T.Rex - Dandy in the Underworld

List of Reviewers

• Kat
• Gerry
• MarcO 2
• Paul
• Zac
• Paul J
• Vampyre
• Karen 2
• Rob
• MarcO
• Syd
• zoom
• Simes
• Michel
• Karen
• Chris
• Dan-D
• Pierre
• Melinda
• Sverre

=== Review by Kat ===

Some thoughts on the "album of the month" in Tillerworld....."Dandy in the Underworld."

This album seems to be Marc's most autobiographical in his entire career...ironic that it would be his last. It is a moment of lucidity before he was lost to us forever, and I always find this album to be rather bittersweet because of this.

In "Jason B. Sad" Marc sings "rock and roll is cruel" to the beat of a slowed down "Get it On" riff. And of course the title track seems also to be a reflection of Marc himself the "Prince of players, pawn of none....exalted companion of cocaine nights." The lyrics on this album are terrific....gone are the cluttered fantastical lyrics that bogged down some of the mid '70's albums. You get the sense on this album that Marc really had something to say, and wanted others to hear it. Some of the images are among his best..."You can mix your martinis from the blood of the sun"...."I fed him with my nightmares, and he ate my dreams as well."

The songs themselves are tight, well constructed melodies.. There is not a more perfect pop song than "Soul of My Suit" is there? My only tiny complaint is that there are a little too many keyboards on a few songs....if those were toned down a bit, it would have rocked a little more.

And there you have it! It is my favorite of the post Slider albums. :-) One thing that has colored my experience of this album, and I don't know why I feel I should mention it, is that my CD was one of the Marc on Wax reissues, and the cover has a picture of Marc smiling/laughing in a wild Rainbow jacket......it is such a great, happy picture of Marc, I prefer it to the real cover, that stark black and white, round shot of Marc's face. When I think of Dandy I think of Marc in this colorful jacket and it just makes me smile.

How does this album stand up for the rest of the Tillers? Do tell........

Love,

Kat

xoxo

=== Review by Gerry ===

Hi Kat

Nice to read your review. This is one of my favourite Bolan albums too, and last time we reviwed this on thelist, there was a thread going about did Marc produce this or not. Things got a bit hot under the collar, and someone was removed from the list. I feel a bit guilty about that after all these years.

On my first listen to it in 1977 I thought it was a load of crap, I was so disappointed, but after the 2nd play I had slotted it in. It didn't/doesn't sound like any other T.Rex album which is perhaps why many don't share my opinion. True there are keyboards galore, but they shimmer to my ears. Marc's guitar playing is red hot, very simple but done with so much feeling, ie. Hang Ups. I think he sounds young and rejuvinated, dynamic and full of life and ready to go.......... on top of things again. The darker tunes like Pain and Love sound like the other side of the learning process, same for Dandy In The Underworld too.

And then there is the production (I believe Marc was at the controls). It still sounds very contemporary to me. I love how the hi-hats are so prominent, (Jason, Hang Ups, and even on I Love To Boogie) almost like they have a track devoted especially. They slice through the mix like a razor.

Then there is the inspired genius on the bass guitar (Herbie). I've never heard such slinky bass lines before or since. I've been hypnotised by his bass playing, and have just listened to the bass several times from beginning to end. I get the impression Marc gave the band freedom so that they too could have a chance to express their ability. Again possibly why it sounds so different from previous T. Rex releases. Being a fan though, I see each album as being a progression, but with hindsight, this was the one that made the biggest boldest leap for new ground. The songs are totally Bolan, short crisp classics.

I could go on and on, I love this album, and I agree with you about Soul of My Suit being a pop classic (and the name of an 80's Bryan Ferry bootleg too!!). Seeing him perform it on TOTP was a delight. At the time the appearance came and went so quickly, but something struck me as different. Years later when it became available on video I relaised there was none of the camp (was he saving it for the Marc shows?) and high spirits, but definite communication. I am going on, so I'll stop.

I LOVE THIS ALBUM LOTS!!!!! Gerry (*)

=== Review by MarcO 2 ===

Interesting reading the reviews and opinions, I did this yonks ago but can't remember what I wrote, it's out there somewhere 'cos I saw it a few months ago, never had the guts to read what I said though.

In a five star world this is definitely a four star album, the one you can lend to someone to introduce them to Marc.I think now that Dandy is the strongest song on the album and visions of domino the weakest, although I love the line "I'd freeze the sun to kiss her ear" sounds like he really meant it. A lot of the songs had guitar solos, Dandy, Jason, Suit, Groove a little, it seems Marc had been practicing hard.It gave Marc a lot of his credibility back and pointed to Marc having turned a corner.

I think the album needs to be assessed hand in hand with the Dandy tour. It sounded great and fresh, they looked great, especially Marc, they were very together and seemed happy, had Marc lived I don't suppose any band members would have left in the near future. As for the production I think it was fine, if I had a complaint it would be that it's too precise if you can have such a thing. Listening to the studio chat from Marc on the out-takes, I'd say he sounded pretty much in charge of what was going on. If you were going to make your last ever album, you couldn't wish for better legacy to leave.

=== Review by Paul ===

Hi Kat:

Very good review of "Dandy". What I'm about to write is not a review, but a reflection on that album. In the late 70's I was still living in Fremont, just north of your San Jose, so I couldn't just walk into a record shop and buy T.Rex records, the only ones they had were "Electric Warrior", "Slider", "Tanx", and "Light Of Love" (all American releases).

