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Sunday, May 17, 2015

"Twilight Zone" by Golden Earring

Top 10 Alert!
Song#:  1260
Date:  11/27/1982
Debut:  80
Peak:  10
Weeks:  27
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  Extremely popular in their home country of the Netherlands, this rock band would only manage to grab a couple of major hits in the US. They began hitting the Dutch charts in 1965 and gathered 16 Top 10 singles before they finally had a breakthrough in the US. In 1974, "Radar Love" became their first US hit reaching #13. It seemed like they were on their way to major stardom in the States, however they were unable to produce a successful follow-up. They were once again locked out of the US charts while continuing their superstar status at home. Eight years later, the band got a second chance to rally American audiences. This first single from their "Cut" album became a rock radio smash reaching #1. Pop radio followed and after a long climb the single just made it into the Top 10. But like before, the fire they lit with this single burned out quickly and it would be their last major hit in the States.

ReduxReview:  I was so disappointed when this came out. I love the "Twilight Zone" TV show and The Manhattan Transfer's "Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone" song, so I thought a rock tune based on the "Twilight Zone" was going to be awesome! On my first listen I was like....what the eff? It was not what I expected at all. Therefore, I basically hated it and ignored it. They ruined "Twilight Zone!" Well, that was a little harsh. I've relented since then and can appreciate this song now. I haven't listened to much from the band but should. I'm curious to find out what some of their other material is like and why they didn't fully catch on in the US.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  By 1970, the band had four members - three originals and one new addition. This lineup would remain intact from that point through to today. There would be additional members that would come and go, but the main four have stayed together.

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