Rip Off

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rip Off" by T. Rex from their iconic album Electric Warrior, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this glam rock classic. This track, the closing number on the album, stands out for its raw energy and biting lyrics, a departure from the smoother, more polished hits like "Get It On." According to producer Tony Visconti, early takes of "Rip Off" opened with a guitar riff, but by take three, they switched to a drum-led intro to crank up the intensity. The song features a standout performance by King Crimson’s Ian McDonald, whose saxophone work shifts from rock to jazz-inspired riffs, adding a thrilling layer to Marc Bolan’s fierce vocal delivery. Bolan’s lyrics take aim at cultural and sexual exploitation, with lines like “Rocking in the nude, I’m feeling such a dude, it’s a rip-off,” which some critics, like the reviewer at AltRockChick, see as a bold commentary on the superficiality of the era’s sexual fantasies.

In a 1971 interview included in Rhino Records’ reissue of Electric Warrior, Bolan revealed that "Rip Off" was part of a deliberate effort to capture the American market, reflecting a sense of urgency in his songwriting. He wanted to shake off accusations of being a bubblegum act and show depth, which is why the song’s raw edge feels almost punk-like, foreshadowing vocal styles of later artists like Johnny Rotten. The track’s recording process was intense, with final overdubs done at Advision Studios in London alongside other tracks like "The Motivator" and "Life’s A Gas." Visconti’s production tricks, like flanging and reverb, gave the song its distinctive, in-your-face sound, making it a fan favorite for those who crave T. Rex’s less polished side.

Marc Bolan, the heart and soul of T. Rex, began his musical journey in London, forming Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1967 after a brief stint as lead guitarist in the psych-rock band John’s Children. Initially a psychedelic folk act, Bolan’s early work was steeped in poetic, Tolkien-inspired lyrics, releasing four albums under the Tyrannosaurus Rex name. His shift to electric rock came in 1969, and by 1970, he shortened the band’s name to T. Rex, aligning with their first major hit, "Ride a White Swan," which climbed to number two in the UK charts. This transition, sparked by Bolan’s desire to reach a broader audience, coincided with his embrace of a more flamboyant, glam rock persona—complete with glitter and satin suits—that ignited the T. Rextasy craze. By the time Electric Warrior dropped in 1971, Bolan was a UK superstar, blending sensuous grooves with vivid imagery.

Fans can dive deeper into T. Rex’s world through their official website and connect on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the T. Rex community, there are dedicated fan spaces like the T. Rex Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memorabilia, discuss Bolan’s legacy, and celebrate tracks like "Rip Off." Another great spot is Till Dawn, a fan website packed with discographies, rare photos, and detailed histories of T. Rex’s glam rock reign. These platforms keep Bolan’s spirit alive, letting fans revel in the magic of his music.