T. Rex (May 26, 2023) Songwriter: 1973 LP

A vinyl-only intimate compilation focusing on Marc Bolan’s private and creative process in 1973, featuring finished recordings, working versions, and rare tracks that showcase his evolution beyond the peak of T. Rexmania, compiled and annotated by acclaimed Bolan biographer Mark Paytress.

RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: T. Rex

Title: Songwriter: 1973

Date: May 26, 2023

Label: Demon Records Format / Type: LP Vinyl Album (140g Black Vinyl) Country: United Kingdom Catalogue: DEMREC1109

TRACK LIST Side A

1. Midnight (Master Version)

2. Down Home Lady (Version 4)

3. Sitting Here (Original B-side)

4. Saturation Syncopation (Alias All Alone) [Version 3]

5. Satisfaction Pony (Original B-side)

6. The Avengers (Superbad) [Solo Electric]

7. Change (Album Version)

8. Liquid Gang (Working Version)

Side B

1. Sound Pit (Album Version)

2. Spanish Midnight

3. Galaxy (Album Version)

4. Look at Your Soul

5. Teenage Dream (Original A-side)

6. Jitterbug Love (By Pat Hall)

7. Truck On (Tyke) [Original A-side]

8. Till Dawn (Take 3)

THE STORY 

This 16-track collection explores Marc Bolan’s songwriting and recording activity during 1973 — a year of transition as he sought to move beyond the glam sound he had created. It mixes master versions, alternate takes, and working demos, offering insight into Bolan’s creative process during a period of change and pressure from fame.

CONTEXT & NOTES Part of Demon Records’ “Songwriter” series (following editions for 1970 and 1971), Songwriter: 1973 highlights Bolan’s attempts to evolve his sound amid the expectations of stardom. Compiled and annotated with a detailed 1,800-word essay by Mark Paytress, the release focuses on the intimate and experimental side of Bolan’s work rather than the hits.

PERSONNEL

• Marc Bolan – vocals, guitar

• Various musicians from 1973 sessions (including contributions from the T. Rex lineup of the period)

PRODUCTION 

Compiled & Annotated by: Mark Paytress Pressed on: 140g Black Vinyl

CHARTS N/A – Archival vinyl compilation

PACKAGING / ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS

• Striking orange cover featuring a contemplative portrait of Marc Bolan

• Minimalist “T•REX 1973” logo treatment

• Detailed liner notes by Mark Paytress

WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS 

The front cover displays a dramatic, orange-tinted portrait of Marc Bolan with curly hair, wearing a dark shirt and posing against a wall with one hand raised. The bold “T•REX 1973” logo appears prominently, with a white text box on the right explaining the “Songwriter” series concept.

RELATED MATERIAL 

See tags at foot of page.

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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