Tyrannosaurus Rex - A Beard of Stars (Regal Zonophone 1970) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

There was a big and obvious change to Tyrannosaurus Rex on their fourth album, A Beard of Stars, as Steve Took was replaced by Micky Finn, with Marc Bolan remaining the true captain of the duo act as singer and songwriter. Of more significance was the change in the band's sound, moving into far more electric rock territory with much greater use of electric guitar, though Bolan's songs were still often grounded in the fairytale-like musings of his earlier work. It was still a ways off from his glam rock approach, but it was definitely more accessible than the relatively homespun elflike folk-rock of the earliest Tyrannosaurus Rex albums. It also made some effective use of organ and somewhat more pop-friendly, conventional tunes like "By the Light of A Magical Moon," "Elemental Child," and "A Daye Laye," though weirder items like "Wild Cheetah" and "Dove" bore a slight similarity to some of Syd Barrett's gentlest compositions. Richie Unterberger AMG.

Track listing:

A1. Prelude

A2. A Day Laye

A3. The Woodland Bop

A4. Fist Heart Mighty Dawn Dart

A5. Pavilions of Sun

A6. Organ Blues

A7. By The Light of A Magical Moon

B1. A Beard of Stars

B2. Great Horse

B3. Dragon's Ear

B4. Lofty Skies

B5. Dove

B6. Elemental Child

Marc Bolan: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Organ and Bass
Micky Finn: Backing Vocals, Moroccan Clay Drums, Bass and Finger Cymbals
Produced by Tony Visconti
Recorded at Trident Studios, London.