T. Rex (October 9, 2025) – Electric Warrior (Rhino High Fidelity R2R)
Electric Warrior (Rhino High Fidelity R2R) presents Marc Bolan and T. Rex's landmark album in reel-to-reel format as part of Rhino's premium audiophile series. Widely regarded as Bolan's defining artistic statement, Electric Warrior introduced the band's glam-rock style to a global audience and featured signature recordings including Get It On and Jeepster.
The album reached the top of the UK charts and became one of the foundational releases of the glam-rock era. Its reputation has continued to grow, establishing it as one of the most important recordings in the T. Rex catalogue and one of the defining works of Marc Bolan's career.
Rhino selected the album for the Reel-to-Reel programme because of its dynamic production, progressive sound and innovative studio techniques.
Producer Tony Visconti employed a variety of sonic experiments throughout the sessions, including flanging effects and backwards guitar work, creating a distinctive sound that has remained highly influential.
The album also benefited from contributions by notable session musicians whose performances helped shape its character and sound.
RECORDING
The album was produced by Tony Visconti.
During production, Visconti incorporated a range of recording techniques, including flanging and backwards guitar effects, to create the album's distinctive sonic character.
The recordings were further enhanced through the contributions of various session musicians who added additional textures and performances to the finished album.
STYLE & THEMES
Electric Warrior combined glam rock, rock and roll and pop influences into a distinctive musical style that helped define the emerging glam movement.
The album's sound balances direct rock-and-roll energy with adventurous studio experimentation. Production techniques such as flanging, tape manipulation and layered guitar textures helped create a rich sonic landscape that set the record apart from many contemporaries.
The combination of memorable songwriting, innovative production and charismatic performances contributed significantly to the album's lasting influence.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Mambo Sun — Opening track introducing the album's distinctive style.
• Cosmic Dancer — One of the album's best-known compositions.
• Jeepster — Signature recording that became one of T. Rex's most recognisable tracks.
• Monolith — Featured on the original album sequence.
• Lean Woman Blues — Included on the first side of the album.
• Get It On — Major hit single and one of Marc Bolan's defining recordings.
• Planet Queen — Included among the album's key tracks.
• Girl — Featured on the original release.
• The Motivator — Album track from the original running order.
• Life's A Gas — One of the album's most enduring recordings.
• Rip Off — Closing track of the album.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released as part of the Rhino High Fidelity Reel-to-Reel programme.
The title was issued as a limited edition audiophile release exclusive to Rhino.com.
Each copy was duplicated in real time from a 1:1 copy of the original flat analogue master tape to preserve the source recording as accurately as possible.
Only 500 copies were produced.
RELEASE TABLE
Artist | Album | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Electric Warrior | Rhino High Fidelity | USA | Not supplied | July 20, 2026 | Reel-To-Reel Tape (R2R) |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
Reel-To-Reel Tape NOTES • Limited to 500 copies. • Exclusive to Rhino.com. • Real-time duplication from a 1:1 copy of the original flat analogue master tape. • Produced using IEC equalisation. • Recorded on premium RTM LPR90 tape stock. • Housed on 10.5-inch metal reels. • 15 i.p.s. half-track ¼-inch reel-to-reel format. • Designed for long-term archival storage. • Part of the Rhino High Fidelity premium analogue series. • Priced at $299.98. | Not supplied | 1. Mambo Sun 2. Cosmic Dancer 3. Jeepster 4. Monolith 5. Lean Woman Blues 6. Get It On 7. Planet Queen 8. Girl 9. The Motivator 10. Life's A Gas 11. Rip Off |
Sources Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, store.rhino.com
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