To me "Dandy In The Underworld" was Marc Bolan getting back to the T.Rex sound I first fell in love with in 1971 with "Electric Warrior". After "Tanx" I was very disappointed in the musical direction Marc was going. When "Light of Love" came out in 1974, and I first put on the record, I couldn't believe what I was hearing from my idol. I never did like the American soul/funk sound, which is reason I liked the English groups, and to hear my idol Marc Bolan playing the music I despised, well I was devastated. I said to myself 'no more T.Rex for me' and became a Kiss fanatic, hey and they were American and they rocked, also around this time I got heavily into Queen. Then in 1977 I discovered Punk and T.Rex was becoming a distant memory.

Then in September 1977 I hear Marc Bolan dies, my reaction surprised me, I broke down and cried, and I thought I was over T.Rex but apparently not. Those early albums "T.Rex (brown album)" thru "Tanx" made more of an impact on me than I thought, and started to listen to them again. I also ordered "Futuristic Dragon" and "Dandy In The Underworld", also the 45 "Celebrate Summer" thru mail order. I thought I owe it to my idol to have all his records. "Futuristic Dragon" was better than "Light Of Love" but not by much. Then I put on "Dandy" and "Celebrate Summer" and was pleasantly surprised with it's New Wave sound. I really got to missing Marc Bolan at this time and felt cheated. His music was getting back to a more "Electric Warrior" sound mixed with New Wave, and I knew he would of put out some awesome records hadn't he died.

Of course today I love all of Marc's music, even the releases I didn't like between 1974-1976 with "Dandy In The Underworld" being my favorite post "Tanx" release. Wow! this is my longest post to the list in quit some time, thanx Kat for getting me going :-)

Paul

=== Review by Zac ===

Hi All

Ok time to be even more unpopular than ever (Dandy and Cats , Has he no heart ?)

Before I start remember that to me Marcs Average was better Than Mosts best, I have tried to look at the album without my Marc tinted Glasses It would have been easy to say woww everything is fantastic so I haven,t (G)

Dandy in the underworld. Released 11.02.77

What to make of the last official album release If You are looking for another Slider or Electric warrior ,,Forget it If you are looking for an overlooked masterpiece ala Zinc Alloy ,, Forget it

What do we get ? Well certainly a band that is tight and almost floorless (Over ? ) production By Marc The sound is clear and precise Ok The songs

• Dandy in the Underworld is of course A masterpiece of a song even more on the Album version With the "Exalted companion of cocaine nights" line which makes a hell of a difference to the meaning instead of T.Rex Nights The opening is a wall of sound and we are then treated to wordplay in an autobiographical Style I don,t think I can fault this song at all , Pure Bolan Class
• Crimson Moon is one of the weaker songs , A nice idea but really IMHO needed Beefing up There was a cracking POP/Rock song waiting to burst out by the rock got left behind I still like it but it could have been better, I would like to hear a work in progress studio version I bet that Mother Rocks , Thunderwing maybe ?
• Universe is just a chorus , An Ok Chorus But still , A bit lazy maybe ?
• IAFFYG Ok I like it , Its catchy , But its a bit of a filler , Dontcha think ?
• I love to boogie gave Marc his last top 20 Hit and another catchy Song as we all probably know now a complete Rip from Webb Pierce's Teenage Boogie released 8 months before the album it sounds a bit out of place on the album to my ears , Great throwaway song though ! (Arn,t the best pop songs though ?)
• Visions of Domino Whenever I hear this song played at conventions it comes as no surprise that Funky London Childhood is the version used , A far superior set of Lyrics to a Great backing track I have never seen an explanation why Marc went for this version ? When I first got the album on release of course I had never heard Funky and loved Visions , Years Later I heard Funky and feel that it would have been the better option. (and NO not because I,m from London either (G)
• Jason B Sad Kicks ass Big time Lyrics and Tune are to my ears perfect Groove a little again is Dam good but there is a far superior version live in the studio On Shadowhead.
• The soul of my suit is the perfect single . Back to his best The only thing which I could gripe about was the ending Chorus to Fade out ,I Think Chadders said much the same some time ago on list and I agree However I LOVE THIS YEAH ,A Marc Classic right up there with the best of em
• Hang Ups Play in a Load Cloud is a good song which Sounds even better live
• And now Pain and Love This is the most amazing Song The Pain and sorrow eeeks out at you Vocally I think Marc reaches new Heights here Just listen and be impressed ,,,,Pure class.
• Teen Riot Structure is a song for the future generations a song of hope And a kick ass one at that , Play that rocking music white boy and he surely did, A majestic ending to the Album

In conclusion

This album has several stand out tracks , maybe even classics but suffers from IMHO overproduction (By Whoever it was) The rockier element in the main has been tamed down but still pokes its nose out at you in certain songs

A very Good Album but not up there in A Creamed Class Still Signs That Marc had rediscovered His unique Wordplay and on hearing quite a few Concerts promoting Dandy The Future was Bright. Just not as exciting as The classic line up. Maybe technically better but certainly not as exciting.

