Gary Glitter is a by-product of the British pop industry. "Gary Glitter" was invented by record producer Mike Leander and Paul Francis Gadd, who first entered into the pop market as Paul Raven in 1960. Leander is that rare combination of a visionary - both as a manager and as a songwriter. The fact that he made the film soundtrack "Privilege" with Paul Jones, is the first step to his most brilliant creation, Gary Glitter, with incredible input by Gadd, who transformed himself into Glitter.
A formula was made, that not only made money (all the gold in glitter) but also gave the world a sound - Glitter Rock. Stripped down sound with a super heavy drum sound, mixed in with what sounds like a distorted electric guitar or maybe even a synthesizer of some sort. For me, it is one of the great sounding rock n' roll records since Sun recordings. It's all echo, compressed sound that sounds like Rockabilly, but from outer space. There is a touch of Joe Meek in the madness (sound wise) as well.
The American side of CBS (on Epic Records) released a six-song 10" compilation that is very much the essential Gary Glitter. I don't think anyone needs any more than the six-songs here on this mini-album, with respect to the Glitter sound and aesthetic. It's perfection as practiced. "Rock n' Roll" Part 1 and 2 was until ten years ago, the sound of sports rallies all around the world. The call and response approach to rock is essentially important. Pumping the air with your fist, it has a hyper-macho beat that swaggers and straight-forward. Rudd and Leander made a character that is truly Ziggy Stardust but without the intellect. Dumb, and beautiful music that's pure sound, with a mighty beat. For me, it was a series of perfect moments. Gary Glitter was not meant to last. Rudd's character got in the way, and Leander went on to other adventures.
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