Born To Boogie: The Songwriting Of Marc Bolan
by Carl Ewens

Every one of Bolan’s boogies

From the first time Bolan put pen to paper as a folkified troubadour, to his nods towards punk, Carl Ewens sets out to deeply analyse Bolan’s songwriting. Usually the stuff given over to your Lennons and Dylans, Ewens intends for this to put the glam pixie in the pantheon of greats for all to see. In many ways it could, but the author is somewhat up against the problem that his book is likely preaching to the converted.

It’s well written, but so text heavy (in fact, there are no pictures, save that on the dust jacket) that it takes a certain kind of devotion in itself to get through. Brief biographical details opening each chapter quickly give way to what are essentially extended prose listings. Statements are made, with quotes and long descriptions given, but it’s not always substantiated enough to fully convince (a lyric or delivery may be funny simply because we’re told so).

Ewens flawlessly shines in his absolute pinpoint accuracy of dates, recording and catalogue information, plus nooks and crannies of Bolan’s influences. Whether it’s a poorly reconfigured reissue, or tack-ons to a song that shouldn’t be there, Ewens reveals all, and in doing so makes his book indispensable in ways he may not have intended.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

ISBN 1899750398

Reviewed by Jason Draper
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