Description
Tyrannosaurus Rex – A Beard Of Stars – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Tyrannosaurus Rex’s A Beard of Stars, released in 1970, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the British band, which was later known as T. Rex. This fourth album by Tyrannosaurus Rex was led by Marc Bolan and marks the last under the name Tyrannosaurus Rex before the band’s transition to the glam rock sound that would define T. Rex. The album introduces electric guitar into their predominantly acoustic, folk-inspired style and showcases Bolan’s gradual shift from mystical, folk-oriented music toward a more electrified, rock-driven approach.
A Beard of Stars was recorded after the departure of original percussionist Steve Peregrin Took and the arrival of percussionist Mickey Finn. Finn’s presence brought a more rhythmic, polished sound that paired well with Bolan’s expansion into electric instrumentation. This album explores themes of mysticism, nature, and fantasy, while Bolan’s lyrical style remains poetic and deeply imaginative, characteristics that had defined Tyrannosaurus Rex’s earlier records.
The album includes songs like “Pavilions of Sun” and “A Day Laye,” which reflect Bolan’s characteristic blend of fantastical storytelling and intricate guitar work. Tracks such as “Great Horse” and the album’s title track, ‘A Beard of Stars,’ highlight his experimentation with electric guitar, adding a heavier, layered texture to the songs while retaining the ethereal, lyrical quality of his acoustic work. This change is particularly evident in “Elemental Child,” where Bolan embraces full-on electric guitar distortion, foreshadowing the heavier, glam rock style that would later come to define T. Rex.
The album’s softer songs, such as ‘Wind Cheetah’ and ‘Lofty Skies,’ maintain a dreamy, psychedelic feel, showcasing Bolan’s skill at crafting melodic, intimate compositions. Finn’s bongo-based percussion complements the ethereal quality of these songs, supporting Bolan’s voice and guitar with a steady, organic rhythm.
Produced by Tony Visconti, a long-time collaborator of Bolan’s, A Beard of Stars blends acoustic and electric elements seamlessly. Visconti’s production emphasizes both clarity and texture, allowing Bolan’s vocals and guitar work to stand out while enhancing the overall atmosphere with a sense of depth and resonance. The production choice to include electric guitar while maintaining an acoustic foundation exemplifies the transitional nature of the album, straddling the line between Tyrannosaurus Rex’s folk-psych roots and the emerging glam rock sound.
A Beard of Stars is often seen as a bridge between two eras of Marc Bolan’s music: the mystical, folky sound of Tyrannosaurus Rex and the glam rock style that would dominate T. Rex. This album captures Bolan’s transformation, showcasing his early experimentation with rock sounds that would later lead to hits like “Get It On” and “Jeepster.” For fans and newcomers alike, A Beard of Stars is a unique album that highlights the poetic and innovative spirit of Marc Bolan during a formative period in his career.
The album holds a special place in the psychedelic and folk-rock canon and is celebrated for its imaginative lyrics, innovative sound, and the transition it represents in Bolan’s career. With A Beard of Stars, Tyrannosaurus Rex closed one chapter and opened another, leading to the glam rock explosion that Bolan and T. Rex would soon inspire.
Plus download code
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Prelude
A Daye Laye
Woodland Bop
Fist Heart Mighty Dawn Dart
Pavilions Of Sun
Organ Blues
By The Light Of A Magical Moon
Wind Cheetah
A Beard Of Stars
Great Horse
Dragon’s Ear
Lofty Skies
Dove
Elemental Child
