Search - T. Rex :: Dandy in the Underworld

The Final Bebop, Boogie And Jive

Mike B. | 09/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you buy only one T.Rex album, it should be "Electric Warrior". But may I suggest "Dandy In The Underworld" for a second purchase? For my money, it was his strongest and best effort since that groundbreaking classic. Sadly, it was also his swansong. Marc Bolan died shortly after its release in a car crash - just two weeks shy of turning 30. In death he became a legend, as forever young as James Dean.



The Bolan/ T.Rex story is well known, despite their limited stateside success. From '70 to '73, T.Rex singles and albums dominated the British charts. T.Rextasy (as it was dubbed) was considered the biggest thing to come along since Beatlemania. Even Ringo Starr fell for the hype, and filmed the band in concert at the height of fan hysteria (see the "Born To Boogie" DVD).



So, what was it all about? Slinky, strutting, 3-minute rockers that wedded Chuck Berry/ Eddie Cochran backbeats and riffs to cosmic, mythological lyrics. Catchy as all-get-out. Satin clothes, glitter, and a stovepipe top hat. It was the birth of glam rock, and a whole lot of fun. Ultimately, Bolan lost the race to his friend and rival David Bowie. While Bowie kept the press intrigued with new personas and forays into other sounds, Bolan struggled to remain relevant. He tried injecting some funk and wailing female backing vocalists for a while, but was generally viewed as an artist who had lost his way and seen better days. In 1977 Bolan stopped trying to force change on himself, and embraced his strengths. That's precisely why "Dandy In The Underworld" is so enjoyable. It's a return to form, and he sounds completely comfortable. There's not one bad song. The album was favorably reviewed, and Marc began hosting a TV music show. Until fate intervened, all signs pointed toward a successful comeback.



Disc Two of this reissue is comprised of demos, out-takes, and a few "live" performances. They're all sequenced to replicate the running order of Disc One. We get to hear the songs in their formative stages. Most aren't as good as the finished product, but several are outstanding. The slower, longer "Soul Of My Suit" is one, and the concert recording of "Hang-Ups" is even better than the studio version. I also prefer the demos of "City Port", "Tame My Tiger", and "Celebrate Summer". On the completed takes (which are bonus tracks on Disc One) it sounded like he was trying too hard to fit in with the then-emerging punk scene.



I miss Marc Bolan, but I'm thrilled he went out on a high note with such a great album. Rock music doesn't get more fun than "Dandy In The Underworld".

"

Marc's last effort was really great.

amsc76 | 09/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Stand-out tracks include "Crimson Moon", "Dandy In The Underworld", "Teen Riot Structure", "Visions of Domino", "The Soul of my Suit" and b-side "Celebrate Summer". Though I bought the Rhino 2-disc edition try to get a hold of the Edsel release (cardboard digipak is thicker and thus more lasting). Don't miss the alternate version of Soul of My Suit as recorded live for british tv's "Get It Together" show."

This Cd is incredible...

Old Fan | Corvallis, Oregon United States | 11/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wasn't a big T rex fan, born in 1954, but always loved "Jeepster" and "Bang a Gong" But I'm just now starting to hear a lot or Bolan's music. I bought "Electric Warrior" and this CD. I like "Electric Warrior"...but when I heard this CD I clicked with it immediately. I love it! And find myself listening to it over and over...I just did this review to say that I much prefer this CD much more than "Electric Warrior". A lot more."