Marc Bolan (June 22, 1974) – The Beginning Of Doves Album: UK LP,TC.
The Beginning Of Doves was released by Track Records in June 1974 and compiled a collection of Marc Bolan demo recordings made during 1966 and 1967.
The album gathered together early acoustic performances recorded before Bolan's success with Tyrannosaurus Rex and T. Rex, offering a rare glimpse into his formative songwriting years. The release showcased many compositions that would later become associated with his early career, alongside a number of lesser-known recordings from the same period.
The recordings featured on the album were originally made during 1966 and 1967.
The collection consists primarily of acoustic demos recorded for Simon Napier-Bell during the late 1965 and early 1966 period.
The performances capture Marc Bolan as a solo songwriter and performer, documenting material that predates his later commercial success.
One notable recording, Jasper C. Debussy, originally contained an expletive-laden spoken introduction. For the LP release the introduction was rendered largely indecipherable, while the accompanying single omitted it entirely.
The complete unedited version remained unavailable until its appearance on an expanded CD edition issued decades later.
STYLE & THEMES
The album presents Bolan's early acoustic songwriting style, emphasising folk-inspired arrangements and imaginative lyrical themes.
Many of the recordings reveal the foundations of ideas that would later reappear throughout his Tyrannosaurus Rex and T. Rex years. The demos combine whimsical imagery, fantasy themes and poetic storytelling while retaining the intimate sound of home and publisher demonstration recordings.
As an archival collection, The Beginning Of Doves serves as an important document of Bolan's earliest creative period.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Jasper C. Debussy — Opening demo recording featuring one of Bolan's earliest surviving compositions.
• Lunacy's Back — Early acoustic performance from the 1966-67 sessions.
• Beyond The Rising Sun — Folk-influenced demo showcasing Bolan's developing songwriting style.
• Black And White Incident — Early acoustic recording from the Simon Napier-Bell demo sessions.
• Observations — Intimate solo performance highlighting Bolan's lyrical approach.
• Eastern Spell — Fantasy-themed composition reflecting the imaginative direction of his early work.
• You Got The Power — Acoustic demo from the 1966-67 recordings.
• Hippy Gumbo — Early version of a song later associated with Bolan's catalogue.
• Sara Crazy Child — One of the collection's lesser-known compositions.
• Rings Of Fortune — Acoustic recording included among the preserved demos.
• Hot Rod Mama — Early performance demonstrating Bolan's developing rock influences.
• The Beginning Of Doves — Title track of the collection.
• Mustang Ford — One of Bolan's best-known early compositions.
• Pictures Of Purple People — Characteristic example of Bolan's whimsical lyrical imagery.
• One Inch Rock — Early recording of a song later familiar to Tyrannosaurus Rex audiences.
• Jasmine '49 — Acoustic demo from the archive sessions.
• Charlie — Rare early Bolan composition.
• Misty Mist' — Demo recording from the same period.
• Cat Black — Early acoustic performance.
• Sally Was An Angel — Closing track on the collection.
RELEASE HISTORY
The album was released by Track Records on June 22, 1974.
It compiled demo recordings dating from 1966 and 1967 and was issued during the height of Marc Bolan's popularity with T. Rex.
Later expanded CD editions restored material omitted or altered on the original LP release, including the full spoken introduction to Jasper C. Debussy.
PRODUCTION
Produced by Track Records
Recorded for Simon Napier-Bell
Label: Track Records
Catalogue Number: 2410
Recorded At: Demo sessions, 1965-1967
NOTES
• Compilation of demos recorded during 1966-67.
• Issued by Track Records during Marc Bolan's T. Rex era.
• Recordings were originally made for Simon Napier-Bell.
• Jasper C. Debussy originally contained an expletive-laden spoken introduction.
• The introduction was obscured on the original LP release.
• The complete unedited version was not officially released until a later expanded CD edition.
• Features many compositions associated with Bolan's earliest writing period
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
Marc Bolan | The Beginning Of Doves | Track Record | UK | 2410 201 | June 22, 1974 | LP |
Marc Bolan | The Beginning Of Doves | Track Record | UK | 3191 108 | June 22, 1974 | Cassette |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP | 2410 | Side One: Jasper C. Debussy • Lunacy's Back • Beyond The Rising Sun • Black And White Incident • Observations • Eastern Spell • You Got The Power • Hippy Gumbo • Sara Crazy Child • Rings Of Fortune Side Two: Hot Rod Mama • The Beginning Of Doves • Mustang Ford • Pictures Of Purple People • One Inch Rock • Jasmine '49 • Charlie • Misty Mist' • Cat Black • Sally Was An Angel |
Cassette | 2410 | Side One: Jasper C. Debussy • Lunacy's Back • Beyond The Rising Sun • Black And White Incident • Observations • Eastern Spell • You Got The Power • Hippy Gumbo • Sara Crazy Child • Rings Of Fortune Side Two: Hot Rod Mama • The Beginning Of Doves • Mustang Ford • Pictures Of Purple People • One Inch Rock • Jasmine '49 • Charlie • Misty Mist' • Cat Black • Sally Was An Angel |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts
All album artwork, photographs, labels, 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.
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