T. Rex (1986) – History Of T. Rex – The Singles Collection 1968-77 Box Set Album UK: LP,PD Box
The Collection is a double-album compilation released by Castle Communications in 1986 as part of The Collector Series. Issued in a gatefold sleeve, the set focuses primarily on material drawn from the Tyrannosaurus Rex and early T. Rex years, tracing Marc Bolan's development from psychedelic folk pioneer to glam rock innovator.
The compilation brings together key album tracks, fan favourites and landmark recordings from one of the most creative periods of Bolan's career.
BACKGROUND
History Of T. Rex – The Singles Collection 1968-77 is a limited-edition box set released by Marc On Wax in 1986. Issued as a numbered four-album picture disc collection, the set was designed to document the complete singles career of Marc Bolan and T. Rex from 1968 through 1977.
Covering the progression from Tyrannosaurus Rex through the glam rock years and into the band's final recordings, the collection provides one of the most comprehensive overviews of Bolan's single releases.
RECORDING
The box set compiles previously released single A-sides and B-sides recorded between 1968 and 1977.
The collection includes material from the Tyrannosaurus Rex period, the classic T. Rex hit years and the final recordings issued before Marc Bolan's passing.
Most tracks were composed by Marc Bolan, with a small number of cover versions included.
STYLE & THEMES
Spanning nearly a decade of recordings, the box set documents Bolan's evolution from psychedelic folk troubadour to glam rock icon.
The early discs feature mystical acoustic recordings and fantasy-inspired lyrics, while the later discs chart the emergence of T. Rex's electric boogie sound and the band's subsequent stylistic developments during the mid and late 1970s.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
The collection follows the chronological development of T. Rex singles from:
• Early Tyrannosaurus Rex singles including Deborah, One Inch Rock, King Of The Rumbling Spires and By The Light Of The Magical Moon.
• Transitional recordings including Ride A White Swan, Hot Love and Get It On.
• Glam rock classics including Jeepster, Telegram Sam, Metal Guru, Children Of The Revolution and 20th Century Boy.
• Mid-1970s singles including The Groover, Teenage Dream, Zip Gun Boogie and New York City.
• Final-period releases including Dandy In The Underworld, Celebrate Summer and Crimson Moon.
RELEASE HISTORY
The box set was issued by Marc On Wax in 1986 as a limited-edition numbered release.
Each set contained four picture-disc LPs housed in a presentation box. Early fan club orders reportedly included a complimentary T-shirt.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, songwriter
PRODUCTION
Label: Marc On Wax
Catalogue Number: WARRIOR 1-4
Format: 4 × LP Picture Disc Box Set
Country: UK
Edition: Limited Edition
NOTES
• Limited-edition numbered box set.
• Four picture-disc LPs.
• Covers the complete singles period from 1968 to 1977.
• Includes both A-sides and B-sides.
• Early fan club orders included a complimentary T-shirt.
• Community listing shows 8 owners on 45cat.
RELATED RELEASES
• History Of T. Rex Volume 2
• Till Dawn
• The Ultimate Collection
• The Collection
• Bolan Boogie
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | History Of T. Rex – The Singles Collection 1968-77 | Marc On Wax | UK | WARRIOR 1-4 | 1986 | 4 × LP Picture Disc Box Set |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP 1 | WARRIOR 1 | Side One • Deborah • Child Star • One Inch Rock • Salamanda Palaganda • Pewter Suitor • Warlord Of The Royal Crocodiles • King Of The Rumbling Spires • Do You Remember • By The Light Of The Magical Moon • Find A Little Wood Side Two • Ride A White Swan • Is It Love • Summertime Blues • Hot Love • Woodland Rock • King Of The Mountain Cometh • Get It On |
LP 2 | WARRIOR 2 | Side Three • There Was A Time / Raw Ramp • Jeepster • Life's A Gas • Telegram Sam • Cadillac • Baby Strange • Metal Guru Side Four • Thunderwing • Lady • Children Of The Revolution • Jitterbug Love • Sunken Rags • Solid Gold Easy Action • Born To Boogie • 20th Century Boy • Free Angel |
LP 3 | WARRIOR 3 | Side Five • The Groover • Midnight • Blackjack • Squint Eye Mangle • Truck On (Tyke) • Sitting Here • Teenage Dream Side Six • Satisfaction Pony • Light Of Love • Explosion Mouth • Zip Gun Boogie • Space Boss • New York City • Chrome Sitar • Dreamy Lady |
LP 4 | WARRIOR 4 | Side Seven • Do You Wanna Dance • Dock Of The Bay • London Boys • Solid Baby • I Love To Boogie • Baby Boomerang • Laser Love • Life's An Elevator • To Know You Is To Love You • City Port Side Eight • The Soul Of My Suit • All Alone • Dandy In The Underworld • Groove A Little • Tame My Tiger • Celebrate Summer • Ride My Wheels • Crimson Moon • Jason B. Sad |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, RockfilesUK.
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