Take It Easy

Caz

=== Review by Paul J ===

Thanks for "doing" Dandy. It is good to hear your opinions and feelings on this album - I must admit it is not one of my favourites but I think that it has an important place in the Bolan story. I feel that Dandy was a sign that Marc was beginning to mature and develop into a more settled phase of life.

The production on the album is the best of any T.Rex album in terms of its clarity and smoothness of sound. The album has a "luxurious" feel to it - completely at odds with the raw energy of punk which was so prevalent at the time (which was a great disappointment to me when it was released). This maturity and quality is enhanced by the simple b/w cover with the clean cut masculine Marc. I don't know why but I always equate the "look" and "feel" of Dandy to "Electric Warrior" in that they are both such classy products (but different musical styles).

As a simple "pop" album I think it is outstanding (but T.Rex and Marc Bolan were always so much more than just a pop band to me). I love some of the tracks on it - "I'm A Fool For You Girl" and "Universe" are superb and I think they could have been a taster of future Bolan offerings - I like to think that Marc was on the verge of tapping into punk's primal energy and producing some wildly fantastic 3 minute classics again (I don't need to name them, do I....?....*G) but I suspect that the reality is that he was more likely to have headed down a pop / funk / disco alley...with Thin Faced Sally....but then again...I am sure that this would have produced some great music as well.....

Did my review of the Pure Magic CD ever make it to the list (?) because I cannot remember seeing it.....anywaaay - I think there are some fantastic songs on there - where Marc is heavily influenced by the Soul sounds of the USA and FFYG and Universe would have been a musical direction where Marc would have produced some great quality country / funk / pop'n'soul. As for Soul of My Suit - I agree with you 100% regarding the verse - one of Bolan's finest rhythms / melodies / lyrics - and then we get that bloody awful chorus - ruins the song for me (well - not really ruined but Marc could have and should have done so much better - pure laziness on his part I reckon - a sign of a lot of his songwriting in his later years - seemed to settle for the easy rhymes just for the sake of it with no real attempt to create a meaningful or intelligible lyric).

I agree with you about the bittersweet sadness of this being Marc's last official album - with some of his most personal / autobiographical lyrics - which are very melancholic in places (Dandy, Jason, Pain and Love) - I wish this had been more successful for Marc when he was alive - but I sometimes wonder about his commercial / business sense - did you know that on the last T.Rex tour they were selling the album to fans at gigs - a week before the album was released in the shops - crazy in terms of undermining the chances of getting a decent chart position if your most loyal fanbase has already bought the thing from the back of a lorry - but I guess Marc made a little bit more cash that way....hmmmm ? Ta ta for nowZCPX

=== Review by Vampyre ===

I gave Dandy In The Underworld a listen last night; my first in quite a while.

For many of the American fans, we had barely received and listened to our latest imported jewel from Marc when we received the devastating news that he was gone and this would be the last album . Being the last album, I think most of us look at it as his final thoughts and reflections on life before departing this world and one cannot help but look at this album with that sentiment in mind. Too many years and too many post mortem albums have passed so here are my somewhat random thoughts and how I view the album NOW. I have managed to keep my thoughts in order with the track listings.

Something has always bothered me about this album and I finally put my finger on it last night. The tempo is too slow and the drumming seems very clumsy, ordinary and overwhelming. I know the drummer is either Herbie Flowers or Ainsley Dunbar and both played for Bowie. I never had a complaint on the Bowie tracks; so I would guess the fault lies with the producer (and I guess that is debatable though I never knew that until this week). On the other hand, Bolan's vocals are outstanding & interesting (as always).

• Dandy is way too slow for me. I love the Ahs & Oohs in the background & wish the guitars were more prominent. I think this track would have been better suited too close the album because of what we now know about the problems in his personal life. Great sweeping intro to the song & maybe that is why it was chosen to open the album.
• Crimson Moon. I love the guitars & Marc's vocals; hate the drumming. Second song in a row where the tempo is too slow - even mediocre.
• Universe. 3rd song with awful drums but somehow the plain & sparse drumming works to highlight great Marc vocals & background vocals as well. The lyrics are total throwaway fluff wasted on a great title that could have been used on The Children of Rarn Suite or Beard of Stars or the Brown album?
• I'm a Fool For You, Girl. Why do I love a song which first sounds like Bolan fluff filler? This song is full of enthusiasm. Another great vocal. I love the arrangement. I even love the drumming!! Although lyrically short, they are classic Bolan wordplay spoiled by a silly fluff chorus.
• I Love to Boogie. Classic song, classic toe tapper. Part of the charm is it is so short; it is here & it's gone and leaves you wanting for more. Unfortunately, it was no surprise since it was recorded amp; released the year before and guaranteed to help sell the album by it's inclusion.
• Visions of Domino. I like this song much better as Funky London Childhood. On this version, Marc's vocals seemed strained and he sounds bored. More shitty drumming.
• Jason B Sad. Marc rips off his own song (Get It On)! Still a great song and maybe the similarity is a wink & a nod to his past? No complaints from me. Best guitar part so far on the LP. Unusual vocals - some real loooow notes. There are sparks of the younger Marc in his singing & playing. Lyrically, the song sounds like it belongs on Zinc Alloy with the rest of his street characters.
• Groove a Little is a silly song with more drumming and a tempo that seems to lumber along like an old dinosaur. Always thought he sang "You can't pile up the ship" instead of "You can't pilot the ship".
• Soul of My Suit. Great great song. Love the deep breath Marc takes at the beginning of the track. I'll forgive the drums on this track. Play it Bo!
• Hang Ups. Marc rips off Marc one more time. I prefer the Shadowhead version of this song although it is not a favorite either way. Once again the drums seem slow, awkward & labored.
• I love Pain & Love because it is such an unusual track for Marc vocally. It does drag a bit and I think he sings the lyrics twice all the way thru. Love the way it screeches into Teen Riot Structure.
• Teen Riot Structure. The tempo picks up here. Marc comes out of the gate like a racehorse on fire. Wouldn't it have been great to open the album with this song? And maybe have kept up the momentum with Funky London Childhood? I might have preferred Teen Riot Structure as the album title, too. It would have added to the punk connection Marc was aiming for. The title Dandy in the Underworld seems depressing and gives one the impression (along with the black cover) that this is a dark depressing opus. The only thing depressing to me is it doesn't boogie much but it manages to rock in a few places.

