Marc Bolan (October 16, 1981) – “They’re Playing Marc’s Song” Album Review – The Guardian.
Robin Denselow reviews You Scare Me To Death, the controversial posthumous Marc Bolan release assembled from previously unheard recordings dating from 1966. While acknowledging reservations about the project's origins, the review finds unexpected charm in the youthful recordings and presents a fascinating glimpse into Bolan's earliest songwriting years.
Publication: The Guardian
Publication Date: October 16, 1981
Country: United Kingdom
Event Date: October 1981
In his weekly review column, Robin Denselow examines You Scare Me To Death, a collection of recordings made by Marc Bolan in 1966 and released posthumously through Cherry Red Records.
The review explains that the songs were originally recorded as simple demo recordings and remained unheard for many years. Former manager Simon Napier‑Bell subsequently revisited the tapes and added new musical accompaniment in an attempt to present the material as Marc Bolan might have developed it had he continued working on the songs.
Denselow admits initial scepticism about the project, describing the concept as potentially problematic. However, after listening, he finds the results surprisingly engaging and argues that the youthful recordings possess a quirky charm that survives the additional production.
The review identifies elements that foreshadow later Bolan classics, noting similarities between some of the early material and songs that would eventually emerge during the Tyrannosaurus Rex and T. Rex years. Particular attention is given to Bolan's distinctive vocal style, which already displayed many of the characteristics that would later make him famous.
While acknowledging the unusual nature of the release, Denselow ultimately presents the album as an interesting and worthwhile addition to the Marc Bolan catalogue.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Issued four years after Marc Bolan's death, You Scare Me To Death generated considerable discussion among fans and critics because of its unusual origins.
The recordings document Bolan before Tyrannosaurus Rex, before T. Rex and before Bolanmania. At the time they were made, he was still a largely unknown aspiring songwriter attempting to establish himself in the music business.
The review is significant because it was one of the first major national newspaper assessments of the album. Rather than dismissing the release as a posthumous curiosity, Denselow recognised the historical value of hearing Bolan's developing songwriting style during its formative stages.
The accompanying photograph of Marc Bolan performing live creates an effective contrast between the young songwriter heard on the album and the glam‑rock superstar he would later become.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Review of You Scare Me To Death
Era: 1981 – Posthumous archive release period
Tone: Analytical, cautious and appreciative
Photography: Large live performance photograph of Marc Bolan
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Headline: “They’re Playing Marc’s Song”
Review by Robin Denselow
Coverage of You Scare Me To Death
Discussion of Marc Bolan's 1966 demo recordings
References to Simon Napier‑Bell's involvement
Analysis of Bolan's early songwriting style
Comparison between youthful demos and later T. Rex recordings
Large performance photograph of Marc Bolan
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.
Comments