Marc Bolan (June 10, 1966) "The Third Degree" – Redditch Indicator & Alcester Chronicle (UK)

This very early review, published just one week after the single’s release, gives a positive mention of Marc Bolan’s second Decca single “The Third Degree,” highlighting his songwriting, vocal style, and the production touches by Jim Economides.

PUBLICATION: 

Redditch Indicator & Alcester Chronicle

Date: Friday, June 10, 1966 Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Music / New Releases Review

Title: Marc Bolan sings a self-penned piece of philosophy on his new disc “The Third Degree.”

THE STORY

The short review notes that Marc Bolan sings a self-penned piece of philosophy on his new disc “The Third Degree.” It mentions the guitar and drums leading into his vocal, along with producer Jim Economides including some unusual sound effects. The piece also references this being Bolan’s first record under Economides, the American producer known for working with Bobby Darin and The Lettermen.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published extremely early — only seven days after the June 3, 1966 release — this regional review is one of the rarest surviving notices for Bolan’s early solo work. It shows growing interest in the 19-year-old artist’s poetic style and production values even before his breakthrough with Tyrannosaurus Rex.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Early Single Review – “The Third Degree” Era: 1966 Pre-Glam / Folk-Rock Tone: Positive and informative Photography: None (text-only review) Visual Motifs: Typical 1960s local newspaper column layout

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Short review focusing on “The Third Degree”

• Praise for Bolan’s self-penned philosophical lyrics

• Mention of guitar, drums, vocals, and producer Jim Economides’ unusual effects

• Reference to Economides’ previous work with Bobby Darin and The Lettermen

RELATED MATERIAL

Marc Bolan (June 3, 1966) “The Third Degree” / “San Francisco Poet” – Single 7" UK Marc Bolan (June 14, 1966) “Marc Bolan, ‘The Third Degree’ (Decca F 12413)” – Lincolnshire Echo (UK) Marc Bolan (June 24, 1966) “MARC BOLAN sings a self-penned, dual-tracked piece of philosophy on his new disc” – Southern Daily Echo (UK)

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