in producer and personnel, as well as a noticeable growth in creativity, Hotel California unveiled what seemed almost like a whole new band. It was a band that could be bombastic, but also one that made music worthy of the later tag of "classic rock," music appropriate for the arenas and stadiums the band was playing. The result was the Eagles' biggest-selling regular album release, and one of the most successful rock albums ever. THE EAGLES Hotel California (UK limited edition 'The HMV Classic Collection' box set including the 9-track CD album, a twelve page illustrated biography booklet & a letter of authenticity, all housed in a 12" square individually numbered custom stickered embossed picture box, the box is showing some discolouration from age and a little light storagewear but is otherwise in excellent shape with MINT contents within! C881-5) | |
