Description

Marc Bolan -Beginning Of Doves – Compact Disc

Marc Bolan’s The Beginning of Doves, released in 1974, is a compilation of early recordings that captures Bolan’s pre-glam rock period, showcasing his formative years as an artist before he rose to fame with T. Rex. The album includes demos, acoustic tracks, and some early electric work recorded between 1966 and 1967, providing insight into Bolan’s evolution as a musician and songwriter. Originally unreleased, these tracks offer a rare glimpse into Bolan’s early experimentation with folk, pop, and proto-psychedelia, long before he became known as a pioneer of glam rock.

The music on The Beginning of Doves is far removed from the electrified glam rock sound that would later define T. Rex. Here, Bolan leans into acoustic arrangements, reflective lyrics, and a folk-inspired sound, revealing his early fascination with mysticism, fantasy, and surreal imagery. His voice is delicate, almost ethereal, often accompanied only by acoustic guitar, lending the tracks a raw, intimate quality. Themes in these songs often revolve around fantastical stories, poetic lyrics, and introspective musings, foreshadowing the lyrical style that Bolan would bring to his later work.

The collection also hints at Bolan’s budding interest in rock and psychedelia, with tracks that combine catchy melodies with unconventional structures and chord progressions. His guitar playing, while understated, has a distinct rhythmic quality that would later become a hallmark of T. Rex’s sound. The Beginning of Doves highlights Bolan’s lyrical imagination and his exploration of mystical themes, drawing on influences from beat poetry to surrealist art, which would remain constant throughout his career.

Notable Tracks

‘Jasper C. Debussy’ – One of the standout tracks, this song demonstrates Bolan’s flair for whimsical storytelling. Its lyrics are playful, mixing surreal imagery with folk rhythms, showing Bolan’s unique approach to lyricism and narrative.

‘The Lilac Hand of Menthol Dan’ – This track reveals Bolan’s surrealist leanings, with lyrics that paint vivid, dreamlike scenes. The acoustic arrangement highlights his folk influences and his fascination with mystical themes.

‘Hippy Gumbo’ – An early attempt at a pop single, ‘Hippy Gumbo’ has a catchy melody and memorable chorus. The lyrics explore the counterculture with a satirical twist, showing Bolan’s talent for catchy pop hooks even in his early years.

‘Sarah Crazy Child’ – This track has a haunting quality, with Bolan’s vocals and acoustic guitar evoking a melancholic feel. The song’s minimalism and introspective lyrics make it one of the more intimate pieces in the collection.

‘One Inch Rock’ – A precursor to T. Rex’s later rockier sound, this song has a playful rhythm and catchy melody. Its lighthearted lyrics and bouncy feel hint at the upbeat energy Bolan would bring to his glam rock era.

‘Mustang Ford’ – An early rock-oriented song, ‘Mustang Ford’ stands out with its rhythmic guitar work and faster pace. It’s one of the tracks that hints at Bolan’s eventual transition from folk to rock.

The production on The Beginning of Doves is sparse, preserving the lo-fi quality of the original demos and recordings. This stripped-back approach emphasizes the rawness of Bolan’s early work, allowing his voice and guitar to take center stage. The sound is intimate and unpolished, reflecting the simplicity of the original recording setup and Bolan’s folk-inspired approach to songwriting during this period. Producer Simon Napier-Bell, who briefly managed Bolan during the mid-60s, compiled these recordings after Bolan had become a star, offering fans an intimate look into his creative development.

The Beginning of Doves gained appreciation from fans and collectors as an important document of Bolan’s early career. For many, the album offers a fascinating contrast to the glam rock anthems that Bolan would later produce, showcasing his development as a songwriter and his initial forays into the music industry. The collection provides insight into the lyrical and thematic elements that would shape Bolan’s work, from his fascination with fantasy to his knack for catchy, unconventional melodies.

Today, The Beginning of Doves is valued as a glimpse into the early artistry of Marc Bolan, revealing the seeds of his unique musical vision. It remains an essential listen for fans of Bolan and T. Rex, highlighting the journey of an artist who would go on to influence generations with his blend of rock, mysticism, and pop sensibility. For those interested in the roots of one of glam rock’s most iconic figures, this compilation is an intimate look at the creative beginnings of Marc Bolan.

Track Listing

1. Jasper C Debussy
2. Hippy Gumbo*
3. Misfit*
4. The Lilac Hand Of Menthol Dan
5. Black And White Incident
6. Jasmine ’49
7. 7 Cat Black
8. You Got The Power
9. Eastern Spell
10. Charloe
11. I’m Weird*
12. Pictures Of Purpose People
13. Horrible Breath*
14. Hippy Gumbo (Alternatative version)
15. Mustang Ford
16. Hot Rod Mama*
17. Observations
18. The Perfumed Garden Of Gulliver Smith
19. Rings Of Fortune
20. Sarah Crazy Child
21. Lunacy’s Back*
22. Misty Mist (Highways)
23. Beyond The Rising Sun*
24. One Inch Rock
25. Sleepy Maurice*
26. Jasper C Debussy*
27. Hot Rod Mama (Alternative version)
28. The Beginning Of Doves
29. Sally Was An Angel
30. Lunacy’s Back (alternative version)
31. Beyond The Rising Sun (Alternative version)
32. Observations (Alternative version)*
33. Hippy Gumbo (Alternative version 2)*
34. Misfit (Alternative version)*
35. Jasper C Debussy (Alternative version)*
36. Observations (Alternative version 2)
37. Hippy Gumbo (Alternative version 3)*