In the ninth installment of From The Vinyl Bargain Basement we delve into the magic that is T.Rex and their 1977 release Dandy Of The Underworld which stands as a glittering, poignant final chapter in the story of T. Rex, a band that helped define the sound and style of the early 1970s.
Who are T.Rex?
To appreciate Dandy of the Underworld, it helps to understand the journey of T. Rex. Originally formed as Tyrannosaurus Rex in the late 1960s, the band began as a psychedelic folk duo led by Marc Bolan. By 1970, they had electrified their sound, shortened their name, and ignited the glam rock movement with hits like “Get It On” and “Telegram Sam.” Bolan’s charisma, distinctive voice, and flair for blending rock ‘n’ roll with fantasy imagery made T. Rex one of the most influential acts of the era. While their commercial peak came earlier in the decade, Bolan never stopped evolving—and this final album captures that restless creativity beautifully.
Dandy Of The Underworld – The Album Review
From the opening moments of the title track, Dandy of the Underworld radiates confidence. The song itself is a standout, driven by a slinky groove and Bolan’s unmistakable vocal swagger. There’s a sense of self-awareness here, too—Bolan as both icon and outsider, reflecting on fame with a wink and a touch of melancholy. It’s glam rock grown up, but no less stylish.
Another highlight is “I Love to Boogie,” a track that had already proven its hit potential prior to the album’s release. With its irresistible rhythm and celebratory spirit, it channels the essence of T. Rex at their most accessible. The song feels unbound by time, a reminder that Bolan had an intuitive grasp of what made rock music fun. Similarly, “Crimson Moon” offers a darker, more atmospheric turn, weaving mysticism into a lush arrangement that showcases Bolan’s lyrical imagination.
“Visions of Domino” is perhaps one of the album’s most striking tracks. Featuring a heavier, almost proto-punk edge, it bridges the gap between glam and the rawer sounds emerging in the late ’70s. Rather than sounding out of step with the times, Bolan seems to be engaging with them, proving his adaptability. This ability to absorb new influences while retaining his signature style is one of the album’s greatest strengths.
Throughout the album the production feels crisp and purposeful, highlighting a tighter, more focused band dynamic. There’s less of the hazy indulgence that marked some mid-’70s releases, replaced instead by a clarity that lets each song shine. Tracks like “Jason B. Sad” and “The Soul of My Suit” demonstrate Bolan’s knack for combining catchy hooks with offbeat, evocative lyrics—a balance few artists could achieve so effortlessly.
What makes this album particularly compelling is the sense of renewal it conveys. After years of fluctuating commercial success, Bolan was clearly regaining momentum, both artistically and personally. There’s an energy here that suggests a new chapter was just beginning. Tragically, that promise would be cut short later in 1977, making this record not just a comeback, but a farewell.
Dandy of the Underworld is a testament to Marc Bolan’s enduring talent and vision. It may not have reshaped the musical landscape the way T. Rex’s earlier work did, but it stands as a richly rewarding listen—full of groove, charm, and personality. For fans and newcomers alike, it offers a vivid reminder of why T. Rex mattered, and why their music continues to resonate and though it arrived during a period when punk was rapidly reshaping the musical landscape, the album proves that Marc Bolan still had a singular creative spark—one rooted in glamour, groove, and poetic mystique.
The Vinyl Review
The good news first – I paid £3 for this album and the vinyl plays great. The bad news – the sleeve is beaten to buggery and held together with sellotape, a crime amongst all vinyl collectors I know!! Is the album good enough to warrant me getting a better copy – not quite. I’ll stick with this for now. The inner sleeve is in fine shape and I can live with the issues that buying an album of this renown for pocket change.
Donnie’s Rating: 7/10
