Customer Reviews

Dandy in the Underworld

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4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
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Dandy in The Underworld, is Bolan back to his best. This a clean and mature sounding album from a clean and mature person. the craziness in his life has gonw and his music is back to where it should be. Dandy in the Underworld the title track, very clever about himslef. Groove A Litle a good tight funky number. Perhaps the inclusion ofI Love To boogie seems out of place, but it was a hit single in the UK, so it had to go on. Teen rioy Structure is classic Bolan Boogie, whilst the atmospheric Pain & Love shows that Marc could right songs a a deeper level if needed and make them truly haunting. Perhaps the album lacks the raw sex appeal of Slider and Electric Warrior, but then this was a much saner and happier Bolan than the Bolan of 71 and 72. bBolan's voice has returned and is on top form, the lyrical madness is stll there and the production is smooth. Also worth a mention is the excellent hang Ups an simple number that has an excellent feel. Please don't believe those eho say only buy Slider and Electric Warrior, Bolan was far more than that. Dandy really shows Marcs universal ability as a song writer and true individual, there are some very beautiful songs on here, don't let anyone tell you other wise. Pleae feel free to E Mail me, I currently writing articles on all the Bolan Albums and would like any thoughts or comments, especially to do with the lyrics

If you buy only one T.Rex album, it should be "Electric Warrior". But may I suggest "Dandy In The Underworld" for a second purchase? For my money, it was his strongest and best effort since that groundbreaking classic. Sadly, it was also his swansong. Marc Bolan died shortly after its release in a car crash - just two weeks shy of turning 30. In death he became a legend, as forever young as James Dean.

The Bolan/ T.Rex story is well known, despite their limited stateside success. From '70 to '73, T.Rex singles and albums dominated the British charts. T.Rextasy (as it was dubbed) was considered the biggest thing to come along since Beatlemania. Even Ringo Starr fell for the hype, and filmed the band in concert at the height of fan hysteria (see the "Born To Boogie" DVD).

So, what was it all about? Slinky, strutting, 3-minute rockers that wedded Chuck Berry/ Eddie Cochran backbeats and riffs to cosmic, mythological lyrics. Catchy as all-get-out. Satin clothes, glitter, and a stovepipe top hat. It was the birth of glam rock, and a whole lot of fun. Ultimately, Bolan lost the race to his friend and rival David Bowie. While Bowie kept the press intrigued with new personas and forays into other sounds, Bolan struggled to remain relevant. He tried injecting some funk and wailing female backing vocalists for a while, but was generally viewed as an artist who had lost his way and seen better days. In 1977 Bolan stopped trying to force change on himself, and embraced his strengths. That's precisely why "Dandy In The Underworld" is so enjoyable. It's a return to form, and he sounds completely comfortable. There's not one bad song. The album was favorably reviewed, and Marc began hosting a TV music show. Until fate intervened, all signs pointed toward a successful comeback.

Disc Two of this reissue is comprised of demos, out-takes, and a few "live" performances. They're all sequenced to replicate the running order of Disc One. We get to hear the songs in their formative stages. Most aren't as good as the finished product, but several are outstanding. The slower, longer "Soul Of My Suit" is one, and the concert recording of "Hang-Ups" is even better than the studio version. I also prefer the demos of "City Port", "Tame My Tiger", and "Celebrate Summer". On the completed takes (which are bonus tracks on Disc One) it sounded like he was trying too hard to fit in with the then-emerging punk scene.

I miss Marc Bolan, but I'm thrilled he went out on a high note with such a great album. Rock music doesn't get more fun than "Dandy In The Underworld".

By the time "Dandy in the Underworld" was released, Marc Bolan had gotten his life back in order. He had a new son, his television series was proving to be very popular, and several of the new Punk bands on the scene were citing Bolan in reviews as an influence. Sadly, it was not to last. On September 16, 1977, Bolan was killed when the car he was riding in stuck a tree.

"Dandy in the Underworld" is arguably better than Marc's last two offerings, "Futuristic Dragon" and "Bolan's Zip Gun." While both of those albums had their merits, they didn't seem as cohesive, nor as enjoyable as "Dandy."

The album opens with one of the most overtly autobiographical songs Marc ever wrote, "Dandy in the Underworld." "Distraction he wanted, to destruction he fell..." It sums up Marc's life to 1977. The single version (on disc two) is a little shorter and switches the line "cocaine nights" for "T. Rex nights."

Bolan was always good at fitting his boogie mind poems into his music. "Crimson Moon," "Universe," "Groove a Little" and my favorite track on the album, "Visions of Domino": "This woman is a perfumed breeze, Greek gods recline upon her knees..."

The rest of the album is very strong with a few exceptions. While most of the material is exceptional, the production isn't all it could be. Potentially powerful songs like "Hang-Ups," "Crimson Moon," and "Visions of Domino" come off sounding weak, while their live versions show what could have been with more of a technical whiz behind the controls. That's not to say Marc didn't do a decent job with other aspects of the album's production. The orchestration behind "Visions of Domino" is top notch.

One of the biggests suprises to come off this album was "I Love to Boogie," included on the Billy Elliot soundtrack twenty five years after the album's release! I'll give credit where credit's due -- decades after his passing, Marc's still in the public eye!

Also with this album you'll get the singles from that year: "City Port," "To Know You is to Love You," "Celebrate Summer," and the excellent "Tame My Tiger".

Disc two give you some alternate versions of the album's songs along with a live versions of "Groove a Little," "Dandy," and "Hang-Ups" from the '77 Tour disc.

While it does have a few production issues, this was an excellent album. And after such a good album, it leaves one to wonder, What other gems could the man have produced had he lived? Oh well...

All in all, it's a great package if you don't have the CD or "Prince of Players: The Alternate Dandy in the Underworld." If you're a T. Rex fan and you don't have Marc's last official album, press that order now button and get it!

I remember buying this one in '77 - the guy behind the counter said it well: "This is a good one."

Bolan had lost himself for a while, and I had dreaded being disappointed in his music again. Thankfully, this one was not a letdown. He had rallied himself to produce a high-quality pop record.

The embarassing moments of over-indulgence that riddled Bolan's efforts since '74 had been reduced to a minimum; be forewarned that there's still some of those here, and they have not aged well. (The mannered hiccup-ish vocals on some numbers is a good example.) That said, there's some strong riffs here, and the lyric lines are as zany (and real) as any of Bolan's best work.

Bolan had said that he wanted to produce a "serious glitter album", and by Gumm he did it. In the process he left his own best tribute behind without even intending to do so.

It is an album which totally took me by surprise, after listening to the albums Bolan's Zip Gun and the casually impressive Futuristic Dragon I never thought Marc would come back with such good a record as "Dandy in the Underworld". It reminded me of Marc Bolan of the early 70's, having fun, playing guitar riffs which are so catchy and singing like a cosmic minstrel. All the tracks are good on this album, especially "Teen Riot Structure", "Visions of a Domino" and "I love to boogie", can't find anything wrong with the musical arrangements. Any one looking for Bolan's best work, this album will not disappoint you, take my word you'll groove.
One thing makes me feel bad though, Marc passed away right after the release of this album, the fans of Marc and the world lost a great musician who was yet to enter the prime of his career. Whatever he did was exceptional and his talents showed us what a great man he was. I bow to the "Hobbit" who took us on his magical journey and left us dreaming in musical paradise.

Marc Bolan left a legacy of great music behind when he died in 1977. This album ranks as one of his best. If you're a fan of the man's music and don't have this album - get it. Songs like "Dandy In the Underworld," "Crimson Moon," "Hang-Ups," "Visions of Domino" and the B-Side single "Tame My Tiger" are not only great songs, but great poems set to music: "This woman is a perfumed breeze/Greek Gods recline upon her knees/I'd freeze the sun to kiss her ear..." Edsel has done a wonderful job packaging this release. Get a copy while it's still in print. This is a wonderful album

