Eagles: Hotel California

Hotel California is a classic rock/country rock album that has withstood the test of time as well as any. One of the top selling albums of all time, Hotel California carries forward the lyrical skills the band exhibited on their previous releases, but takes their work a step further with more rock based and electrified songs.

Given there are over 200 reissues to choose from, it is easier to find a bad one than good. The first press or original release of this album is one of the better versions of this record. The "audiophile" releases of Hotel California by DCC Compact Classics, a Steve Hoffman company, is probably the best version available to date. It performs well in most areas and all songs. It has warmth and presence, it is a very detailed pressing and quiet, it manages the crashing cymbals and highs better than most, the bass thumps just enough, and the vocals sit nicely in the middle where they should. Many who have attempted an audiophile release of this iconic record have failed. DCC succeeded.

TRACK LIST
1. Hotel California
2. New Kid in Town
3. Life in the Fast Lane
4. Wasted Time
5. Wasted Time (reprise)
6. Victim of Love
7. Pretty Maids All in a Row
8. Try and Love Again
9. The Last Resort

This version of Hotel California is one of the best available. Is it worth the price flippers are asking? Given a great pressing is hard to find, maybe. The RTI version is another recommended option. It comes close to matching the DCC Compact Classics release. If neither are in your budget, the next best option for the money may be an original release from 1976. 💰
 
💰 Invest
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💸 Pass