Children of the Revolution (song)

Last updated

"Children of the Revolution"
Children of the Revolution.jpg
Single by T. Rex
B-side
  • "Jitterbug Love"
  • "Sunken Rags"
Released8 September 1972
Genre Glam rock [1] [2]
Length2:29
Label
Songwriter(s) Marc Bolan
Producer(s) Tony Visconti
T. Rex singles chronology
"Metal Guru"
(1972)
"Children of the Revolution"
(1972)
"Solid Gold Easy Action"
(1972)

"Children of the Revolution" is a song by T. Rex, written by Marc Bolan. It was a UK No. 2 hit single in September 1972. The song broke their sequence of four official single releases all reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart ("Hot Love", "Get It On", "Telegram Sam", "Metal Guru"), although it did reach the summit position on the New Musical Express and Melody Maker charts, becoming the last T. Rex single to do so on any UK chart. [3] It did not receive a regular album release.

Contents

Recording

"Children of the Revolution"

A studio rehearsal of the song, at over twelve minutes in length, was recorded on 31 March 1972 at Copenhagen's Rosenberg Studios during sessions for the band's third album The Slider . [4] Flo & Eddie, formerly of the Turtles, contribute backing vocals to this version of the release. The tape box contained the note that the jam was "for the attention of Ringo".

"Children of the Revolution" was next recorded on 6 April 1972 at Apple Studios for the film Born to Boogie , featuring Elton John on piano and Ringo Starr on a drum kit, along with a cover of Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti". [4]

The recording of the single version of the song began during the initial sessions for the Tanx album in August 1972. The track was mixed at Air Studios in mid August before being released on 8 September. [4]

"Jitterbug Love"

"Jitterbug Love" was initially recorded on 2 August 1972 at the Château d'Hérouville in France, however only the drum track recorded at this session made it to the final release. Additional instrumentation was added at Air Studios on 11 August 1972. [4]

"Sunken Rags"

"Sunken Rags" was recorded during the last of the sessions for The Slider at Rosenberg Studios, Copenhagen in March 1972. [4]

Release and reception

The single was released on 8 September 1972. While it topped the Melody Maker and NME charts it could only reach number 2 on the official Record Retailer chart, breaking a run of number one hits for the group. Reviews in the UK were largely positive, with many critics noting the song sounding heavier than the group's usual fare. Penny Valentine of Sounds enthusiastically remarked that it was "the best he's ever done" while Chris Welch of Melody Maker opined it was "a good song with plenty of attack". Conversely, Danny Holloway of NME complained that Bolan "had run a good thing into the ground". [3]

Cover versions

In 1986, Violent Femmes released the version of the single from their album The Blind Leading the Naked .

In 1989, Greater Manchester artist Baby Ford released an acid house version on the Rhythm King record label. This cover was a No. 53 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1989. [5] [6]

In 2001, Bono handled lead vocals on a version for the Baz Luhrmann film Moulin Rouge! and the accompanying soundtrack.

In 2011 Scorpions covered the song on their Comeblack album.

In June 2020, it was announced that Kesha would record a cover of the song along with Marc Bolan's son, Rolan, on backing vocals. [7] The tribute album containing the recording, Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex, was released in September 2020. [8]

Legacy

The song quoted on a graffito in Zagreb. Outside Zagreb Museum of Contemporary Art.jpg
The song quoted on a graffito in Zagreb.

Dinaw Mengestu's 2017 novel The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears was originally published in the UK as Children of the Revolution, and includes lyrics from the song within the story.

In 2014, Sonic Youth vocalist and guitarist Thurston Moore named "Children of the Revolution" as one of his 25 favourite songs. [9]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [21] Silver200,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marc Bolan</span> English guitarist and singer (1947–1977)

Marc Bolan was an English guitarist, singer-songwriter and poet. He was a pioneer of the glam rock movement in the early 1970s with his band T. Rex. Bolan strongly influenced artists of many genres, including glam rock, punk, post-punk, new wave, indie rock, Britpop and alternative rock. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 as a member of T. Rex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gloria Jones</span> American singer-songwriter

Gloria Richetta Jones is an American singer and songwriter who first found success in the United Kingdom, being recognized there as "The Queen of Northern Soul". She recorded the 1965 hit song "Tainted Love" and has worked in multiple genres as a Motown songwriter and recording artist, backing vocalist, and as a performer in musicals such as Hair. In the 1970s, she was a keyboardist and vocalist in Marc Bolan's glam rock band T. Rex. She and Bolan were also in a committed romantic relationship and had a son together.