I have a new rating system based on my having a CD recorder/burner. I have too many CDs which translates into "too much shit to wade through". I am referring to all the artists I collect not just T.Rex. I put together a lot of CDR compilations. There are 6 out of 12 tracks on Dandy that I would possibly include on a T.Rex compilation. 6 good/great songs out of 12 isn't too bad for any album. Interesting note: Shortly before Marc's death, I made a cassette compilation. There are songs on it from Dandy that I would not include now and songs that didn't make it then that would be on it today if I were putting together the same tape. Ask me how I feel about this album in another 24 years and my opinion will probably change again.

=== Review by Karen 2 ===

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Dandy with us all, I always consider this album to be my re-discovery of Marc album I have to confess I wandered away from Marc during Zip gun, Dragon period, he wasn't the Marc I grew up with, but of course discovering he was touring with the Damned in 77 I had to go and see him partly for nostalgia reasons, and of course I had discovered The Damned and punk in a big way by then.

Of course seeing Marc back slim, fit and definitely back again I discovered Marc again. I first heard these tracks live so of course the Lp was a must for me, I won't say it was one of Marcs best, but as Marco pointed out what a legacy to leave.

My fave track is of course Dandy, but I love around 75% of the Lp which is more than I can say for Zip Gun (whoops better not go down this road :-) The tragedy though I always think of Marcs death when I hear this Lp I guess it reminds me how cruelly he was snatched away just as he was on the way back to being the Marc I loved so much.

Just my thoughts

Karen(Torchgirl of the marshes) on my way to play Dandy.

=== Review by Rob ===

=== Review by Marco ===

=== Review by Syd ===

=== Review by zoom ===

=== Review by Simes ===

=== Review by Michel ===

=== Review by Karen ===

• Visions of Domino, I love this song, Marc sounds sultry confident a man in control.
• Jason B Sad I like as well, once I got past the Telegram Sam riff, classic T.Rex.
• My fave song of the Album has to be The soul of my suit, another soulsearching song, this to be is Marc at his best, this song for me has everything, I love it.
• Hang ups, I like as well, here Marc gives us an insight into the different ranges he can take his voice to, I also like the little guitar solo in the middle.
• Pain and love, well here I contradict myself, just decided this is my fave song on the Album, I love it's dark eerie feel, it has a dark side to it,Marcs change of vocal style is very apparant here, it's deep and huskey and slightly scary! The words to this are beautiful, Marc's lyrics have always been special to me, on some of the tracks they arn't to clever but here he is back to the lyrical genius I know and love.
• Teen Riot Structure has more of the new wave feel to it, a direction I feel Marc would've have turned towards more, some nice witty lyrics aswell.This song always reminds me of my friend Lucy Clayton who was with me that night, for ages after she insisted on being called Lucy Lightning for ages after <g> she emigrated to Australia and we lost touch, so Rick if you ever get an application for Till Dawn off her please pass her onto me, I live in hope.

=== Review by Chris ===

• Dandy in the Underworld - A powerful opening statement musically and lyrically. Somewhere, so low you can't get under it, right deep down inside, this is powered by a V8 Get It On riff powerplant.
• Crimson Moon - Already familiar to me, arrangement and production stand out.
• Universe - Do not think Fireball XL5, that would be quite wrong, no you mustn't, no no no no.
• Fool for You - Somehow this reminds me of Interstellar Soul, is it the same thing written backwards? As catchy as old T.Rex. This song'll bug ya. (Bug ya, bug ya).
• I Love to Boogie - Sounds good in this context, bit old though, hardly symptomatic of a revival.
• Visions of Domino - Now we're cooking. The surreal sound of Bolan returns. Demands attention, personal and universal. But don't forget this is a rework.
• Jason B Sad - Telegram Sam/Get it On never sounded so good! A pretty ditty from the city. Good.
• Groove a Little - Super smooth an almost "Mambo Sun" hypnotic feel. Active relaxive.
• Soul of my Suit - A return to the Bolan universe. Metaphoric and symbolic. That little breath, how long have we waited? Of course my schmutta goes to heaven, doesn't yours baby? Weak in parts, but this idea has inside legs.
• Hang Ups - 70's soul from the universe of Bolan. Needs a black voice to speak of white confusion. Back on top form. A shifty can't catch me feel, chase me if you dare.
• Pain & Love - Bleeding heart lyrics. The closest we get to a knee-buckling Bolan melody on this album.
• Teen Riot Structure - This is the new age of Bolan. He's got the old trick again. The seventies start here. Words and music weft and weave. Handsome.

