I watched the film Velvet Goldmine last weekend and since then I’ve been listening to so much glam rock I think I fart glitter.
This song is the bands fourth and final number one in the UK. The song sadly failed to chart in the United States and reached only number 45 in Canada in 1972. The song “Panic” by The Smiths is based on this song, as it is based around the same G and E Minor chords. The Smiths rarely allowed glam rock to influence their music, whereas Morrissey did much more so, such as in “Glamorous Glue”.
Bolan described the lyrics of the song and the apparent God references as “It’s a festival of life song. I relate ‘Metal Guru’ to all Gods around. I believe in a God, but I have no religion. With ‘Metal Guru’, it’s like someone special, it must be a Godhead. I thought how God would be, he’d be all alone without a telephone.” Which also explains “One of Us” by Joan Osbourne. Isn’t music fascinating?
Side note: If you haven’t seen the film Velvet Goldmine, what are you doing? Do you want to see Jonathan Rhys Meyers dressed as a lizard, covered in glitter, wearing a frock? Do you want to see Ewan McGregor naked and jumping up and down? Do you want to see Christian Bale in make up and platform boots? Of course you do.
From the album: The Slider
Released: 21 July 1972
http://youtu.be/jowN9VRCUXk&w=600&h=480
