Marc Bolan (October 3, 1980) – “B-Side Bolan” Review - Manchester Evening News
This brief album review assesses The Unobtainable T. Rex, a compilation collecting B-sides and lesser-known recordings by T. Rex and Marc Bolan. The reviewer presents the release as a specialist collection aimed primarily at dedicated fans of the late glam rock star.
Publication: Manchester Evening News
Date: October 3, 1980
Country: United Kingdom
Appearing under the heading "B-Side Bolan", the review focuses on The Unobtainable T. Rex (EMI), a compilation bringing together fourteen B-sides from deleted T. Rex singles alongside several Marc Bolan A-sides that had performed poorly upon their original release.
The reviewer describes the collection as a gathering of harder-to-find material rather than a conventional greatest hits package. By concentrating on B-sides and overlooked recordings, the album offers listeners an opportunity to explore parts of Bolan's catalogue that were less familiar than the major hit singles.
Despite acknowledging the rarity value of the material, the review suggests that the album is primarily intended for committed enthusiasts. The writer concludes that listeners would need to be "a big fan of the late glam rocker" to fully appreciate the collection, indicating that the release is aimed more at collectors than casual listeners.
A small photograph of Marc Bolan accompanies the review, reinforcing the retrospective nature of the release and its focus on preserving lesser-known recordings from his career.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published three years after Marc Bolan's death, the review reflects the continuing interest in archival T. Rex material and posthumous releases. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, record companies increasingly issued compilations and collections designed to showcase recordings that had previously been difficult to obtain.
The review is notable for recognising the historical value of the material while also acknowledging its specialist appeal. Rather than competing with the major hit compilations, The Unobtainable T. Rex was positioned as a release for devoted followers seeking a deeper exploration of Bolan's catalogue.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Review of The Unobtainable T. Rex
Era: 1980 posthumous compilation era
Tone: Brief and collector-focused
Photography: Small accompanying photograph of Marc Bolan
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Review of The Unobtainable T. Rex (EMI)
• Collection of fourteen T. Rex B-sides and rare Marc Bolan recordings
• Assessment of the album as a release aimed at dedicated fans
• Small photograph of Marc Bolan accompanying the review
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