Marc Bolan (December 13, 1966) “Hippy Gumbo” Single Review - Lincolnshire Echo

The December 13, 1966 edition of the Lincolnshire Echo reviews Marc Bolan’s single “Hippy Gumbo” (Parlophone R 5539), describing it as an arranger’s record full of musical ideas and portraying Bolan as a man of mystery with a rasping, bluesy voice.

Publication: Lincolnshire Echo Date: December 13, 1966 Country: United Kingdom Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire Section: Music / Singles Review

THE STORY

The review highlights Bolan’s eclectic style and the song’s potential to reach the Top 50. It notes his mysterious persona (including a reference to liking “sun cottages”) and characterises his voice as rasping and bluesy, positioning the release as one that could bring him wider success.

CONTEXT AND NOTES 

This review comes during Marc Bolan’s early solo phase, just before the full emergence of Tyrannosaurus Rex. “Hippy Gumbo” reflects his transition toward a more psychedelic and introspective sound, with regional papers beginning to take notice of his unique artistic identity.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Early solo single review

Era: 1966 (Pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex / Psychedelic Folk)

Tone: Intrigued, cautiously positive Photography: Text-based review (no photo in clipping)

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Review of Marc Bolan’s “Hippy Gumbo” (Parlophone R 5539)

• Description as “an arranger’s record” with plenty of musical ideas

• Bolan referred to as “a man of mystery” who likes “sun cottages”

• Mention of his rasping, bluesy voice and chart potential

RELATED MATERIAL 

All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.This December 13, 1966 Lincolnshire Echo review of “Hippy Gumbo” continues the early documentation of Marc Bolan’s solo career and pairs directly with the November 25, 1966 Worcester News review of the same single, as well as the October 30, 1965 London Life piece on the origin of his name. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page

All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.