T. Rex (February 5, 2021) – Shadowhead 180g Black Vinyl– 1LP

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Shadowhead is a compilation bringing together session recordings, working versions, master takes and alternate mixes drawn from Marc Bolan and T. Rex recordings made between 1972 and 1976. The collection was designed to provide a deeper look into Bolan's creative process while retaining the essential character of the finished recordings.

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Marc Bolan's musical interests extended far beyond glam rock alone. Throughout the material included on Shadowhead, his enthusiasm for blues, soul, rock 'n' roll, hard rock and disco-soul can be heard. The collection explores these influences through a mixture of familiar recordings, alternate versions and previously unavailable material.

Recorded across a five-year period in seven studios and five countries, the album presents an overview of Bolan's creative evolution during one of the most productive periods of his career.

While influences associated with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Cream, and Bob Dylan can occasionally be detected, the recordings remain firmly rooted in Bolan's individual musical vision.

RECORDING

The material collected on Shadowhead was recorded between 1972 and 1976.

The recordings originate from seven different studios spread across five countries and bring together master versions, session takes, working versions and alternate mixes created during the development of numerous T. Rex recordings.

The compilation was assembled to demonstrate how songs evolved from initial concepts through to their final released forms and provides insight into Bolan's songwriting and recording methods.

STYLE & THEMES

The collection showcases the broad range of styles explored by Marc Bolan during the mid-1970s.

Blues, soul, hard rock, disco-soul and traditional rock 'n' roll influences appear throughout the album. Rather than simply presenting finished recordings, Shadowhead illustrates the journey from working versions and studio experimentation to completed masters.

Particular attention is given to revealing individual instrumental parts, arrangements and production ideas that were often less obvious within the final released recordings.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Midnight (Master Version) — Presented in its completed master form.

• Rapids (Working Version) — Demonstrates the development of the later recording.

• Hang-Ups (Master Version) — Final master recording.

• Do You Wanna Dance (Master Version) — Master take showing Bolan's affection for classic rock and roll.

• Baby Boomerang (Master Version) — Featured in its completed form.

• Truck On (Tyke) (Master Version) — Master version from the period.

• Blues Jam (Dreamy Lady Session) (Jam) — Introduced publicly on the CD release before appearing on this collection.

• London Boys (Master Version) — Presented as a finished master recording.

• Lady (Master Version) — Album master recording.

• Buick Mackane (Master Version) — Classic T. Rex recording included in final form.

• Stand By Me (Working Version) — Offers insight into song construction and arrangement.

• Precious Star (Working Version) — Demonstrates the evolution of one of Bolan's compositions.

• Fast Blues (Easy Action) (Master Version) — Included as a final master recording.

• Dreamy Lady (Master Version) — One of the key recordings represented in finished form.

• All My Love (Working Version) — Working session recording included to illustrate the creative process.

RELEASE HISTORY

Released by Demon Records on February 5, 2021, Shadowhead was issued as a single LP compilation.

The collection was designed to present an alternative view of Marc Bolan's catalogue by focusing on the development of songs rather than simply reproducing familiar master recordings.

The album combines completed masters with developing arrangements and studio work-in-progress recordings, creating a portrait of Bolan's working methods between 1972 and 1976.

RELEASE TABLE

Artist	Album	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
Marc Bolan & T. Rex	Shadowhead	Demon Records	UK	DEMREC873	February 5, 2021	1LP 180g Black Vinyl

TRACKLIST TABLE

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
LP 180g Black Vinyl NOTES • Collection of session takes, working recordings, master versions and alternate mixes.• Material recorded between 1972 and 1976. • Recordings sourced from seven studios across five countries .• Includes Blues Jam (Dreamy Lady Session), which previously made its public debut on CD. • Highlights the development of tracks such as Precious Star and Groove A Little. • Provides insight into Marc Bolan's songwriting and recording methods. • Pressed on 180g black vinyl. • Issued with outer and inner sleeves. RELATED RELEASES • Dreamy Lady • Precious Star • London Boys • Buick Mackane • Truck On (Tyke)	DEMREC873	A1. Midnight (Master Version) A2. Rapids (Working Version) A3. Hang-Ups (Master Version) A4. Do You Wanna Dance (Master Version) A5. Baby Boomerang (Master Version) A6. Truck On (Tyke) (Master Version) A7. Blues Jam (Dreamy Lady Session) (Jam) B1. London Boys (Master Version) B2. Lady (Master Version) B3. Buick Mackane (Master Version) B4. Stand By Me (Working Version) B5. Precious Star (Working Version) B6. Fast Blues (Easy Action) (Master Version) B7. Dreamy Lady (Master Version) B8. All My Love (Working Version)

SOURCES Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Demon Records, Official Marc Bolan archives

All album artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

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