When it comes to T. Rex & classic rock radio play, Bang A Gong (Get It On) is the song that gets chosen, so it becomes how T. Rex is identified for those unfamiliar with the band.
T. Rex is so much more than that one song. Their style shifted over time, as is the case for many bands, but Electric Warrior represents, for me, their best work. There is a sense of a fun, musical ramble, with oddball lyrics, subtle guitar work, congas and effects that add ambience & depth to the songs. The production quality is excellent and it’s a pleasurable 39 minute aural landscape absolutely meant for an easy chair, headphones & refreshments of your choice.
T. Rex is considered to be the start of the glam rock movement after a makeup artist applied glitter under Marc Bolan’s eyes in preparation for an appearance on the British TV show Top of the Pops in 1971. I know there are a lot of issues created with labelling a band’s style, with the application of a label like “glam”, “punk”, “disco”, “pop”, etc. leading to great music being overlooked. Given the myriad ways to listen online today, I feel we should look past labelling & give a test listen of bands who pique our interest. There are gems to discover!
Below are a couple of links for more info & reviews of the album, should you be interested in learning more.
Link to Wikipedia
Link to Allmusic review