• To Know? - Nice production, yawn. Aren't there laws banning this sort of thing? There should be.
• Tame my Tiger - The missed A-side of summer 77. Convincing rawness, exciting, rock'n'roll! A professional band and singers catch and reflect the amateur spirit of punk. Toughen up the intro and it's a real killer. But what did we get instead?
• Celebrate Summer - A truly awful mistake.
• Dandy In Underworld 7? - Shame he didn't just punch in "T.Rex" over "cocaine". A waste.

=== Review by Dan-D ===

• The title track is a bouncy starter with some of Marc's old bebop style.
• Crimson Moon follows with some more vintage Bolan style with the newer electric keyboard layer flowing throughout.
• Universe is Marc doing his wonderful campy hickuppy vocals but the chorus doesn't seem to fit with this song for me.
• I'm A Fool For You Girl is a bit too repetitive and simple but the wild hillbilly violin solo makes it kinda fun.
• I Love To Boogie, another simple rockabilly tune but great to dance to.
• Visions Of Domino doesn't really keep my attention.
• Side Two starts with my favourite track on Dandy is Jason B. Sad. Love the raunchy telegram sam style guitar and saxophone combination.
• Groove A Little sounds a little too much like the Sesame Street theme song with the keyboards.
• The Soul Of My Suit has a catchy melody and some tasteful guitarwork by Marc.
• Hang-Ups is a fun song that always makes me smile. I quote this song to my Dawn sometimes. "Get off my back and leave me. Oh shit, let's get it on.I'm such a contradiction - I'm just hung-up." This could be our theme song perhaps. *L*
• Pain and Love to me has a sombre Brian Eno feel to it. Very different for Marc but I like it.
• The final track, Teen Riot Structure romps out abruptly after the moody Pain and Love and makes me want to get up and pogo dance and be a kid again.

=== Review by Pierre ===

• Dandy In The Underworld : a great song. It's a C Am F G thing as often in Marc's work ( Cat Black, Teenage dream, Left Hand, Teen Riot... all those songs are among my favorites ). The analogy with Marc's life is obvious. When will he come up for air ? Lacking air is the worst situation I imagine. You needed to take a good breath Marc, and sure you were coming up ! It's a pity that the single did not make it. Will anybody care ? I now know we were quite a lot to care, but compared to the millions who onced cared I understand we were too few for your please.
• Crimson Moon : Nice song too. I liked the video with Marc sitting on half a moon.
• Universe / I'm a fool : don't know why this two always seemed to me like 'Futuristic dragon' tracks. Not my favorites despite the nice violin in the later.
• I Love to Boogie : what a great one ! Had it come during Marc's peak of fame it would have scored even better than it actually did. For this one too I tend to prefer the really rocking versions Marc did Live.
• Visions of Domino : Think that 'London funky Childhood' deserved it better. London childhood's one of my favorites. Visions great too but a ,little too smooth for my taste.
• Jason : Yeah, love this one too. Nice guitar solo.
• Groove a little : Well it's groovading fine. Sounds as a filler IMHO, the song has not enough strenght in itself.
• The Soul Of My Suit : I like this one. I never understood the comment I read at that time saying that the chorus didn't fit the verses. Read it recently too ( Michel <G>). For me it works and the video version with Marc in a yellow jacket is a killer. Once more it was rocking a bit more than the album version.
• Hang-ups : don't understand the lyrics, so it can not lift the song to an upper level for me. It doesn't work for me.
• Pain & Love : almost the same. I don't like the emphasis in Marc's voice and there was no need, IMHO, to repeat the whole lyrics twice. Half shorter I think I could enjoy it.
• Teen Riot Structure : One of my favorites too. The only thing I regret here is that, for once, Marc did not use the usual structure and let the destroying chorus at the far end of the song, after repeating again the whole lyrics twice. Would he have repeated only one verse after the solo then put the chorus it would have been a killer for me.

• City Port : a great song , yes Michel. Strange when you think that it had been in the can for long and Marc gave us Baby Boomerang as b-side to I Love to Boogie.

=== Review by Melinda and Sverre ===

Melinda:

I had only purchased the cd this last year. It brought tears to my eyes. To think that this was all, the end, the finale. To see that beautiful face frozen in time, those eyes so full of depth. I opened the wrap and looked at booklet inside, the words, the songs. Two days past before I listened to it. I wonder if somehow I thought that if I waited it would never end, the magic would continue. He will forever remain as I see him on that cover, forever youthful (elfishness on high), forever 29.

Sverre:

I bought the LP February '77. I love the b&w T.Rex covers, and this is a great one! Marc looks at us through the circle 'cut away', and I 'read' so much in those eyes. It's a very, very good picture!

I put the 'Beard' LP and the 'Dandy' LP side by side and I looked at the pics of Marc. Almost the same angle. All those years between, - the same strong jaw line, but the dreamy look is gone. Marc looks at us with eyes full of strength. Although sometimes I see worries or sorrow. Maybe those eyes are reflecting some of our own feelings??

Melinda:

Maturity sometimes changes your soul.......