<i>Electric Warrior</i> 1971 studio album by T. Rex

Electric Warrior is the second studio album by English rock band T. Rex, their sixth since their debut as Tyrannosaurus Rex. The album marked a turning point in the band's sound, moving away from the folk-oriented sound of the group's previous albums and pioneering a more flamboyant, pop-friendly glam rock style.

<i>The Slider</i> 1972 studio album by T. Rex

The Slider is the seventh studio album by English rock band T. Rex, and the third since abbreviating their name from Tyrannosaurus Rex. It was released on 21 July 1972 by record labels EMI and Reprise. Two number-one singles, "Telegram Sam" and "Metal Guru", were released to promote the album. Issued at the height of the band's popularity, The Slider received acclaim from critics, and reached number 4 in the UK Albums Chart and number 17 in the US.

<i>Futuristic Dragon</i> 1976 studio album by T. Rex

Futuristic Dragon is the eleventh studio album by English rock band T. Rex, released worldwide on 30 January 1976 by EMI Records bar North America. The album was preceded by two successful singles that went into the UK chart, "New York City" and "Dreamy Lady". The album saw Marc Bolan continuing to experiment, blending rock with soul music and disco elements on certain tracks.

<i>Prophets, Seers & Sages: The Angels of the Ages</i> 1968 studio album by Tyrannosaurus Rex

Prophets, Seers & Sages: The Angels of the Ages is the second studio album by English psychedelic folk band Tyrannosaurus Rex. It was released on 1 November 1968 by record label Regal Zonophone.

<i>T. Rex</i> (album) 1970 studio album by T. Rex

T. Rex is a 1970 album by Marc Bolan's band T. Rex, the first under that name and the fifth since their debut as Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1968. It was released on 18 December by record labels Fly and Reprise. The album continued the shift begun by its predecessor from the band's previous folk style to a minimal rock sound, with an even balance of electric and acoustic material.

<i>Tanx</i> 1973 studio album by T. Rex

Tanx is a 1973 album by rock band T. Rex, the eighth since their debut as Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1968, and the fourth under the moniker T. Rex. It was released on 16 March by record label EMI. Tanx was a musical departure from previous works: still containing tracks in the vein of The Slider, singer and songwriter Marc Bolan showed his interest for soul music, funk and gospel. Female backing singers appeared on a few tracks. New instruments such as mellotron were used, played by producer Tony Visconti, allowing the T. Rex sound to evolve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get It On (T. Rex song)</span> 1971 single by T.Rex

"Get It On" is a song by the English rock band T. Rex, featured on their 1971 album Electric Warrior. Written by frontman Marc Bolan, "Get It On" was the second chart-topper for T. Rex on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it was retitled "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" to avoid confusion with a song of the same name by the group Chase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Telegram Sam</span> 1972 song written by Marc Bolan

"Telegram Sam" is a song written by Marc Bolan for the British rock group T. Rex, appearing on their 1972 album The Slider. The song was their third UK number one single, remaining at the top of the charts for two weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metal Guru</span> 1972 single by T. Rex

"Metal Guru" is a song by the British rock band T. Rex, written by Marc Bolan. It was the band's fourth number one on the UK Singles Chart when it topped the chart for four weeks from May–June 1972. It was also included on the album The Slider in 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeepster (song)</span> 1971 single by T. Rex

"Jeepster" is a song by English glam rock act T. Rex. It was released on 5 November 1971 by record label Fly as a single from the group's sixth studio album Electric Warrior. The B-side, "Life's a Gas", is taken from the same album. Several artists have recorded cover versions of it. Both of the single's tracks were written by Marc Bolan and produced by Tony Visconti.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">20th Century Boy</span> Single of T. Rex

"20th Century Boy" is a song by T. Rex, written by Marc Bolan, released as a stand-alone single on 2 March 1973.

