Marc Bolan & T. Rex (October 15, 1971) – “Electric Warrior” Review – Bucks Examiner.
In his regular Discorner column, Graham Howard reviews T. Rex's newly released Electric Warrior, defending Marc Bolan against criticism from former fans while praising the group's evolving sound, Tony Visconti's production, and the growing strength of Bolan's songwriting.
Publication: Bucks Examiner
Date: October 15, 1971
Country: United Kingdom
Writing in the Discorner column, Graham Howard addresses criticism aimed at Marc Bolan and T. Rex from fans who felt the band had moved away from its underground roots and become an outright pop group. Howard argues that such criticism is unfair, suggesting that Bolan's music had actually continued to improve.
The review highlights the contribution of producer Tony Visconti, noting that he and Bolan were developing an increasingly distinctive studio sound with roots in 1950s rock and roll. Howard describes Electric Warrior as a highly enjoyable release and praises the overall musical approach throughout the album.
Special mention is given to drummer Bill Legend, whose playing is described as powerful and unconventional, while Bolan's guitar work and the studio production are also commended. Howard notes that, as expected, the lyrics remain surreal and often nonsensical, quoting a passage from one song as an example of Bolan's unique style.
Among the tracks discussed, Rip Off is singled out as particularly striking, while Get It On is acknowledged as the album's major hit. Overall, the review concludes that even where individual songs may appear lyrically meaningless, they possess a distinctive attraction that remains central to T. Rex's appeal.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published shortly after the release of Electric Warrior, the review captures a period when T. Rex were undergoing a dramatic transformation from cult underground favourites into one of Britain's biggest chart acts.
The article is especially interesting because it addresses criticism from long‑time followers who viewed the band's commercial success with suspicion. Rather than lamenting the change, Howard argues that the group's musical development should be celebrated rather than criticised.
The review also provides an early contemporary assessment of Electric Warrior, an album that would later become widely regarded as the defining record of the glam rock era.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Review of Electric Warrior
Era: 1971 – Electric Warrior era
Tone: Supportive and enthusiastic
Photography: None – text column review
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Graham Howard's Discorner column
• Defence of Marc Bolan against criticism from former fans
• Praise for Tony Visconti's production work
• Review of Electric Warrior
• References to Rip Off and Get It On
• Discussion of Bill Legend's drumming and Bolan's lyrics
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