MARC BOLAN 1947-1977 A CHRONOLOGY

Reviews

Record Collector
September 1999
Issue 241

While the hardiest Bolan completist might now regard an embargo on future CD releases as a blessing, the corkscrew chameleon is less well served in the literary department. By their very nature, day-by-day accounts aren't thrilling to read; it is more important that information is clearly presented and above all, accurate. Cliff, an RC contributor with a proven thirst for Bolan knowledge, admirably fulfils this brief with what will become one of the few essential Bolan books.

The only drawback is the price - hardback, self published, specialist publications rarely come cheap. On the plus side, ' A Chronology' will be a major source for years to come. Combing through acres of contemporary sources - ads, previews, press releases, tour itineraries and interviews - as well as a wealth of posthumous publications, it documents the Glam King's spectacular rise and fall with the precision of a micro-surgeon. McLenehan's hunger for Bolanic wisdom is made all the more palatable with the inclusion of choice commentary from contemporary reviewers, which breathes drama into the tale.

Better still, he has unearthed a wealth of adverts and tour posters, as well as a handful of rare and unseen photos. Bolan adopted many guises on the path to success, but I don't recall him going out as "Marc Bollam & Tyrannosaurus Rex", as one early ad states.

Mark Paytress

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