T. Rex (2016) – Futuristic Dragon Japanese Album Reissue: CD
Futuristic Dragon was reissued in Japan during 2016 by Imperial Records as part of a programme of classic Marc Bolan and T. Rex catalogue releases. Originally issued in 1976, the album arrived during a period of reinvention for Bolan as he sought to reshape both his image and musical direction during the closing years of T. Rex.
Although often overshadowed by the commercial dominance of Electric Warrior and The Slider, Futuristic Dragon has undergone considerable critical reappraisal over the years. Many listeners now regard the album as one of the most adventurous records in the later T. Rex catalogue, combining glam rock foundations with contemporary soul, pop and futuristic imagery.
This Japanese CD edition preserved the original album configuration and utilised a high-resolution mastering source, introducing the album to a new generation of collectors and listeners.
RECORDING
Recorded during 1975 and 1976, Futuristic Dragon emerged from a period in which Marc Bolan was actively redefining the T. Rex sound. Rather than relying solely on the glam rock formula that had made him a superstar earlier in the decade, Bolan incorporated broader influences and more varied arrangements.
The resulting album showcased a renewed confidence and creative ambition. While maintaining familiar T. Rex characteristics, the material embraced contemporary pop production and increasingly sophisticated studio techniques.
The album also marked an important stepping stone toward the artistic resurgence that would culminate in Dandy In The Underworld the following year.
STYLE & THEMES
As its title suggests, Futuristic Dragon embraces themes of fantasy, futurism and reinvention.
The record blends glam rock, pop rock, soul and rhythm-and-blues influences into a colourful and often theatrical listening experience. Throughout the album Bolan alternates between swaggering rockers, melodic pop songs and more atmospheric material.
Many of the songs reveal a songwriter determined to explore new directions while retaining the distinctive lyrical style and melodic flair that had always defined his work.
The album's futuristic imagery, references to dragons, space-age themes and larger-than-life personalities help create one of the most unique conceptual worlds in the T. Rex catalogue.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Futuristic Dragon — Ambitious title track establishing the album's central theme.
• Jupiter Liar — Driving glam-rock performance with strong melodic hooks.
• Chrome Sitar — One of the album's most distinctive and experimental recordings.
• All Alone — Reflective composition contrasting with the album's more extroverted moments.
• New York City — One of the most successful and recognisable songs from this period.
• My Little Baby — Up-tempo rocker.
• Calling All Destroyers — Energetic fan favourite that has become one of the album's best-known tracks.
• Theme For A Dragon — Atmospheric companion piece linked to the album's concept.
• Sensation Boulevard — Stylish mid-album rocker.
• Ride My Wheels — Driving performance celebrating movement and freedom.
• Dreamy Lady — Commercial and melodic highlight.
• Dawn Storm — Reflective late-album composition.
• Casual Agent — Character-driven performance showcasing Bolan's storytelling approach.
• London Boys — One of the album's strongest rock tracks.
• Laser Love — Futuristic pop-rock performance.
• Life's An Elevator — Closing track bringing the album's themes full circle.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, songwriter
PRODUCTION
Label: Imperial Records
Catalogue Number: TECI-20708
Format: CD
Country: Japan
Released: 2016
Mastering: HR Cutting High Resolution Master
NOTES
• Japanese CD reissue released in 2016.
• Originally released in 1976.
• Utilises HR Cutting high-resolution mastering.
• Includes Japanese liner notes.
• Issued by Imperial Records.
• Features the complete original sixteen-track album.
• Obi barcode: 4988004137938.
SIGNIFICANCE
While Futuristic Dragon did not initially receive the acclaim accorded to earlier T. Rex classics, the album has steadily gained recognition for its originality and adventurous spirit.
The record captures Marc Bolan at a fascinating point in his career. Rather than looking backwards, he was actively exploring new musical and visual ideas while attempting to adapt to changing musical trends.
Viewed today, the album forms an important part of the narrative leading from the mid-1970s T. Rex period to the creative revival represented by Dandy In The Underworld.
For many collectors, it stands as one of the most underrated albums in the entire T. Rex catalogue.
RELEASE HISTORY
Originally released in 1976, Futuristic Dragon was reissued in Japan during 2016 by Imperial Records.
The reissue utilised an HR Cutting high-resolution mastering source and was issued in standard CD format with Japanese packaging and accompanying liner notes.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Futuristic Dragon | Imperial Records | Japan | TECI-20708 | 2016 | CD Reissue |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
CD | TECI-20708 | Tracks 1-16 • Futuristic Dragon • Jupiter Liar • Chrome Sitar • All Alone • New York City • My Little Baby • Calling All Destroyers • Theme For A Dragon • Sensation Boulevard • Ride My Wheels • Dreamy Lady • Dawn Storm • Casual Agent • London Boys • Laser Love • Life's An Elevator |
Sources Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.
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This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.
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