Joe Joe Don’t You Know…
I finally got around to getting a copy of T. Rex - The Slider the other day. Its a Rhino re-issue with a bonus disc of alternate versions. I haven't gotten to the second disc yet because I cannot stop listening to The Slider, I have it in the car, on the iPod working out, playing at home, non-stop. In the week I've had it I can see why I've heard so many great things about it in the past.
My favorite tracks on the album have changed several times already. In just a week its already moved way up on my all time list. I can't believe I haven't heard it until now. But, better late than never. I haven't heard the original recording, but the re-mastered version sounds amazing to me. I can hear influences in so many bands from this 1972 album. Some of the more interesting ones I've thought of are Queens of the Stonage, Thin Lizzy, Misfits and Jesus and Mary Chain among many others.
This album has a great swagger to it, it really rocks. Its also just a lot of fun, highly listenable yet also very inspired. The song-writing is amazing, Bolan's voice is so confident and soothing. It really is a good compliment to some Bowie stuff I've been listening to lately. This must be my month for glam rock.
While working out this morning I was thinking that if I were a stripper "Telegram Sam" would be the perfect song to perform to. It reminds me of some of the great Rolling Stone tracks. The saxaphone, and roaring guitars have real momentum behind them. Then I was thinking of the beginning of the lyrics to "Rabbit Fighter", so great. "Shady politician in my bed... Tying bolts of lightning to his head".
If you are like me and hadn't heard this album before, do yourself a favor and pick up the copy. Its worth the extra money for the re-issue. Once I fully absorb the original album I'll give the second disc a try.