Back before T-Rex came into full camp glam being, Marc Bolan was singing with a guy named Steve Peregrin Took under the guise of Tyrannosaurus Rex. Bolan's voice was distinguishable even in the early days although the music was slightly more low-key and minimalist. Theme-wise, as you might be able to guess from his band mate's name, the music tended to take more of a fantasy/fairytale direction, which is great for anyone who grew up getting stoned by both psychedelia and Tolkien. Availability of these early albums is very good these days and I managed to pick them all up as double albums, first on cassette and then later on c.d. "Cat Black" was always my favourite number from those records so that is the one I have chosen to present to you (labelled as Marc Bolan T Rex on this particular YouTube video). It has always been very difficult for me to make out the lyrics when Marc Bolan sings, such was his unique way, so just in case any of you have the same problem, I have provided the lyrics which are, incidentally, pretty cool:
Catblack the wizard's hat
Spun in lore from Dagamoor
The skull of jade was pearl inlaid
The silks, skin spun, repelled the Sun
A tusk of boar with dwarfish awe
Sobs on the door where stood before
A mountain man with sky-blue teeth
Upon his head a python's wreath
A deer he slew in the dawning's dew
Her heart was a dagger for a murderer's brew.
A black toad of jet on a sill cast in brass
Portrayed for his sight mysteries of the past
A yellow orphan dancer rich in Nature's costly gold
Wept for the jailer of time to bless her old
But his kiss he held and shadowed for the spell of nights are strong
And spiralled like a whirlwind in the childhood of a song
Catblack the wizard's back
Daubed in doom in his tounge tombed room
We of the wind must rejoice and speak
And kiss all our starbrowed brothers on the cheek.
Catblack the wizard's hat
Spun in lore from Dagamoor
The skull of jade was pearl inlaid
The silks, skin spun, repelled the Sun
A tusk of boar with dwarfish awe
Sobs on the door where stood before
A mountain man with sky-blue teeth
Upon his head a python's wreath
A deer he slew in the dawning's dew
Her heart was a dagger for a murderer's brew.
A black toad of jet on a sill cast in brass
Portrayed for his sight mysteries of the past
A yellow orphan dancer rich in Nature's costly gold
Wept for the jailer of time to bless her old
But his kiss he held and shadowed for the spell of nights are strong
And spiralled like a whirlwind in the childhood of a song
Catblack the wizard's back
Daubed in doom in his tounge tombed room
We of the wind must rejoice and speak
And kiss all our starbrowed brothers on the cheek.