7 Inch Boogie: The Singles

In the late autumn of 1966, a young Marc Bolan released his third and final solo single before forming Tyrannosaurus Rex. “Hippy Gumbo” was a quirky, upbeat pop track with a strong beat-group feel and a touch of the whimsical, poetic style that would soon define his work with Tyrannosaurus Rex. Backed with “Misfit,” this Parlophone 7" single marked the end of Bolan’s early solo period and the beginning of his journey into the acoustic folk-rock sound that would lead to glam s

This extremely rare November 1966 EMIDISC acetate captures Marc Bolan during a transitional phase between his Mod-era recordings and the more distinctive style that would soon emerge with John's Children and, later, Tyrannosaurus Rex. Issued under the pseudonym Suzie Day, the acetate contains early recordings of "Hippy Gumbo" and "Misfit". Both titles would become important reference points in Bolan's developing songwriting catalogue and offer a fascinating glimpse into his a

This rare single-sided EMIDISC acetate preserves an early pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex recording of Hippy Gumbo, one of the most important songs from Marc Bolan's 1966 recording sessions with producer Simon Napier Bell. The acetate is particularly notable because it features an original hand-drawn doodle by Marc Bolan on the label itself, transforming the disc from a simple studio reference recording into a unique piece of Bolan memorabilia. The surviving artwork makes this one of t

This rare single-sided EMIDISC acetate preserves an early recording of Misfit, the B-side that would later accompany Hippy Gumbo on Marc Bolan's first Parlophone single. Produced by Simon Napier Bell and recorded at De Lane Lea Studios, Kingsway, London, the acetate documents Bolan's songwriting during the crucial transitional period immediately before the formation of Tyrannosaurus Rex. Together with the surviving Hippy Gumbo acetate, it forms part of an important group of s

"The Love I Thought I'd Found" was the debut UK single by John's Children, issued by Columbia Records on October 14, 1966 under catalogue number DB 8030. The group had developed from an earlier outfit formed in Great Bookham during 1965 by Chris Townson and Andy Ellison. Initially known as the Clockwork Onions, the group subsequently became the Few and then the Silence, with Geoff McClelland on guitar and John Hewlett on bass. The band's direction changed following the involv

Released in Japan during August 1966, this Victor Records single by Sylvie Vartan holds particular significance for Marc Bolan collectors because the B-side, Il Faut Trouver Son Coin De Ciel, is based on Bolan's composition Beyon' The Rising Sun. Issued only nine months after Marc Bolan had released Beyon' The Rising Sun as a B-side, the record is one of the earliest known official recordings of a Marc Bolan composition by another artist. The choice of song is especially note

Released on June 3, 1966, The Third Degree was Marc Bolan's second solo single for Decca Records, following the earlier release of The Wizard. Issued during Bolan's pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex period, the single captures a young songwriter refining the distinctive lyrical and musical approach that would later define his career. Written by Bolan, both sides of the record showcase his growing confidence as a composer and performer during the mid-1960s. The release remains an importan

This rare single-sided EMIDISC acetate preserves another early Marc Bolan recording from the final days of 1965. Produced by Jim Economides and recorded at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, the acetate forms part of an important group of surviving demonstration discs documenting Bolan's songwriting and recording activity before his commercial breakthrough. The disc contains a single recording, Reality, and survives as a studio reference acetate rather than a commercial release

This rare single-sided EMIDISC acetate preserves an early Marc Bolan recording from the final weeks of 1965. Produced by Jim Economides and recorded at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, the acetate documents Bolan's continued development as a songwriter and performer during the period immediately before his first commercial releases. The surviving disc contains a single recording of "Highways" on the A-side with a blank reverse side. As an EMIDISC acetate, the disc was produce

This rare single-sided EMIDISC acetate preserves another early Marc Bolan recording from the closing days of 1965. Produced by Jim Economides and recorded at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, the acetate documents Bolan's continuing songwriting activity during the period immediately before his first commercially issued recordings. The surviving disc contains the song Rings Of Fortune on the A-side and was cut as a studio reference acetate rather than a commercial release. Like