📰 Deborah –Single Review: Apr. 1968

A warm, perceptive early review celebrated the unique, whimsical sound of Tyrannosaurus Rex as Marc Bolan began carving out his distinctive place in the late-1960s underground scene.

Published on 27 April 1968 in Melody Maker (or associated music column), this short but enthusiastic notice highlighted Bolan’s growing originality.

📰 What the Clipping Shows

A single-column record review focusing on Tyrannosaurus Rex’s single “Deborah” (Regal Zonophone). The text praises Marc Bolan’s “peculiar vocal style,” the simplicity of the production, and the distinctive bongo-driven sound, comparing it favourably to early Buddy Holly while noting its quirky, hobbit-like charm.

This clipping matters as one of the earliest mainstream press acknowledgments of Marc Bolan’s emerging solo/ duo sound — just before Tyrannosaurus Rex exploded into the UK underground and glam scenes.

📰 The Story Behind It

In spring 1968, Marc Bolan (still performing as Tyrannosaurus Rex with Steve Peregrin Took) was transitioning from his earlier folk and psychedelic experiments. The single “Deborah” showcased his gentle, poetic voice, acoustic guitar, and the pair’s intimate, bongo-accompanied style.

The reviewer noted Bolan’s history — from his solo “The Wizard” persona, through the short-lived John’s Children, to the current duo — and sensed something special in his “highly distinctive voice” and unusual approach.

📰 Publication Details

Publication: Melody Maker (Wednesday Scene / Music Column)

Date: April 27, 1968

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Page: Entertainment / Music Review

Format: Single Record Review

📰 Related Material

• Related entries on early Tyrannosaurus Rex (1968)

• Marc Bolan’s pre-glam folk-psych era

Additional material connected to this entry is listed in the tag index at the foot of the page.

📰 Visual Archive

A newspaper clipping with the review text discussing Tyrannosaurus Rex’s single “Deborah” and Marc Bolan’s distinctive style.

Caption: Early review of Tyrannosaurus Rex’s “Deborah” — Melody Maker, April 27, 1968.

📰 Closing Notes

This 1968 review is a charming early glimpse of Marc Bolan before the glitter and T. Rextasy took over. Already recognised for his peculiar, otherworldly voice and stripped-back yet captivating sound, Bolan was quietly laying the foundations for one of the most colourful careers in British rock. A lovely archival piece from the very beginning of the Tyrannosaurus Rex story.

#MarcBolan #TyrannosaurusRex #1968 #Deborah #EarlyBolan #PsychedelicFolk

📝 Copyright Notice

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.