Melinda:

The music is a story each song a chapter. Marc left us knowing a little more about himself.

Sverre:

It's an exciting story. Although -- one chapter is very dark and sad.

Melinda:

Dandy in the Underworld - I agree this is almost a confession for Marc. He tries to redeem himself in our eyes, and tries to help us understand where he has been. To prove himself to us, seeking our forgiveness and our love. "Will anybody ever care"....

Sverre:

The 'subtitle' to 'Dandy in the Underworld' is:

"A Bolonic revision of Orpheus Descending".

There's a lot of autobiographical references in the 'Dandy' lyric. No doubt. I agree with you, Mel.

Sverre:

It is a pretty common opinion (among the fans and some critics) that Marc ascended from the 'underworld' with this album. I believe Marc was back with 'Dragon', - but that is another story, to be told another time. I even find 'gold dust' on 'Bolan's Zip Gun'!

(The 'real' Orpheus, who was a prince, a singer, and a master musician, went to the underworld to save his wife, Eurydice. He saved her with tones from his little harp. He had to promise (his 'enemies') that he would not turn around, - he would not look over his shoulder, on their way up. Eurydice followed the sound of his beautiful harp, and up in the air again, in the daylight, Orpheus turned to see if she was there! Orpheus had forgotten his promise, and Eurydice had to return to the underworld! Orpheus lost his wife and sweet love.......)

'Dandy' was released 11/2/77. Marc got 7 months 'up in the air', in the sun, in the 'limelight', on the 'Dandy' tour, with new 'success' and a growing interest from the media. Maybe the rise started, slowly, slowly, 17 July '76, when 'I love to Boogie' peaked at #13.

I believe the ascending Marc looked back at 'old' times, i.e. '71.

You can hear it on the 'Dandy' LP. It's a stripped down, crystal clear sound. Very different from the '74, '75, '76 albums! It is good old cosmic rock again! Echoes of 'E.W.' maybe??? Sadly without bongos, but with Alfalpha! :-)

And I believe Marc looked ahead at new horizons, with a dream of a new artistic peak. Marc sings: "But change is a monster and changing is hard". This is a confession! He might have looked back at 'Telegram Sam' when he wrote 'Jason B. Sad', and he might have looked at _new_ horizons when he composed, and arranged 'Pain and Love'.

And I know that the modern 'Orpheus', - our Marc, - lost more than Orpheus in the myth did! In the early hours, Friday, 16 September, 1977.......

Melinda:

Sverre, that is beautiful, thank you. So did the world, they all just didn't realize it.

Sverre:

After a pretty long journey in a 'shadowful valley', - after a stay in the 'underworld', - Marc is back! Upon one (of the two) most classic chord schemes in history of pop and rock, (C, Am, F, G) - he tells the story of Dandy in the Underworld, a story of himself. The bopping elf, the electric warrior, Zinc Alloy, the Dragon-rider with a zip gun in his pocket, had become a modern Orpheus. Descending.........and ascending.

'Dandy' is a *fantastic* song! Fabulous!!! The song is pretty stripped down, with a (sort of) slow 'pulsating' riff. Marc's voice is great and there is a warm-sounding "ooooooooooooooo" - on the verses. You can barely hear an acoustic guitar, adding 'color' now and then. There is a lot of 'air' and 'peace' in the 'soundscape'. 'Synth strings', and backing vocals by Steve Harley are other nice elements in the 'picture'.

Melinda:

Ha, Imagine you knowing this ;-)), it sounds great.

Sverre:

-lol-

Sverre:

'Dandy' is one of my fave songs on this LP! And one of my fave songs, ever! The single version is very different, - and it is fabulous too.

Melinda:

Watered down in my opinion.

Sverre:

It was brave of Marc to give the critics another C, Am, F, G - song, and as song #1, - side one!!!?? A (sort of) 'In your face' - attitude. :-) Marc knew he could write masterpieces upon these chords, - he did it again and again through the years, and he did it on 'Dandy in the Underworld'!!!

Melinda:

Marc in your face............... through the years. Yeeeaaaahhhhhhhhh..

Sverre:

-lol- , Cheers to that!!
=====================

Sverre:

Crimson Moon

(The beat of bondage stalks on) Is this an interpretation guide line??

Melinda:

Gee, I wouldn't know about that <g>. Please explain.

Sverre:

-lol- , Expect a private mail.......

Nice intro, - guitar, bass, drums, MOOG, and Alfalpha! (The intro is also used as 'interlude' and ending).

Marc's singing is brilliant upon the baritone voice. It's a great melody with a 'classic' T.Rex riff....."du du du duuuuuuuu"! Nice chorus! Is Gloria in there? She's not credited. Still, I wonder? :-) The baritone voice of Alfalpha is very characteristic and it changes the song completely. It's a rare sound in the history of T.Rex. We are used to the falsetto and/or the 'soprano' background voices.

I can't say much about the lyric. Are there some sex references here???? I believe so......

Melinda:

kinda of a grown up 'By the light of the magical moon'.

Sverre:

I agree. (An X-rated version.)

Sverre:

A great song!!

Oh, - here's to Alfalpha! :-)

Melinda:

Cheers..... Under the crimson moon.

