T. Rex

Ever since Marc Bolan's tragic 1977 death, the marketplace has been absolutely flooded with both T. Rex "hits" compilations and "odds and ends" sets. Released in 2007, Electric Jewels fits into the latter category. Countless similarly styled sets surfaced prior to this one, but while some stretch into the multi-disc box set format and span Bolan's entire career, Electric Jewels focuses solely on the group's prime era -- 1971-1972. It was during this period that Bolan seemed to be able to whip up one U.K. Top Ten single after another with a snap of his fingers. So, expectedly, interesting versions of several of his best-known tracks are included here -- a live take of "Hot Love," a demo of "Jeepster," and a noticeably different solo rendition of "Get It On" (listed as "Get It on Blues"). Also included are fine, stripped-down versions of "Planet Queen" and "Girl" from radio performances, as well as an early demo of one of T. Rex's most melancholic compositions -- "Life's a Gas." Along with 1994's Rabbit Fighter: The Alternate Slider, Electric Jewels is one of the finest T. Rex outtake/rarity sets out there. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide