T. Rex (September 8, 1972) – "Children of the Revolution" b/w "Jitterbug Love" / "Sunken Rags" Single: United Kingdom
Updated: Sep 8
Released on 8 September 1972, Children of the Revolution marked a pivotal moment in T. Rex’s chart history. Written by Marc Bolan and produced by Tony Visconti, the single reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, breaking the band’s run of four consecutive official No. 1 hits.
It nevertheless topped both the Melody Maker and New Musical Express charts, becoming the last T. Rex single to do so. The release did not appear on a regular studio album but became one of the band’s most iconic stand‑alone singles
RECORDING
A twelve‑minute rehearsal jam was first recorded on 31 March 1972 at Rosenberg Studios, Copenhagen, during sessions for The Slider. A second version was filmed at Apple Studios on 6 April 1972 for Born to Boogie, featuring Elton John on piano and Ringo Starr on drums. The single version was completed in August 1972 during early Tanx sessions and mixed at AIR Studios before release.
Backing vocals on the rehearsal version were provided by Flo & Eddie.
STYLE & THEMES
The A‑side delivers Bolan’s signature glam‑rock swagger with heavier instrumentation than previous singles. The B‑sides, Jitterbug Love and Sunken Rags, expand the single into a three‑track maxi format, blending romantic imagery and electric energy typical of Bolan’s 1972 sound.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• Children of the Revolution — A driving glam‑rock anthem recorded during Tanx sessions, featuring Bolan’s confident vocal and Visconti’s layered production.
• Jitterbug Love — Initially tracked at Château d’Hérouville on 2 August 1972; final instrumentation added at AIR Studios on 11 August.
• Sunken Rags — Recorded at Rosenberg Studios in March 1972; an earlier acoustic demo appeared on the Glastonbury Fayre compilation.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released 8 September 1972 in the UK as a 7" vinyl single on T. Rex / EMI. Catalogue number MARC 2.
Reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Topped Melody Maker and NME charts. Issued internationally across multiple territories.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
• UK Singles Chart — Peak 2 • Ireland — Peak 1
• Germany — Peak 4
• Austria — Peak 7 • Australia — Peak 11 (Go‑Set) / 13 (Kent Report)
• Spain — Peak 14
• France — Peak 34
Artist: T. Rex
Title: Children of the Revolution
Label: T. Rex / EMI
Country: United Kingdom
Catalogue: MARC 2
Date: September 8, 1972
Format: 7" Single
Tracklist (7"):
A1 — Children of the Revolution
B1 — Jitterbug Love
B2 — Sunken Rags
Notes:
A stripped‑down demo of Sunken Rags appeared earlier on Glastonbury Fayre (1972).
Linked Releases
• Children of the Revolution — Australia 7" — T. Rex — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — Belgium 7" — T. Rex — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — Brazil 7" — T. Rex — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — Denmark 7" — T. Rex — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — Finland 7" — T. Rex — 1972
• Children of the Revolution — Greece 7" — T. Rex — 1972
• Children of the Revolution — India 7" — Stateside — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — Ireland 7" — T. Rex — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — Israel 7" — T. Rex — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — Italy 7" — T. Rex — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — Japan 7" — T. Rex — 1972
• Children of the Revolution — Mexico 7" — Capitol — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — New Zealand 7" — T. Rex — 1972 • Children of the Revolution — Norway 7" — T. Rex — 1972
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts
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