Marc Bolan & T. Rex (April 1, 1985) “Best Of The 20th Century Boy” Compilation Album

A popular 1985 K-Tel double LP compilation Best Of The 20th Century Boy bringing together many of Marc Bolan and T. Rex’s biggest glam rock hits, serving as an accessible retrospective for fans in the mid-1980s.

RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: Marc Bolan and T. Rex

Title: Best Of The 20th Century Boy Date: April 1985

Label: K-Tel Format / Type: Double LP Vinyl Compilation (Gatefold) Country: United Kingdom

Catalogue: NE 1297

TRACK LIST 

Side 1

1. The Groover

2. Jeepster

3. Dreamy Lady

4. Get It On

5. I Love To Boogie

6. One Inch Rock

7. Sunken Rags

Side 2

1. Telegram Sam

2. Debora

3. Laser Love

4. Summertime Blues

5. Light Of Love

6. New York City

7. The Soul Of My Suit

Side 3

1. 20th Century Boy

2. By The Light Of The Magical Moon

3. Truck On (Tyke)

4. Ride A White Swan

5. Zip Gun Boogie

6. Teenage Dream

7. Hot Love

Side 4

1. Children Of The Revolution

2. King Of The Rumbling Spires

3. London Boys

4. Jitterbug Love

5. Metal Guru

6. Solid Gold Easy Action

7. Cosmic Dancer

THE STORY 

This double LP compilation gathers many of T. Rex’s most iconic glam rock hits from the early 1970s, including “Get It On,” “Ride A White Swan,” “Hot Love,” “Metal Guru,” and “20th Century Boy.” Released on the K-Tel label, it was a commercial success, peaking at No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart.

CONTEXT & NOTES 

The 1985 compilation helped introduce T. Rex’s music to a new generation in the mid-1980s. The gatefold sleeve included a poster and detailed track information. It remains a popular entry point for fans discovering Marc Bolan’s classic era.

PERSONNEL 

Varies by track — core T. Rex members Marc Bolan, Mickey Finn, Steve Currie, and Bill Legend, with Tony Visconti as primary producer.

PRODUCTION Produced by: Tony Visconti (original tracks)

CHARTS

• UK Albums Chart: Peak #5 (20 weeks on chart)

PACKAGING / ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS

• Iconic black-and-white cover image of Marc Bolan

• Bold “MARC BOLAN AND T.REX” title treatment

• Gatefold sleeve with poster

WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS

The front cover features a striking black-and-white portrait of Marc Bolan with gold lettering. The gatefold includes full track listings for all four sides, production credits, and a mini poster.

RELATED MATERIAL

See tags at foot of page.

SOURCES Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, K-Tel Records

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.