Marc Bolan (November 1966) – "Hippy Gumbo" b/w "Misfit" Acetate UK: EMIDISC
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 artistic evolution during the mid-1960s.
The acetate is one of the more desirable surviving Bolan studio artefacts and achieved a sale price of £1,109.89 at auction on February 27, 2020.
RECORDING
Both tracks were recorded at De Lane Lea Studios, Kingsway, London.
Production was handled by Simon Napier-Bell, who was closely involved with Marc Bolan's early career development during this period.
The recordings were cut to EMIDISC acetate format for evaluation and demonstration purposes rather than commercial release.
STYLE & THEMES
"Hippy Gumbo" shows the beginnings of the whimsical wordplay and unconventional lyrical approach that would later become a hallmark of Bolan's work.
"Misfit" reflects the folk-pop influences of the period while demonstrating the individuality that was already beginning to separate Bolan from many of his contemporaries.
Together the recordings provide a snapshot of an artist still searching for his definitive musical identity while developing the songwriting characteristics that would later bring him fame.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Hippy Gumbo — Early Bolan composition later recognised as one of his significant pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex recordings.
• Misfit — Companion recording from the same session, preserved on the acetate alongside "Hippy Gumbo".
RELEASE HISTORY
The recordings survive as a November 1966 EMIDISC acetate rather than a commercially issued single.
Known copies are exceptionally scarce, making the acetate a notable collector's piece among enthusiasts of Marc Bolan's early recordings.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, songwriter, performer
Simon Napier-Bell — producer
PRODUCTION
Recorded at: De Lane Lea Studios, Kingsway, London
Produced by: Simon Napier-Bell
Format: EMIDISC Acetate
Date: November 1966
NOTES
• Recorded during November 1966 at De Lane Lea Studios in London.
• Produced by Simon Napier-Bell.
• The acetate was issued under the name Suzie Day.
• Unlike a commercial single, the recording was cut as an acetate for demonstration and evaluation purposes.
• The supplied image shows handwritten artist and title information on the EMIDISC label.
• "Hippy Gumbo" appears prominently written across the label face.
• Marc Bolan's name is handwritten beneath the title.
• The label also carries a handwritten notation reading "26th Nov".
• Surviving examples of this acetate are considered highly desirable among collectors of Bolan memorabilia.
• An example sold at auction on February 27, 2020 for £1,109.89.
• The recording documents an important stage in Bolan's artistic development immediately before his rise to wider attention through John's Children.
• Original EMIDISC acetates from this period are significantly rarer than Bolan's later commercial releases.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Date | Format |
Suzie Day | Hippy Gumbo / Misfit | EMIDISC | UK | November 1966 | Acetate |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Tracklisting |
Acetate | Side 1: Hippy Gumbo Side 2: Misfit |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, RockfilesUK.
All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders.
This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.
No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
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