Sverre:

I always believed that the 'baritone' voice belonged to Alfalpha, but there are some 'baritone' voices on a couple of tracks where he is not credited, --- so this is a 'mystery' to me. Maybe they 'slowed down' Marc's voice??? I need help on this.
=====================

Melinda:

Universe - I love this song. The lyrics are great. I enjoy the references to the planets. Hey ya think he wrote this song with Gloria in mind <g>? "If you really love me sister let's face the universe and dance".

Sverre:

(Interplanetary Waltz) A 'funky' little jewel with a great intro: Synth, and a whispering Marc. Guitar with tremolo. Marc's voice is wonderful!! Beautiful chorus by Gloria and Colin Jacas, (who is he?) A bluesy, jazzy organ creates a gospel/soul feeling, through the song. A saxophone swirls in and out, and adds more of this mood. A brilliant song!

Melinda:

Hey, I have to love the blues.........it's my heritage.
======================

Sverre:

I'm Fool for you Girl

(A fool's lament is the wise man's milkshake) This is deep! :-)

Marc's voice is really fabulous here!

".........seven eagles laaaaaooooong", "how could I kiss you wraaaaaooooong"

Melinda:

This must be a guy thing, but how long is seven eagles ???

Sverre:

-lol- , That's a good question. Sadly, I can't answer. Up here, by the fjord, - are only seagulls. <g>

Sverre:

I especially like this part: "The poet wished upon a star and dazzling bright is what you are".

A solo violin is a rare thing on a T.Rex song. Here it creates a gypsy mood. Great bass playing!!!!

Another great, great song!!!

Melinda:

Lovely song.... great lyrics, and yes Marcs voice is amazing.
======================

Melinda:

I Love to Boogie - Aaaaaahhhhhh, what can I say, great beat to this song. Wonderful characters/people referred to in this song. "Melinda Mae (ooopps) <g> Belinda Mae Fender's got a cadillac bone"... "We love to Boogie on a Saturday Night".

Sverre:

Marc says: (A cross between Ramon Navarro and Marlene Dietrich) Who is Ramon Navarro? :-)

I always say "Melinda Mae Fender's got a cadillac bone", when I sing this song in my head, - on my evening stroll. I wonder why? :-)

Melinda:

Gee that sounds like something I've heard in a song..., but why dear Sverre? "I wonder why....."

Sverre:

:-)

This is a nice song with a good lyric. A very funny lyric!!! Marc sounds playful, and I guess he wrote, - and recorded this song with a twinkle in his eye! A brilliant 'foot tapper' with nice guitar playing and , - as you say Mel, a great beat! This song makes me bop and smile. #13 in '76.

Melinda:

Thanks for the reference to 'twinkle in his eye' sounds very appropriate.
=======================

Sverre:

Visions of Domino

(Her love is hot, but mine is not)

I really like the lyric on this one! Brilliant. Marc's voice is great, but I find the arrangement too smooth!! The guitar is too hidden, and there's too much synth. Are there real strings in there?? I find the rhythm a little out of rhythm. <g>

A pretty weak song. Still, the lyric is great!!! Is there an acoustic version of this??

Melinda:

I hope so, I would like a copy. I think this is a great song. Controlled lyrics, maybe a little to close to home at times for him. Most any man I would think.
=======================

Melinda:

Jason B. Sad - This is one of those songs I think Marc uses like an autobiography. I won't go into this now, I could be way off here. Great song it took me a while to warm to it though.

Sverre:

(A distant boy friend of Johnny B. Good)

The riff on the verses reminds me of 'Telegram Sam'. I hear an echo of 'Get It On' too. Marc is brilliant. A lot of saxes on the riff. The chorus is beautiful!

Melinda:

The saxes are great, I love to hear them, mmmmm sexy.

Sverre:

There might be an autobiographical reference or two in the lyric. Verse three makes me think so. Just a feeling. One of my fave songs on the LP. I have always loved it. I warmed up quickly!

Mel, why do you think this song is autobiographical??

Melinda:

Do you want this now?? Let's come back to this.

Sverre:

All right. There's a long winter ahead of us, let's 'dive' into it. The song, - not the snow. <g>

Melinda:

Darn a good snowball fight is good for the soul, maybe next time.

Sverre:

<LOL!!>
=======================

Sverre:

Groove a Little (To groove is to lubricate your imagination) An example of Marc's sense of humour. A great saying! It is wise too! :-)

Melinda:

Take it from someone whos goal is not to let her thought train fossilize behind a rusty desk, it is a good thing to groove a little.

Sverre:

A little funky 'thing' with great lyric on the verses. A lot of keyboards and synths on this one. The guitar is very hidden. A two tone 'guitar solo' is in there! :-) A great song!

Melinda:

I don't care what anyone says, I need this song......

Sverre:

The song is yours! :-)

Melinda:

Thank you dear, gee a song just for me.
========================

Melinda:

Soul of my Suit - I always thought this song meant something deep. "You damaged the soul of my suit" ---- wrinkled my persona "You pulled my love out by the roots"------ tested my commitment "You ravished the runes of tunes" --------- read between the lines "You put on the gloves of my loves"-------examined my heart & being. This song has been for me a true love song, sometimes knowing about more is to much, sometimes (when the stars are right) it is a piece of heaven. What do you think Sverre???? I jumped in pretty deep here.

