T. Rex (6 May 1972) "Metal Guru" - NME Singles Page

SOURCE DETAILS

Publication: New Musical Express (NME)

Date: May 6, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Singles Reviews (Page 15)

Title: Bolan Slips as McCartney Rips

Reviewer: Danny Holloway

THE STORY

This influential NME singles page contrasts Marc Bolan’s new T. Rex single “Metal Guru” with Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, while also reviewing The Kinks’ “Supersonic Rocket Ship”. The headline reflects a critical narrative of the moment — Bolan’s commercial dominance being challenged by McCartney’s post-Beatles return to melodic pop.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

May 1972 saw T. Rex at the peak of T. Rextasy with “Metal Guru” (the follow-up to “Telegram Sam”) battling for chart supremacy. The page captures the lively critical debate in the British music press as glam rock competed with established stars and emerging sounds.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: NME Singles Reviews – T. Rex “Metal Guru” vs Paul McCartney

Era: 1972 – Peak Glam Rock / T. Rextasy

Tone: Sharp, comparative and opinionated

Photography: Live/action shots of T. Rex and other featured artists

Audience: NME readers and serious pop/rock fans

All magazine artwork, photographs, logos, 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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