The Slider

I am a firm believer that in order to truly understand and love a band, you must discover them at the right time in your life. As with many of my other favorite bands, T. Rex didn’t move me much at first – but then when the right time in my life came, I listened to them again and fell in deep, maddening love. And The Slider is the album that did it.

Released in July of 1972, The Slider was T. Rex’s seventh album, though it was only the band’s second which showcased the ‘glam rock’ sound they became famous for. Prior to 1971, the band played solely psychedelic folk until lead guitarist, songwriter and singer Marc Bolan decided to adopt and innovate a more abrasive sound and a more glamorous image. This sound and stage persona, along with those of his contemporaries David Bowie, Roxy Music, Mott the Hoople and others, would be deemed ‘glam rock.’

The Slider’s predecessor Electric Warrior was a breakthrough album for the band, culminating overnight critical success along with ultimate commercial stardom; a rare, and seemingly lethal, combination. Many doubted that the follow-up album could match the brilliance of Electric Warrior, but, for the most part, it decidedly did, in both commercial success and artistry.

The album creates an almost conflicting, manic-depressive vibe which includes introversion and extraversion, overwhelming joy and emotional introspection, religious pondering and childhood nostalgia. While a lot of the songs, like "Metal Guru" and "Buick Mackane", are jubilant and sociable, others like "Ballrooms of Mars" and "Main Man" are strikingly personal, producing an almost opiate-like lullaby effect.

Every single song on the album makes obvious what a master of pop melody Bolan was. Beyond his irresistible guitar hooks you’ll find yourself reeled into his world of impossible romance, mythological fantasy, and insightful reflection. These songs would inspire and influence countless bands, from the original punks to pop-stars to acid-house stars to Noel Gallagher and beyond.

But despite their reputation as glam pop icons, the reason that I love this album and T. Rex in general so much is because of the passionate honesty and deeply intuitive messages woven within the melodies of their songs. Their music is sort of like a friend that’s a really good listener, and Bolan seems to be this sort of ever-understanding figure of hope for youths everywhere, to an almost religious extent.

This album furthered the innovation of the early seventies and provided emotional support for inspired young people everywhere, and I suggest that you listen to it if you haven’t. Maybe you will understand why I pray to Marc Bolan every night.