Transitional work that remains one of Bolan's best
Michael Topper | Pacific Palisades, California United States | 03/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although later described by Bolan as a mere "teething" album
for his newly-found electric guitar prowess, "A Beard Of Stars"
continues the high quality of songwriting found on the previous masterpiece "Unicorn". Although Steve Took's replacement Mickey Finn only provides occasional bongo and backing vocal support--making this as close to a Bolan solo record as he would come--
the results include gems such as "A Day Laye", "Pavilions Of Sun", "Wind Cheetah", "Dove" and of course "Elemental Child", which would point the way toward the future.
Overall, "Beard Of Stars" sounds like the traditional Tyrannosaurus Rex style of acoustic guitars and bongoes framing
Marc's fantasy-inspired lyrics, overlayed for the first time with electric guitars and bass. The addition of electricity made the songs more recognizably rock, and tracks like "Woodland Bop" and "Pavilions Of Sun" are exponentially more visceral than anything recorded previously, with bursts of fuzz and wah-wah guitar that explode out of the speakers. The more understandable vocals also help lilting ballads such as "A Day Laye" and "Dove" achieve classic status and presage tracks like "Life's A Gas" and "Broken-Hearted Blues". The most epic track remains the closing "Elemental Child", however, with its
magnetic opening riff and closing instrumental fireworks; although still working on his technique, the ingenius construction of the solo, the raw heat of Bolan's personality and some simple but effective psychedelic production effects combine in highly dramatic crescendos that begin to form his future "electric wizard" image in spectacular style.
This long-overdue remaster features improved sound, restored artwork and lyrics, along with bonus tracks that double the length of the original LP. Although the released versions of non-LP cuts "Once Upon The Seas Of Abyssinia" (one of the most hypnotic Tyrannosaurus tracks), "Blessed Wild Apple Girl" and "Find A Little Wood" are inexplicably missing, we do get
good alternate takes of these, along with some of the best alternate takes of the album tracks, including a superior version of "Organ Blues" and a take 1 of "Elemental Child" featuring a significantly different (and longer) solo in the second half. The differences between these early takes and the released versions are the most significant of all the Tyrannosaurus remasters, making this possibly the best of the series."
Early Marc Bolan gem finally remastered!!
Thomas Muckinhaupt | Erie, PA United States | 01/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember buying the album version on Blue Thumb in the cutout bins for around $2! This album featured one of Marc's most beautiful songs "Dove" and his first forays into electric guitar, such as the explosive "Elemental Child". The remaster sound great, much better than Castle's reissue a few years back. The bonus tracks are excellent too, such as the alternate takes of nine album cuts, plus an unreleased song "Ill Starred Man". It precedes my all time favorite T.Rex album, which is the self-titled lp. The packaging of the reissue is finally done right also, with inclusion of the lyrics and pictures from the original lp. This cd takes me back in time, and is definitely an early classic worth purchasing."
Before t. rex was t rex
Stalwart Kreinblaster | Xanadu | 02/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tyrannosaurus rex was a bizzare duo during the late 1960's and early 70's.. Consisting of Marc Bolan and steve took and later Mickey finn, the group would later transform into the glam group sensation T rex.. These early albums of tyrannosaurus rex are every bit as interesting as the later efforts of Marc bolan and t rex, they represent a strange twist of mythologic folk/rock that goes from being very basic to experimental.. Marc Bolan, the creative force behind the group had a keen sense for lyrics and poetry and also was an adept guitar player..
This reissue of Beard of Stars shows a group that is beginning to transform.. to emerge from the hippie era and to explore new territories.. It features a relaxing intro that flows right into the acoustic strummings of the second track.. one of the better openings to any album of the period.. Marc bolan's vocals are strange and beautiful.. some of the later highlights of the album include the title track and the very strange 'great horse' you can almost imagine marc bolan as some celtic bard or medaivel troubador.. but the music is something different and that is the key point to beard of stars.."
Track Listings (30) - Disc #1
