73. Song No. 780: “Bang a Gong (Get it On),” T. Rex
Electric Warrior, 1971
If you’re making a party playlist, soundtrack for a good time or compilation of awesome songs, it is incomplete without “Bang a Gong.”
Forget the extended metaphors and mythological references that rival Led Zeppelin’s penchant for packing LOTR lore into their lyrics and even one of the few times a car simile works. This song is a fun-as-hell example of a love song having such a good time celebrating its beloved that it’s easily interpreted as dripping with libidinous tunnel vision.
Electric Warrior is a phenomenal album that’s made of standout songs, but “Bang a Gong” was one of the first songs that jumped out when hubs introduced me to the magic of T. Rex early on in our relationship. And it remains one of those songs that sounds so much like a good-ass time that I think it’s impossible to hear it without wanting to break into an impromptu dance party no matter where you are.
