T. Rex (December 1, 1972) “Solid Gold Easy Action” / “Born to Boogie” – Single 7" UK

A glitter-charged non-album single built for the festive chart battle, “Solid Gold Easy Action” captures Marc Bolan at his most electric — a fuzz-soaked burst of swagger released at the absolute height of T.Rextasy.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: T. Rex

Label: EMI / T. Rex Wax Co. Date: December 1, 1972

Catalogue: EMI 2012

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: UK

A-Side: “Solid Gold Easy Action”

Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Marc Bolan

B-Side: “Born to Boogie”

Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Marc Bolan

TRACK LIST

UK 7" Commercial Single MARC 3 (EMI 2012)

A. Solid Gold Easy Action

B. Born to Boogie

LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS

Main Commercial – EMI 2012 (Stereo) Promo copies exist

PERSONNEL

• Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar

• Mickey Finn — percussion, vocals

• Steve Currie — bass

• Bill Legend — drums

• Tony Visconti — (additional production elements)

THE STORY

Released on December 1, 1972 during T. Rex’s imperial phase, “Solid Gold Easy Action” was a standalone non-album single between The Slider and Tanx. With its explosive guitar riff, stomping rhythm, and Bolan’s swaggering vocal delivery, the track was perfectly engineered for the competitive 1972 Christmas chart season. It entered the UK chart at No.8, climbed to No.3, and peaked at No.2, spending 11 weeks on the chart.

CONTEXT & NOTES

The single peaked at No.2 on January 6, 1973 and became one of Bolan’s most recognisable non-album tracks. It bridged the glitter-drenched glam of The Slider with the denser, funk-leaning textures of Tanx. Multiple international picture sleeves were issued reflecting the band’s global popularity. A key glam-rock anthem from the peak of T.Rexmania.

International Issues

Germany

• Solid Gold Easy Action — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Ariola — Germany · 1972

France

• Solid Gold Easy Action — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — France · 1972

RELATED MATERIAL 

T. Rex (1972) Children of the Revolution (Single)

T. Rex (1972) The Slider (Album)

T. Rex (1973) Tanx (Album)

T. Rex (1973) 20th Century Boy (Single)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES 

Discogs,

45cat, 45worlds,

Official Charts,

Wikipedia.

All single 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.