T. Rex (1972) – The Best Of T. Rex LP Compilation: SCAN

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The Best Of T. Rex is a compilation album issued by Karussell in 1972 as part of the label's Gold-Serie collection.

The album focuses on material from the Tyrannosaurus Rex period and compiles a selection of Marc Bolan compositions recorded prior to the commercial breakthrough of T. Rex's glam-rock era.

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Released in Scandinavia, the compilation presents recordings originally produced by Cube Records and showcases the group's psychedelic folk and early acoustic sound.

The tracks included on the compilation were composed by Marc Bolan and originated from earlier Tyrannosaurus Rex recordings.

The compilation was issued under licence from Cube Records.

Lacquers for the Scandinavian pressing were cut at Rosenborg Studio.

The album was pressed by Musikkindustri A/S.

Photography reproduced on the release was credited to C. Hudalla and M. Hudalla of Berlin.

STYLE & THEMES

The compilation highlights the acoustic, mystical and psychedelic characteristics of the early Tyrannosaurus Rex catalogue.

The recordings blend Bolan's imaginative lyrics with acoustic guitar, poetic imagery and fantasy-inspired themes.

Unlike later T. Rex compilations focused on chart singles, this collection concentrates on the band's pre-glam period and documents the foundations of Marc Bolan's songwriting style.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Debora — One of the best-known compositions from the early Tyrannosaurus Rex period.

• Child Star — Acoustic folk-rock recording.

• Cat Black — Drawn from the group's psychedelic repertoire.

• Conesuela — Characteristic Bolan fantasy composition.

• Strange Orchestras — One of the band's most celebrated early recordings.

• Find A Little Wood — Short acoustic piece.

• Once Upon The Seas Of Abyssinia — Fantasy-inspired recording.

• One Inch Rock — Early Tyrannosaurus Rex favourite.

• Salamanda Palaganda — Representative of Bolan's surreal lyrical style.

• Lofty Skies — Psychedelic folk recording.

• Stacey Grove — Acoustic-era catalogue selection.

• King Of The Rumbling Spires — Fantasy-themed composition.

• Blessed Wild Apple Girl — Characteristic early Bolan recording.

• Elemental Child — Extended closing track and one of the compilation's longest recordings.

RELEASE HISTORY

Released in Scandinavia in 1972 by Karussell.

Issued as part of the Gold-Serie budget compilation line.

A related cassette edition was later released by Karussell in Germany under catalogue number 3147 030.

PERSONNEL

Marc Bolan — composer

C. Hudalla — photography

M. Hudalla — photography

PRODUCTION

Cube Records Production

Lacquer Cut By F

Photography by C. Hudalla

Photography by M. Hudalla

Label: Karussell

Series: Gold-Serie

Catalogue Number: 2345 021 / 2345.021

Recorded At: Original Cube Records

NOTES

• Released in 1972.

• Scandinavian compilation album issued by Karussell.

• Part of the Karussell Gold-Serie collection.

• Catalogue numbers 2345 021 and 2345.021.

• Issued in stereo format.

• Manufactured from Cube Records source material.

• Focuses entirely on recordings from the Tyrannosaurus Rex era.

• Compiles early Marc Bolan compositions recorded before the major commercial success of T. Rex.

• Represents the acoustic and psychedelic side of the group's catalogue.

• Includes several key early recordings including Debora, One Inch Rock, Strange Orchestras and Elemental Child.

• All songs credited to Marc Bolan.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Cat No.	Date	Format
T. Rex	The Best Of T. Rex	Karussell	Scandinavia	2345 021 / 2345.021	1972	LP, Compilation, Stereo
T. Rex	The Best Of T.Rex	Karussell	Germany	3147 030	1972	Cassette, Compilation

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
LP	2345 021 / 2345.021	SIDE ONE: • Debora • Child Star • Cat Black • Conesuela • Strange Orchestras • Find A Little Wood • Once Upon The Seas Of Abyssinia SIDE TWO: • One Inch Rock • Salamanda Palaganda • Lofty Skies • Stacey Grove • King Of The Rumbling Spires • Blessed Wild Apple Girl • Elemental Child
Cassette	3147 030	TRACK LISTING: • Debora • Child Star • Cat Black • Conesuela • Strange Orchestras • Find A Little Wood • Once Upon The Seas Of Abyssinia • One Inch Rock • Salamanda Palaganda • Lofty Skies • Stacey Grove • King Of The Rumbling Spires • Blessed Wild Apple Girl • Elemental Child

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SOURCES ES 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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