Album of the Day

Following four collections of hippie-folk under the moniker Tyrannosaurus Rex, singer-songwriter Marc Bolan and percussionist Mickey Finn shortened their name in 1970, announcing an increased focus on electric instrumentation. T. REX is a key transitional album; if still preoccupied with fantasy themes and less guitar-driven than follow-up ELECTRIC WARRIOR, Bolan's rock-star charisma is fully in place, as are producer Tony Visconti and back-up singers Flo and Eddie, who would figure prominently on future T. Rex hits. The songs are more pop-friendly than ever, with “Jewel,” “Seagull Woman” and “Beltane Walk” among the highlights (U.K. Top 10 single “Ride a White Swan” was included on the U.S. version of the album for good measure). While T. REX hints at glam-boogie glories to come, it's a thoroughly enjoyable set in its own right.