Sverre:

You jumped in pretty deep, yes, and you did it with style. This is a great interpretation, - this is fantastic! I have nothing to add. You've done it all. (What am I doing here?) :-) And you have changed my understanding of this song. Thank you, Mel!

Melinda:

Thanks for the help to the shore.

Sverre:

Organ, moog, the baritone voice of Alfalpha?, a nice guitar solo. A strange song, and I love it!!! One of my faves, here! Maybe the chorus doesn't fit in? I don't know. What do you think Mel????

Melinda:

The chorus how could I skip that?? What do lovers allow each other to do with their hearts, "Rock and roll it, even stroll it, baby"

Sverre:

I never thought of the chorus before Michel and David raised the question. The chorus sounds 'shallow' compared to the brilliant verses, -- it does!! *BUT*, - maybe it is the right words!? The whole point might be like you say. It would make sense. I'll work on this during the winter season. I'll ask Michel! He has long winter seasons too. <g>

Melinda:

And he is wise. (you will notice no reference to age)

Sverre:

Nice ending with that "I love you yeah..." --- and the moog says: "du-du"! <g>
========================

Sverre:

Hang-Ups (Play in a loud cloud)

A funky song where Marc sounds playful. He stretches his voice and he sings with a 50's - 60's rock and roll 'stylee' voice. A good song. A little repetitive, still, - I enjoy to hear it!

Melinda:

What a guy song...... "How come you always pick the hits"????? I am woman hear me roar........, any questions??? <g>

Sverre:

-lol- , No comments........

Melinda:

cute way to get out of a comment, hhhmmmmm.
========================

Melinda:

Pain & Love - This song when I heard it the first time, almost froze my soul. I thought this can't be my Marc? Such a dark song, so much sadness and agony, and so much said. "Don't make living hazy" I'm sure there is a message here? "Don't make my life so lonely" to hear him wail and cry at the end of the second verse.... shivers in my soul....... What do you think Sverre.

Sverre:

Marc calls this song: 'A punkoid opera in C flat and razor sharp'

I agree Mel. This is a dark song, - very dark. It doesn't sound like T.Rex at all. Without voice, - it would've sounded like a King Crimson instrumental. Yes it would! :-) And Marc's guitar sounds like Robert Fripp's guitar, even more than Fripp himself. I am tempted to call this a prog rock song. Only tempted. (Part 1) <g> And *with* Marc's voice, it still doesn't sound like T.Rex. What is this???

Melinda:

Ssssssshhhh, on the prog rock, you know how the natives get dear.

Sverre:

-lol!!!-

Sverre:

This song is soooooo different. Here, - Marc looks at new horizons, musically. And I believe he looks at his life, lyrically. I believe, - I don't know....

An essay, -- or a book could be written about the 'Pain and Love' lyric. There is so much hidden there, --- such a depth. So much pain, and longing.... and despair....
========================

Sverre:

Teen Riot Structure

I have always loved this one. A great melody (with fantastic lyric) upon familiar chords.

"An ancient Lord in wonder rung upon my bell,
I fed him with my nightmares and he ate my dreams as well".

Fantastic!!!

A great final song!!! The end. "My - Teen Riot Structuuuuuuure............" I always play this song loud.

Melinda:

Marc saying I can still give the kids what they want, my girls friends that are in bands like this song. I'm not sure they can do a cover, but it is a thought.....

Sverre:

Marc said he could still give the kids what they wanted, yes, - with this final song, - and with the whole album. This is a #%&* GREAT album with only one weak song, - 'Visions of Domino'. In fact, - the song is not weak, - the arrangement is. My humble thoughts!!!
-----------
And we do know that Marc still 'aimed' at the kids with 'Celebrate Summer' which I think is a great song with a simple lyric. And let's face it, - Marc spoilt us from day one with his words, with the depths of them, and with his 'wordsmith techniques', - so, yes, - 'Celebrate Summer' sounds simple, shallow and primitive! BUT, - it was a good summer for Marc, so again, maybe the lyric was the PERFECT one, --- for the summer of '77. Marc's last summer on earth.

The demos Marc did leave behind tell us that he maybe would have gone in that 'poppy' direction for a (little) while. But, maybe there are experimental stuff too in the boxes, so, - who knows? Cliff does, I reckon!! :-)
-----------
Mel, it is great that the friends of your girls try to play T.Rex songs. Because they have to listen carefully first! :-) And I know Marc has something to tell them, - 22 years after he died.

"I love to boogie..........."

Mel, thank you for the chat! It's been some days with joy and sorrow. It was fun to do this, and it had a flavour of sadness because - 'Dandy' was the last album Marc gave us.....

Our comfort is, - the modern Orpheus boogies on! :-)

Melinda:

That is all on this album, gee it went quick. Thank you for all your help on this, I could not have done it with out you. I always enjoy these reviews with you. It is so nice share with you dear knight. You add a brightness to my thoughts and my days, I bow to you again..... Melinda Mae.

Sverre:

Thank you for these nice words, Mel! :-)

I bow to you my lady, --- and in a 'Don Quixote style' this northern knight rides into the wilderness, and who knows, who knows, --- there might be a 'windmill' or two, for me to fight. And when the northern night falls, 'crystal clear' and frosty, - with peace and 'solitude', - then I know I am _not alone_ .......we see the same stars and the same _magical_ moon. :-)

Bye.......