Tyrannosaurus Rex
A Beard of Stars - Regal Zonophone 1970
Tracks: 1. Prelude / 2. A Day Laye / 3. Woodland Bop / 4. Fist Heart Mighty Dawn Dart / 5. Pavilions of Sun / 6. Organ Blues / 7. By the Light of a Magical Moon / 8. Wind Cheetah / 9. A Beard of Stars / 10. Great Horse / 11. Dragon's Ear / 12. Lofty Skies / 13. Dove / 14. Elemental Child
Comments:
"A Beard of Stars" from 1970 was Marc Bolan’s last original album released as Tyrannosaurus Rex. Mickey Finn was a new partner for Bolan but also look at other ways you see the contours of the upcoming T Rex, that would change Bolan's hippie status to a glamrock star. You’ll notice the electric guitar on several tracks, giving a significantly different mood compared to the previous albums which were dominated by acoustic guitars and conga drums.
On the other hand, there is still a lot about the classic Tyrannosaurus Rex sound, and nothing that would have suited albums like "Electric Warrior" and "The Slider". Not least a full drum kit. Also the songwriting and the arrangements lack the tightness and finish which characterize T.Rex's best period.
The highlights for me are, in particular, "By the Light of the Magical Moon", "Woodland Bop", "Lofty Skies" and of course the opening sequence "Prelude / A Day Laye".
As a whole, there are still too many "loose" songs to make this a really successful album; it is, however, a clear step in the right direction.
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