Tyrannosaurus Rex (November 9 1968) Poetry and Music – Feature

Publication: Record Mirror Date: November 9 1968 Country: United Kingdom Section / Page: Page 7 Format: Music Press Feature / Album Review Author: Derek Boltwood

Overview

A Record Mirror feature exploring the poetic and musical world of Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took following the release of their second album Prophets, Seers & Sages – The Angels of the Ages. Written by Derek Boltwood, the article examines Tyrannosaurus Rex’s lyrical mysticism, acoustic sound, and Bolan’s unique approach to songwriting — blending fantasy, spirituality, and folk rhythm into a style that defied pop convention.

What the Clipping Shows

• Headline: “Tyrannosaurus Rex – Poetry and Music” in bold serif type, spanning the top of the right‑hand column. • Opening paragraph beginning with the phrase “Polygonamous pop. Let me explain…”, introducing Boltwood’s concept of multifaceted pop music. • Small black‑and‑white photograph of Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took at the top of the article. • Adjacent full‑colour photograph of Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding, printed on the same page, situating Tyrannosaurus Rex within the broader psychedelic context of 1968. • Text spanning multiple columns, analysing Bolan’s lyrics and musical philosophy. • Mentions of specific songs from Prophets, Seers & Sages and reflections on Bolan’s poetic influences. • Tone: literary, reverent, and philosophical — a critic attempting to decode the mysticism behind Bolan’s music. • Layout: two‑column article with photo insert and bold section header typical of late‑’60s Record Mirror features.

 “Poetry and Music,” Record Mirror, November 9 1968 — Derek Boltwood’s analysis of Marc Bolan’s lyrical and spiritual vision.

“Tyrannosaurus Rex make the most beautiful music in the world today.” — Derek Boltwood, Record Mirror

The Story Behind It

By November 1968, Tyrannosaurus Rex had solidified their reputation as the leading lights of Britain’s underground folk‑psych scene. Their second album, Prophets, Seers & Sages, expanded on the mystical themes of My People Were Fair, with Bolan’s lyrics weaving mythic imagery and Took’s percussion adding ritualistic texture.

In this Record Mirror feature, Derek Boltwood praises Bolan’s poetic sensibility and the duo’s refusal to conform to pop trends. He describes their music as “polygonal pop” — multifaceted, spiritual, and deeply personal. The article analyses several tracks, including Deboraarobed, Salamanda Palaganda, and The Travelling Tragition, noting Bolan’s fascination with reincarnation, cosmic imagery, and the interplay between innocence and wisdom.

Boltwood’s writing captures the essence of Tyrannosaurus Rex’s appeal: music that was both intimate and visionary, performed with sincerity and imagination. This piece stands as one of the most eloquent contemporary appraisals of Bolan’s early artistry, bridging the gap between underground acclaim and mainstream recognition.

Related Material

• Tyrannosaurus Rex (August 31 1968)

 A Combination, And A Daring Duo – Record Mirror Feature   • Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 27 1968)

 Deborah – Single Review – Melody Maker   • Tyrannosaurus Rex (April 26 1968) 

Causing Quite a Stir – Great Yarmouth Mercury Feature   • Tyrannosaurus Rex (July 1968)

 My People Were Fair – Album Review  

• Additional entries listed in the scrapbook tag index

Source Details

Publication: Record Mirror Date: November 9 1968 Format: Music Press Feature / Album Review Author: Derek Boltwood Provenance Notes: Original national press coverage documenting Tyrannosaurus Rex’s second album and artistic development; archived via British Library music press collection.

---

© Copyright Notice — Record Mirror (November 9 1968)

All original magazine text and artwork remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This scrapbook entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

---