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Review: Their latest release in the Marc Bolan Songwriter series, following on from the success of Songwriter: 1970 and Songwriter: 1971, Demon Records are introducing Songwriter: 1973 to their catalogue. An intimate, vinyl-only look into the influential artist's prolific output, Songwriter: 1971 delves into a period of change during which Bolan was more active than ever, recording music incessantly in recording studios in both the US and Europe - an era in which the distinctive T Rex sound was becoming increasingly limiting for the artist. Over the course of this in depth sixteen-track compilation, featuring a fascinating selection of finished recordings and working versions, this next chapter charts Bolan's attempts to develop and ultimately move away from the sound he had invented for himself.

Review: T Rex, and Mark Bolan, will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greatest British rock 'n' roll bands. Perhaps what's so remarkable is just how varied the outfit's output during their decade-long tenure as cult then chart-topping heroes, moving from the psychedelic folk movement into the heady world of glam rock as the 1960s drew to a close. Those who haven't explored their full back catalogue should do so as a matter of urgency. Tanx and Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow are two bonafide gems therein, both albums reflecting the broad influences that helped forge such a unique sound for the group. 'The Groover', and its B-side, 'Midnight', appeared on neither, released only as a standalone 1973 single, but have regularly been attached to special edition versions of those LPs. Now's the chance to own them in their original format.