Marc Bolan (October 10, 1981) – 20th Century Boy Album AUS: 3LP
20th Century Boy is a triple-album compilation issued in Australia by EMI in 1981. Released under catalogue number MARC 1, the collection presents a broad retrospective of Marc Bolan's recording career, beginning with solo recordings from 1965–67, continuing through the Tyrannosaurus Rex years, the classic T. Rex era, and concluding with recordings from the final years of T. Rex. The compilation combines commercially released material, rare recordings, interview segments and associated projects, creating an extensive overview of Bolan's musical development.
The compilation draws together recordings originally issued between 1965 and 1977. Material is divided into distinct chronological sections covering Marc Bolan's pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex recordings, the John's Children period, Tyrannosaurus Rex recordings, T. Rex recordings from 1970 onwards, and later recordings associated with projects including Dib Cochran & The Earwigs and Big Carrot.
STYLE & THEMES
The collection traces the evolution of Marc Bolan's music from early beat and pop-influenced recordings through psychedelic folk, acoustic fantasy-based material, glam rock, rock and roll, and later pop-rock recordings. The compilation provides a chronological overview of the changing styles and sounds associated with Bolan's career.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Disc One focuses on Marc Bolan's early solo recordings from 1965–67 and recordings with John's Children during 1967.
• Disc Two documents the Tyrannosaurus Rex years between 1968 and 1970, featuring key recordings from the duo's formative period.
• Disc Three traces the rise of T. Rex from 1970 onwards, including major singles and later studio recordings through to the final years of Bolan's career.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released in Australia during 1981 by EMI, 20th Century Boy was issued as a corrected edition triple LP compilation. The release was packaged in a multi-fold cover and included three fold-out inserts containing photographs, notes and discographical information.
The compilation had originally been issued with an error in which "Wind Cheetah" appeared in place of "By The Light Of The Magical Moon".
This pressing was issued as the corrected edition.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan
John's Children
Tyrannosaurus Rex
T. Rex
Dib Cochran & The Earwigs
Big Carrot
PRODUCTION
Composed By: Marc Bolan
Producer: Jim Economides (tracks A1-A4)
Producer: Simon Napier-Bell (tracks A5-A13)
Producer: Tony Visconti (tracks B1-E4)
Producer: Marc Bolan (tracks E3-F10)
Record Company: EMI Records Australia
Phonographic Copyright: EMI (Australia) Limited
Made By: EMI (Australia) Limited
Manufactured By: EMI Group Of Companies
Distributed By: EMI Group Of Companies
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Album | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
Marc Bolan | 20th Century Boy | EMI | Australia | MARC 1 | 1981 | 3 × LP, Compilation, Repress, Corrected Edition |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
3LP | MARC 1 | LP1 – Side A A1. The Wizard (#1) A2. Beyond The Rising Sun (#1) A3. The Third Degree A4. San Francisco Poet A5. Hippy Gumbo (#1) A6. Misfit A7. The Perfumed Garden Of Gulliver Smith A8. Jasper C. Debussy A9. Hot Rod Momma (#1) A10. Mustang Ford (#1) A11. Desdemona (#1) A12. Sara Crazy Child (#2) A13. Midsummer Night's Scene A14. Interview Segment |
3LP | MARC 1 | LP1 – Side B B1. Child Star B2. Debora B3. Demon Queen B4. One Inch Rock (#2) B5. Catblack (The Wizard's Hat) (#2) B6. Pewter Suitor B7. King Of The Rumbling Spires B8. Do You Remember? B9. By The Light Of The Magical Moon B10. Once Upon The Seas Of Abyssinia B11. Blessed Wild Apple Girl B12. Find A Little Wood B13. Interview Segment |
3LP | MARC 1 | LP2 – Side C C1. Oh Baby C2. Beltane Walk C3. Ride A White Swan C4. Hot Love C5. Get It On (Bang A Gong) C6. Jeepster C7. Planet Queen C8. Telegram Sam C9. Metal Guru |
3LP | MARC 1 | LP2 – Side D D1. Chariot Choogle D2. Baby Strange D3. Children Of The Revolution D4. Jitterbug Love D5. Sunken Rags D6. Solid Gold Easy Action D7. Born To Boogie D8. 20th Century Boy D9. Highway Knees D10. The Groover D11. Christmas Messages |
3LP | MARC 1 | LP3 – Side E E1. Squint Eye Mangle (Instrumental) E2. Truck On (Tyke) E3. Teenage Dream E4. Venus Loon E5. Light Of Love E6. Think Zinc E7. Zip Gun Boogie E8. New York City E9. Dreamy Lady |
3LP | MARC 1 | LP3 – Side F F1. London Boys F2. Solid Baby F3. I Love To Boogie F4. Laser Love F5. City Port (With Gloria Jones) F6. The Soul Of My Suit F7. Dandy In The Underworld (#2) F8. Celebrate Summer F9. Crimson Moon F10. Teen Riot Structure F11. Interview Segment |
NOTES
Multi-fold cover.
Triple album format.
Includes three 12" × 24" fold-out inserts containing photographs, notes and discography.
This corrected edition was issued after an earlier pressing substituted "Wind Cheetah" in place of "By The Light Of The Magical Moon".
On this corrected edition, B9 is listed as "By the Light Of The Magical Moon".
Compilation copyright: ℗ 1981 EMI Australia Ltd.
RELATED RELEASES
• The Wizard
• Hippy Gumbo
• Mustang Ford
• Desdemona
• Ride A White Swan
• Hot Love
• Electric Warrior
• The Slider
• Tanx
• Dandy In The Underworld
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