Marc Bolan – The Words And Music Of Marc Bolan 1947 - 1977

Marc Bolan – The Words And Music Of Marc Bolan 1947–1977

Originally released in 1978, The Words And Music Of Marc Bolan 1947–1977 is a landmark posthumous double-LP collection spanning the remarkable career of Marc Bolan, from his mid-1960s work with John's Children and the acoustic psychedelia of Tyrannosaurus Rex through to the electrifying glam-rock success of T. Rex. The compilation was assembled by producer Tony Visconti and Steve Dixon, bringing together key recordings from several distinct stages of Bolan's musical development.

The first record concentrates heavily on the mystical, stripped-back sound of Tyrannosaurus Rex, beginning with John's Children's “Desdemona” before moving into Bolan's extraordinary sequence of late-1960s acoustic recordings. “Debora,” “One Inch Rock,” “Stacey Grove,” “Eastern Spell,” “Salamanda Palaganda,” “Cat Black (The Wizard's Hat)” and “She Was Born To Be My Unicorn” capture the fantastical imagery, acoustic guitar, percussion and distinctive vocal style that established Bolan as one of Britain's most original psychedelic songwriters.

The transition towards T. Rex becomes increasingly apparent with “Great Horse,” “Elemental Child” and the superb “Cosmic Dancer.” The second record then moves decisively into the electric era, featuring “King Of The Rumbling Spires,” “Beltane Walk,” “Ride A White Swan,” “Hot Love,” “Get It On” and “Jeepster.” Together these recordings document the transformation of Bolan's sound from underground psychedelic folk into the flamboyant, guitar-driven glam rock that would make T. Rex one of the defining British bands of the early 1970s.

The compilation's most intriguing inclusion is “The Children Of Rarn Suite,” occupying almost the entire final side. Originally recorded as a 1971 demo, the extended piece was subsequently developed with strings by Tony Visconti and included here as previously unreleased material. Its inclusion gives the collection a fascinating glimpse into Bolan's songwriting beyond the familiar hit singles and provides a substantial closing statement to the compilation.

With material recorded across the 1960s and early 1970s, The Words And Music Of Marc Bolan 1947–1977 offers a concise musical history of one of British rock's most influential figures. From the whimsical acoustic world of Tyrannosaurus Rex to the glittering glam-rock anthems of T. Rex, the collection features “Ride A White Swan,” “Hot Love,” “Get It On,” “Jeepster” and “Cosmic Dancer” alongside deeper cuts and the rare Children Of Rarn suite. For collectors of Marc Bolan and T. Rex, it is an important period-spanning compilation that captures the evolution of Bolan's distinctive songwriting, imagery and sound.

Tracklist

Side A

1. John's Children – Desdemona – 2:24
2. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Debora – 3:09
3. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Strange Orchestras – 1:43
4. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Child Star – 2:46
5. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Afghan Woman – 2:52
6. Tyrannosaurus Rex – One Inch Rock – 1:41
7. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Stacey Grove – 1:54
8. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Eastern Spell – 1:37
9. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Salamanda Palaganda – 2:10

Side B

1. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Cat Black (The Wizard's Hat) – 2:39
2. Tyrannosaurus Rex – She Was Born To Be My Unicorn – 2:36
3. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Warlord Of The Royal Crocodiles – 2:10
4. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Woodland Bop – 1:35
5. Tyrannosaurus Rex – By The Light Of A Magical Moon – 2:48
6. T. Rex – Great Horse – 1:43
7. T. Rex – Elemental Child – 5:29
8. T. Rex – Cosmic Dancer – 4:25

Side C

1. Tyrannosaurus Rex – King Of The Rumbling Spires – 2:07
2. T. Rex – Beltane Walk – 2:26
3. T. Rex – Ride A White Swan – 2:15
4. T. Rex – Hot Love – 4:56
5. T. Rex – Get It On – 4:23
6. T. Rex – Jeepster – 4:10

Side D

1. Tyrannosaurus Rex – Frowning Atahuallpa (My Inca Love) – 0:53
2. T. Rex – The Children Of Rarn Suite – 15:44