Marc Bolan And T. Rex (August 1, 1978) – The T. Rex Collection Double LP.
The T. Rex Collection is a compilation album released by Pickwick Records in August 1978. Issued as a double LP set, the collection draws together recordings from across both the Tyrannosaurus Rex and T. Rex periods, offering a broad overview of Marc Bolan's career from the late 1960s through the height of the band's glam rock success.
The release was issued in a gatefold sleeve and combines early psychedelic folk material with later chart hits and fan favourites.
RECORDING
The album consists of previously released studio recordings licensed from Cube Records Ltd.
The tracks span recordings originally released between 1968 and 1971, covering both the Tyrannosaurus Rex and T. Rex eras.
According to the release notes, Track D1, Debora, is presented in electronically created stereo.
STYLE & THEMES
The compilation highlights the musical evolution of Marc Bolan, moving from the mystical folk-rock sound of Tyrannosaurus Rex to the electric boogie and glam rock style that made T. Rex one of Britain's most successful acts.
The selection balances major hits such as Ride A White Swan, Get It On, Jeepster and Hot Love with earlier cult favourites including Mustang Ford, Salamanda Palaganda and The King Of The Mountain Cometh.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Ride A White Swan — The breakthrough hit that introduced T. Rex to a mass audience.
• Mustang Ford — Early Tyrannosaurus Rex recording.
• Jewel — Key transitional recording between the acoustic and electric eras.
• Summertime Blues — Cover version of the Eddie Cochran classic.
• Hot Rod Mama — Early Marc Bolan composition.
• Salamanda Palaganda — Signature Tyrannosaurus Rex recording.
• She Was Born To Be My Unicorn — Popular track from the group's early catalogue.
• Woodland Rock — Tyrannosaurus Rex favourite.
• Beltane Walk — Representative of Bolan's late-1960s songwriting style.
• Get It On — International breakthrough hit.
• Jeepster — Classic Electric Warrior era recording.
• Child Star — Album track from the early T. Rex period.
• Raw Ramp — Fan favourite associated with the Electric Warrior era.
• By The Light Of The Magical Moon — Tyrannosaurus Rex recording included from the early catalogue.
• Debora — One of Marc Bolan's earliest signature songs.
• The King Of The Mountain Cometh — Landmark Tyrannosaurus Rex recording.
• Dove — Transitional period recording.
• Hot Love — One of T. Rex's defining hit singles.
RELEASE HISTORY
The album was released by Pickwick Records in August 1978.
Issued as a double LP compilation, the collection was licensed from Cube Records and marketed as a comprehensive overview of Marc Bolan's recordings with Tyrannosaurus Rex and T. Rex.
The album title appears as The T. Rex Collection on the record labels.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, songwriter
PRODUCTION
Label: Pickwick Records
Catalogue Number: PDA 044
Format: 2 × LP, Compilation
Country: UK
Licensed From: Cube Records Ltd.
Record Company: Pickwick International Inc. (GB) Ltd.
Published By: Essex Music International
Published By: Cinephonic Music
Published By: Lupus Music
NOTES
• Double LP compilation.
• Issued in a gatefold sleeve.
• Front and back covers are the same.
• Licensed from Cube Records Ltd.
• Made in England by Pickwick International.
RELATED RELEASES
• Bolan Boogie
• Ride A White Swan
• The Unobtainable T. Rex
• The Ultimate Collection
• 20th Century Boy
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex With Marc Bolan | The T. Rex Collection | Pickwick Records | UK | PDA 044 | August 1978 | 2 × LP, Compilation |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP 1 | PDA 044 | Side A • Ride A White Swan • Mustang Ford • Jewel • Summertime Blues • Hot Rod Mama Side B • Salamanda Palaganda • She Was Born To Be My Unicorn • Woodland Rock • Beltane Walk • Get It On |
LP 2 | PDA 044 | Side C • Jeepster • Child Star • Raw Ramp • By The Light Of The Magical Moon Side D • Debora • The King Of The Mountain Cometh • Dove • Hot Love |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Demon Records, Rockfiles, 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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