<i>Dandy in the Underworld</i> 1977 studio album by T. Rex

Dandy in the Underworld is the twelfth and final studio album by English rock band T. Rex. It was released on 11 March 1977 by record label EMI. It reached No. 26 in the UK charts, the band's highest-charting album since 1974's Zinc Alloy. The lead-off single "I Love to Boogie" had been a hit single in the UK the previous year, peaking at number 13 in the singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ride a White Swan</span> 1970 single by T. Rex

"Ride a White Swan" is a song by English band T. Rex. It was released as a stand-alone single on 9 October 1970 by record label Fly, and was the first single credited under the band's new, shorter name. Like all of the band's songs, it was written by the group's singer, guitarist and founder Marc Bolan. The song was included on the US version of the 1970 album, T. Rex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T. Rex (band)</span> English rock band

T. Rex were an English rock band, formed in 1967 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Marc Bolan, who was their leader, frontman and only consistent member. Though initially associated with the psychedelic folk genre, Bolan began to change the band's style towards electric rock in 1969, and shortened their name to T. Rex the following year. This development culminated in 1970 with their first hit single "Ride a White Swan", and the group soon became pioneers of the glam rock movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solid Gold Easy Action</span> 1972 single by T.Rex

"Solid Gold Easy Action" is a song by T. Rex, written by Marc Bolan. It was released as a single on 1 December 1972 and reached No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart. The song did not feature on an original studio album but was included on the 1972 Great Hits compilation album issued by EMI Records, as well as most CD reissues of Tanx. It was beaten to No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart by "Long Haired Lover from Liverpool" by Little Jimmy Osmond.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Groover (T. Rex song)</span> 1973 single by T. Rex

"The Groover" is a 1973 single by the British glam rock band T. Rex. Neither the track nor its B-side are taken from an album. However, they are often added as bonus material on re-releases of the 1974 album Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Soul of My Suit</span> 1977 song by T. Rex

"The Soul of My Suit" is a song by English rock band T. Rex, which was released in 1977 as the second single from their twelfth and final studio album Dandy in the Underworld. The song was written and produced by Marc Bolan. "The Soul of My Suit" reached number 42 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 50 for three weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dandy in the Underworld (song)</span> 1977 song by T. Rex

"Dandy in the Underworld" is a song by English rock band T. Rex, which was released by EMI in 1977 as the third single from their twelfth and final studio album Dandy in the Underworld. The song was written and produced by Marc Bolan.

References

  1. Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (2004). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. p.  822. ISBN   978-0-7432-0169-8. Bolan (...) started writing manic chant-along glam-rock hits such as "Metal Guru," "20th Century Boy," "Solid Gold Easy Action," and "Children of the Revolution."
  2. Hawkins, Stan (2009). The British Pop Dandy: Masculinity, Popular Music and Culture. Ashgate Publishing. p. 157. ISBN   978-0-7546-5858-0. Take 'Children of the Revolution' by T. Rex, from 1972. Credited for representing glam-rock at its best, this song is a landmark in British popular music and performed by one of the legendary idols, Marc Bolan.
  3. 1 2 McLenahan, Cliff (2019). Marc Bolan: 1947-1977 A Chronology. Helter Skelter Books.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Campbell, Irving (2007). A Guide to the Outtakes of Marc Bolan (1964–1977). Wellington, New Zealand: Great Horse Productions. ISBN   978-0-473-12076-4.
  5. Johannsen, Finn (20 July 2019). "Finn Johannsen unpacks an acid house album that soundtracked the UK's Second Summer of Love". Resident Advisor . Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  6. "Baby Ford". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  7. "Marc Bolan's son Rolan sings on new version of T Rex classic 'Children of the Revolution' with Kesha". Gold – The Greatest Hits of All Time. 24 June 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  8. Beta, Andy (16 September 2020). "Various Artists: Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex". Pitchfork . Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  9. Kaye, Ben (17 January 2014). "Here are Thurston Moore's favorite songs of all time". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved 5 November 2019.
  10. "Go-Set Australian charts – 10 March 1973". Go-Set . Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  11. "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – Chart Positions Pre 1989". Australian-charts.com. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  12. "T. Rex – Children of the Revolution" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  13. "Le Détail par Artiste". Infodisc.fr (in French). Select "T. Rex" from the artist drop-down menu. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  14. "T. Rex – Children of the Revolution" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  15. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Children of the Revolution". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  16. Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  17. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  18. "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – Top 100 End of Year AMR Charts – 1970s". Australian-charts.com. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  19. "Baby Ford – Children of the Revolution" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  20. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  21. "British single certifications – T-Rex – Children of the Revolution". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 6 January 2023.