Tyrannosaurus Rex (July 13, 1968) –Way Ahead Yet Out of Date” Review – Disc and Music Echo

This Disc and Music Echo review from July 1968 praises the debut album by Tyrannosaurus Rex, highlighting Marc Bolan’s songwriting brilliance and Steve Peregrine Took’s inventive percussion.

The piece describes Bolan as one of pop’s “nicest guys” and a prolific composer whose work already feels “months out of date” — a testament to his forward‑thinking creativity.

Publication: Disc and Music Echo   Date: July 13 1968 Country: United Kingdom

THE STORY  

The review covers Tyrannosaurus Rex’s first LP, My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair … But Now They’re Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows, listing its full track selection and noting John Peel’s admiration for the duo.

It commends Bolan’s lyrical imagination and Took’s percussion, which ranges from bongos to Chinese gong and pixiephone. The writer calls Bolan “one of the most prolific composers we know,” praising his “totally individual songs of love, beauty, fantasy and nature.” The closing remark — that Bolan already considers the album “months out of date” — suggests his restless artistic drive and hints at the evolution that would soon lead to T. Rex.

CONTEXT AND NOTES  

Released in May 1968, the album introduced Bolan’s mystical folk style and poetic lyricism, establishing Tyrannosaurus Rex as a cult favourite in the underground scene.

This review captures the early critical enthusiasm that surrounded Bolan’s unique vision, foreshadowing his later transformation into a glam‑rock icon.

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Headline: “Tyrannosaurus Rex — Way Ahead Yet Out of Date”

• Full track listing of the debut album

• Praise for Bolan’s songwriting and Took’s percussion

• Closing comment on Bolan’s creative momentum

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