[Tom M]

I've heard the albums electric warrior and slider both of which were ok but there are so many hits collections and album reissues. What made the band so popular. Marc bolan the bands leader and singer could not play guitar very well although he appeared to have been able to craft catchy tune. But, catchy tunes in it self don't make a great artist. So what's all the fuss with this guy.

 

[fractus2]

Pretty much one hit I wonder about when I hear their name: Bang a Gong.

 

[DarkAngel]

Its all about glam rock movement, Bolan & Ziggy Stardust were in the vanguard. Bolan is really psychedellic folk rock especially early material, also notice his interest with mythology, hobbit, astrology in his songs.

Had unique fat distorted "mambo sun" guitar style, simple dirty lyrics, short time in spot light only a couple years. There are many good greatest hits collections especially newest "20th century boy" digipak. The mambo style is very recognizable, I can hear few notes of song and tell right away it's T Rex

Bolan place in rock history will always be as leading member of glam rock style of early 1970's, not really because of quality/depth of his music catalog.

BTW, I wouldn't say there is a lot of Bolan material out there, my local Best Buy is lucky to have 2-3 Cds in stock

 

[Tom M]

The place that I've seen alot of trex hit collections is at my local virgin megastore. The best buy in my area doesn't have much.

 

[KR...]

Buick Mackane is a great song. That's all I know about them

 

[mbriant]

Part of their appeal was the era they existed in. FM radio and underground music were in their infancy in the early 70s and T-Rex's unique style and sound earned them a place as cutting edge at that time. After the poppy "British Invasion" in the 60s, music got "heavier" and nearly every new successfull artist was blazing a new trail. T-Rex was one of those pioneers. In fact, even 30+ years later I can't think of any another band that even remotely sounds like T-Rex.