![]() ![]() The Eagles' original recording of the song features Henley singing the lead vocals and concludes with an extended section of electric guitar interplay between Felder and Joe Walsh. Writing credits for the song are shared by Don Felder (music), Don Henley, and Glenn Frey (lyrics). From the young to the old, all over the world."Hotel California" is the title track from the Eagles' album of the same name and was released as a single in February 1977. It's a genuine smile because everyone knows this song. The friendly receptionist's eyes glaze over. Sixteen million copies have been sold.Įvery time I make the same joke when checking in at a hotel. The fact remains that Hotel California has been high up on the charts all over the world for decades. The sterile production, harmonically perfect guitar solos and heavenly harmony vocals. Hotel California represents everything that punk and new wave wanted to destroy, afterwards. The Eagles have such a typical American western sound, rooted in country music. The lively rhythm and sharp guitars evoke an ominous atmosphere behind a friendly facade (like that hotel owner's smile?). With Hotel California they explore the underbelly of success. The first five years of the 1970s were also the years for the great successes of The Eagles. After the massacres of Charles Manson and his gang, this world collapsed in one fell swoop it hardened into cynicism and suspicion. It paints a picture of the decline of flower power on America's west coast in the late 1960s. It's not possible right now, so I just have to make do with the cover of the album and imagining myself in a hotel. Going on adventures and meeting friendly people. Enjoying traveling to distant countries, to beautiful nature, to other cultures. The cover and lyrics of Hotel California appeal to the imagination, to mine as well. And no more having to smile kindly when one of the guests starts whining again." I can imagine that the average owner sometimes may think: "I hold my guests down, I gag them. Logical, usually you only stay there for a few days and then you're gone again. Supposedly personal, but essentially distant. It depends a bit on the price tag, but the concept is the same everywhere. You can check in, but you can never leave, sings Don Henley. And probably good-looking bellhops and receptionists. Luxurious rooms, nice breakfast, beautiful pool and chic bar. It looks appealing if you look at the hotel's website. It is a historic luxury hotel built in 1912. ![]() It turns out to be the Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard in the Californian city of Beverly Hills. A bit sketchy, with a sunset and palm trees. A building is depicted on the record sleeve. "Does this hotel actually exist?" I wondered. I've been trying to recreate this one for 45 years, and I'm still fumbling. ![]() And let's be honest, it's a great song with an unparalleled guitar solo. The top 5 of the Top 2000 is almost a no-brainer. They are all over the place, especially on social media. Could it be number 1 again? The Eagles' Hotel California? It's the end of the year, many are busy compiling music charts. ![]()
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