I Wanna Testify

Roger's first solo single, released in 1977 and financed by Roger himself. It failed to chart, which goes some way to explaining its current rarity. Even the UK issue (in only a plain EMI company sleeve) is very hard to find now, although a growing number of bootlegs feature the songs.

Alternate Versions

I Wanna Testify

Single Version
This is an extremely good first effort, and the bass lines and percussion are very much Roger. The production sounds similar to that used on "News Of The World", especially on the guitar and bass. Roger's voice is well-suited to the style of this song, and he manages to come across as quite soulful at times. Actually a cover version of a Parliament track, so its not surprising Roger has a tendency to get funky sometimes. Definitely Recommended.

"Marc" TV Show Version
Performed "live" on Marc Bolan's TV show. Actually a mimed performance, though some of the bootlegs featuring this track have included a spoken intro and outro by Marc. Other than that, it's identical to usual. Not especially interesting, unless of course you have it on video.

Turn On The TV

Original B-side
The B-side to "I Wanna Testify". Sounds very like "Led Zepellin" in places, but also has some Roger trademarks. The guitar has the same nice '70s sound as the A-side, and the acoustic bits ("..where the grass is greener..") are great. Even if Roger does sound like he wants to be Robert Plant! Watch out for the intro too - Roger's scream is a bit of a surprise the first time you hear it.