The enigmatic Bolan is once again redefining himself while maintaining the cheeky bubble gum glam aspect of his music. Dandy in the underworld is a hopeful album that rides the edge of depression without quite crossing it. The title track is one of disillusionment with the trappings of fame. "prince of players, pawn of none... exalted companion of cocaine knives." It is here we see Bolan making an observation of his life as seen though his "Dandy". Another almost-depressing number is the self indulgent "Jason B. Sad". Although it is a story-song, one can easily see Bolan invest himself in the character of Jason as well. Dandy was recorder later in Bolan's career, after the young hippie had grown up and the newness of the androgynous yet rocking glam prince had worn off. It is an introspective piece with a blend of Bolan pathos as well as a full dose of what makes T. Rex the best rock and roll band that ever existed. Take note of the deep voice backup vocals that are only found on this album. It is a stark contrast to the hi pitched Mickey Finn numbers of old, and even more the strong overtones of Gloria Jones found in later releases (see Billy Super Duper). All in all, Dandy in the Underworld is not a great introduction to the music of Marc Bolan and T. Rex, but for the initiated it is a poignant look into the life of a slightly disillusioned mega-celebrity.

I wasn't a big T rex fan, born in 1954, but always loved "Jeepster" and "Bang a Gong" But I'm just now starting to hear a lot or Bolan's music. I bought "Electric Warrior" and this CD. I like "Electric Warrior"...but when I heard this CD I clicked with it immediately. I love it! And find myself listening to it over and over...I just did this review to say that I much prefer this CD much more than "Electric Warrior". A lot more.

In my opinion,this is the best release of the T.REX era(as
opposed to the TYRANNOSAURUS REX era),the two being far too
different in style for a fair comparison.They don't even sound
like the same band,though both are great in their own way.
With punk rock poking it's ugly head up just over the
horizon,and his popularity on the slide for the last two or
three years,Bolan reached into his bag of tricks and came
up with this masterpiece.
The title song is great.Though out the album(c.d.)he
reaffirms the idea that less is more,with his trademark
compact mystical lyrics set to short two and three minutes
tunes.
And I still defy anyone to call this glam rock! T.REX
is so unique that it simply can not be categorized or
put neatly into a box. If you tryed,it would have to be a very
odd shaped box indeed.I know the music critics would disagree,
but I really don't care about that.Take a listen to it and
see what you think,weather you call it glam,electric boogie,
or nothing at all,I'm sure you'll call it great.Put it up
against ELECTRIC WARRIOR,THE SLIDER,and TANX(all T.REX
classics)and see how you think it measures up.
Listen well to the song HANG-UPS,Marc discribes himself
perfectly as he was at this point in his career.
Unfortunately this was the last we were to hear from T.Rex.
Shortly after it's release,at age twenty nine,Marc was to leave
us.Killed in a car accident.
He was clearly on the comeback trial at the time of his

death.What a shame,we were robbed or his magic.
I would strongly reccomend this recording to anyone,there
is not a disappointing track on it,even the bonus tracks are
great.
Thanks

I am English and i grow up Marc and T-REX he was and still is a Legend in U.K. to me and my age group in the early 70s Marc was to us what the beatles were to the 60s.
i was 9 when i started listening to TREX they had a huge infulance on all of us and Marc was very much in tune with all young fans and the kids of that time all my age group looked up to him with such love and respect i dont honestly know of one kid who didnt like him or is music. is personar and personality shined along with all of is music.
I my self am a Drummer i started out by listening to the beatles and Marc bolan I learnt to play all Marc Bolans songs when i was 9 till i was 16 then joined my first band.
Marc bolan and is band TREX had every thing you could want in a talented group of Musicians.!!
This is with out shadow of doubt another one of is best albums well worth buying if your a fan or not.. !

And now 34 years later he is still deeply missed to all of my age group he will and is band will lives on in hearts & minds for every... !! sept 16th 1977 is a very sad day in British music history...! All it leaves me to say is ROCK ON' MARC BOLAN FROM YOUR BELOVED CHILDEREN OF THE REVOLOTION.. R . I .P MARC BOLAN PEACE N LOVE \/ \/