📰 T. Rex and Colosseum Review – Mar. 1971

Writer: Jim Knippenberg / Cincinnati Enquirer

Date: March 18, 1971

Length: 4 min read

A winter roundup of new releases finds T. Rex drifting into soft-rock territory while Colosseum delivers a technically dazzling masterpiece.

Two albums, two extremes — one shrugs, one stuns.

T. Rex’s self-titled LP lands in the middle ground — neither bold nor bad, just harmless. Colosseum’s Daughter of Time is the opposite: original, tight, and unforgettable.

📰 Key Highlights

• T. Rex reviewed as soft-rock with Simon & Garfunkel echoes • Marc Bolan and Micky Finn lineup noted; Steve Took absent • Vocals compared to Ray Davies of the Kinks • Colosseum praised for originality and technical perfection • Jon Hiseman and Dave Greenslade singled out for standout performances

📰 Overview

In March 1971, Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Jim Knippenberg offered a dual review of two contrasting albums: T. Rex by Marc Bolan’s newly rebranded duo, and Daughter of Time by British jazz-rock outfit Colosseum. The piece captures a transitional moment for Bolan, moving from the mystical folk of Tyrannosaurus Rex into a more mainstream soft-rock sound, while Colosseum’s release is hailed as a rare fusion of technical brilliance and emotional originality.

Knippenberg’s column, titled "Soundings," was a regular roundup of new records, and this edition reflects the shifting musical landscape of early 1971 — where glam, prog, and jazz-rock were all vying for attention.

📰 Source Details

Publication / Venue: Cincinnati Enquirer

Date: March 18, 1971

Format: Review Column ("Soundings")

Provenance Notes: Verified via original newspaper clipping; physical scan archived for reference.

📰 The Story

Knippenberg opens with a wry observation about the flood of winter releases, then dives into T. Rex, the first album under the shortened band name. He notes the departure of Steve Took and the current lineup of Marc Bolan and Micky Finn. The album is described as soft-rock with occasional flair, but ultimately too familiar — likened to Simon and Garfunkel without the folk roots.

Vocals are compared to Ray Davies of the Kinks, though Knippenberg admits he can’t tell whether it’s Bolan or Finn singing. Instrumentation is minimal, with quiet guitars and drums backing lyrics that are “generally very nice, if sometimes mishandled.” The overall verdict: middle ground, harmless, and likely embraced only by die-hard fans.

In contrast, Colosseum’s Daughter of Time is celebrated as a triumph. Knippenberg praises the originality of each band member, especially vocalist Dave Greenslade and drummer Jon Hiseman. The album is described as “technically perfect, ever amazing, always tight,” offering something for every listener — from voice freaks to percussion purists.

The review closes with a clear preference: while T. Rex may leave listeners shrugging, Colosseum demands attention.

📰 Visual Archive

Description: Newspaper clipping featuring Jim Knippenberg’s column "Soundings," with reviews of T. Rex and Colosseum. Includes a sidebar ad for Diary of a Mad Housewife starring Carrie Snodgress.

Jim Knippenberg’s "Soundings" column, Cincinnati Enquirer, March 18, 1971 — T. Rex and Colosseum reviewed.

📰 Related Material

• T. Rex – Self-Titled Album (1970) • Colosseum – Daughter of Time (1970) • Tyrannosaurus Rex – Unicorn (1969)

📰 Closing Notes

This review captures a moment of divergence: Bolan stepping toward glam-pop, Colosseum refining their jazz-rock edge. One album fades into the background; the other demands repeat listening. It’s a snapshot of 1971’s musical crossroads.

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📰 Sources

• Cincinnati Enquirer – March 18, 1971 (Jim Knippenberg column) • Physical newspaper clipping (archived) • Contextual discography references

📝 Copyright Notice

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