Imagine London in the 70s, imagine The Beatles coming to an end. The world was ready for something new. Glam Rock is a combination of Rock N’ Roll with high enerygy guitars and an androgynous style.
Marc Bolan had a band around 1967 called Tyrannosaurus Rex but quickly dismantled to an acoustic duo in 1968. So far his only bit of success was to date June Child, the ex-girlfriend of Syd Barret. But he will soon have his moment.
In October 1970 Marc Bolan made its breakthrough with his single “Ride a white swan”. This song is known as the firt Glam Rock hit. The song was in the top of the U.K. charts by early 1971.
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All of the sudden Glam Rock was there. Bolan’s wardrobe, makeup and sex-appeal made him an instant star among the youth that was not satisified with what The Beatles left and what the Punk movement had to offer. They needed another way to rebel against the stablishment and not being a hippie. Bolan continued his meteoric career to the point that in 1972 he boastd the same fanatical popularity as The Beatles did with teenagers.
Bolan’s second big hit is called “Hot Love” in March 1971.
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After that a well known hit by everyone is “Get it on”. This is one of the songs that you will say “Oh i didn’t know it was him!”
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Finally in Septemeber of 1972 he released one of my favorite songs “Children of the Revolution”.
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Bolan’s work inspired the works of David Bowie, Roxy Music, Slade, Alice Cooper but that will be for a later post.
In the meantime I recommend to get at least The Very Best of T.Rex since it is a great album.
pol