This
15 track CD includes the complete studio recording of T.Rex's
10th hit single, The Groover,
which clocks in at 5 minutes and 14 seconds, and finds the
band rocking well past the fade found on the original single.
On
the raw working version of the bands third No.1, Telegram
Sam, Marc declares 'Me I *£%!, but
I don't care' ~ didn't you wish he'd said that on the
original 7"? However, the similarly descriptive word 'funk'
replaced the expletive on the final version.
An
entirely new set of lyrics are presented in the pre-punk-rock-a-boogie
Fast Blues (Easy Action),
driven by some dynamic slide guitar ~ the final version was
indeed Solid Gold, reaching No. 2.
Recorded
during the same session, the working version of Silver
Lady (re-titled Dreamy Lady), and the mysteriously
abandoned Christmas Bop
both share 'they should have been hits' status and deliciously
dominant seductive keyboard melodies. These pop delights are
crushed by the monstrous brawl of Children
Of The Revolution ~ over 12 minutes long and
crammed with guitar solos, phrases and riffs. The legendary
Flo and Eddie sound more like they're undertaking Primal Scream
therapy than backing vocals, but whatever the session was
for, it was definitely fun!
Star
tracks of this release will surely be the heart breaking The
Soul Of My Suit ~ 'You damaged the soul
of my suit, you pulled my love out by the roots', which
features Bolan giving a tutorial to the band about his complex
but emotive arrangement, and the mightiest version of 20th
Century Boy you'll ever hear. Nothing can prepare
you for the abounding energy that drives this track, like
The Groover, well
past it's fade point. Direct from the master tape and unheard
for almost 30 years, over 2 ½ minutes of hard rock from the
'Artist Formerly Known As Pop', takes this track to over 6
minutes!
An
essential package, not only for every Bolan fan, but also
for anyone who wants to hear a passionate, hard-working, and
vibrant Artist, who infused energy and humour into his work,
and to experience the glorious process of creation for some
of the greatest singles to come out of England during the
70's.
