T. Rex - The Peel Sessions

Although it only clocks in at barely over 15 minutes, T. Rex's Peel Sessions is an important landmark in the group's career, since it marks the precise moment when ex-folk hippie Marc Bolan transformed into a rampaging glam rock n' roller. It was recorded in late 1970, right before T. Rex-mania swept England, and when the group was still just a duo (Bolan on guitar/vocals and Mickey Finn on percussion). While the 4-cut EP contains T. Rex's first true hit ("Ride A White Swan") and a popular album track ("Jewel"), it is the elongated "Elemental Child" which proves to be the album's surprise highlight. It features a long, wailing Marc Bolan guitar solo, which contains phrases from the future hit, "Jeepster," and shows that he could certainly hold his own on the six-string. "Sun Eye" is a throw-back to the band's folk days, with a gentle vocal melody and acoustic guitar strumming. T. Rex freaks will certainly want to track down a copy of this brief Holland import.

1. Jewel
2. Ride a White Swan
3. Elemental Child
4. Sun Eye

Marc Bolan
Mickey Finn

Recorded October 27, 1970
Broadcast November 7, 1970