"Record Collector" Book Review

     Review written by the esteemed Marc Bolan expert -Mark Paytress

While the hardiest Bolan completist might now regard an embargo on future
CD releases as a blessing, the corkscrew chameleon is less well served in
the literary department. By their very nature, day-by-day accounts aren't
thrilling to read; it is more important that information is clearly
presented and above all, accurate. Cliff, an RC contributor with a proven
thirst for Bolan knowledge, admirably fulfils this brief with what will
become one of the few essential Bolan books.

The only drawback is the price - hardback, self published, specialist
publications rarely come cheap. On the plus side, ' A Chronology' will be a
major source for years to come. Combing through acres of contemporary
sources - ads, previews, press releases, tour itineraries and interviews- as
well as a wealth of posthumous publications, it documents the Glam King's
spectacular rise and fall with the precision of a micro-surgeon. McLenehan's
hunger for Bolanic wisdom is made all the more palatable with the inclusion
of choice commentary from contemporary reviewers, which breathes drama into
the tale. Better still, he has unearthed a wealth of adverts and tour
posters, as well as a handful of rare and unseen photos. Bolan adopted many
guises on the path to success, but I don't recall him going out as "Marc
Bollam & Tyrannosaurus Rex", as one early ad states.

         Mark Paytresss