T. Rex (April 22, 2023) – Rockin' & Rollin' (1LP Pink Vinyl) RSD 2023
Rockin' & Rollin' was reissued by Demon Records for Record Store Day 2023, marking the first vinyl release of the compilation since its original Japanese issue in 1973.
Originally released exclusively in Japan on Odeon Records, the compilation brings together a selection of T. Rex recordings from the band's most commercially successful period. The collection features hit singles, album tracks and fan favourites drawn from the glam-rock years of Marc Bolan and T. Rex.
This reissue recreates the original compilation on pink vinyl and introduces the collection to a wider international audience for the first time in decades.
RECORDING
The compilation gathers recordings originally produced during the classic T. Rex era.
Production was handled by Tony Visconti, with performances by Marc Bolan, Steve Currie, Mickey Finn and Bill Legend.
Additional contributions include backing vocals by Flo & Eddie and saxophone by Howard Casey.
STYLE & THEMES
The collection focuses on the defining glam-rock period of T. Rex, combining chart singles, album favourites and deeper catalogue selections.
The tracks capture the group's blend of hard rock, boogie, pop melodies and orchestral arrangements, showcasing the sound that helped establish Marc Bolan as one of the leading figures of the glam-rock movement.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• The Groover — Stand-alone hit single from the group's peak period.
• 20th Century Boy — One of T. Rex's signature recordings.
• Solid Gold Easy Action — Glam-rock chart favourite.
• Children Of The Revolution — Classic non-album single.
• Metal Guru — Major hit from 1972.
• Telegram Sam — UK chart-topper.
• Jitterbug Love — Album-era favourite.
• Cadilac — T. Rex interpretation of the classic song.
• Midnight — Stand-alone recording from the period.
• Born To Boogie — Associated with the film and soundtrack project.
• Spaceball Ricochet — Featured from The Slider era.
• Main Man — Album track from 1972.
• Buick Mackane — One of Bolan's best-known compositions.
• Ballrooms Of Mars — Popular album recording.
• Mad Donna — Included from the Tanx period.
• Country Honey — Recording from the same era.
• Life Is Strange — One of the highlights from Tanx.
• Electric Slim And Factory Hen — Closing track of the compilation.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released worldwide on April 22, 2023 for Record Store Day.
Issued by Demon Records as a re-pressing of the original 1973 Japanese compilation.
The release was limited to 2,000 copies and pressed on pink 140g vinyl.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar
Steve Currie — bass
Mickey Finn — congas, percussion, vocals
Bill Legend — drums
Tony Visconti — producer, mellotron, recorder, string arrangements, backing vocals
Flo & Eddie — backing vocals
Howard Casey — saxophone
PRODUCTION
Produced by Tony Visconti
Inner Sleeve Artwork by Jools Williamson
Label: Demon Records
Licensed from Spirit Services Holdings s.a.r.l.
NOTES
• Record Store Day 2023 release.
• First vinyl reissue since the original Japanese release.
• Pressed on pink 140g vinyl.
• Limited edition of 2,000 copies.
• Inner sleeve includes credits and T. Rex album artwork.
• Barcode: 5014797908482.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Album | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Rockin' & Rollin' | Demon Records | Worldwide | DEMREC1085 | April 22, 2023 | LP, Pink Vinyl, 140g, RSD 2023 |
T. Rex | Rockin' & Rollin' | Odeon | Japan | PRP-8014 | 1973 | LP, Compilation, Promo |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP | DEMREC1085 | Side One: • The Groover • 20th Century Boy • Solid Gold Easy Action • Children Of The Revolution • Metal Guru • Telegram Sam • Jitterbug Love • Cadilac • Midnight Side Two: • Born To Boogie • Spaceball Ricochet • Main Man • Buick Mackane • Ballrooms Of Mars • Mad Donna • Country Honey • Life Is Strange • Electric Slim And Factory Hen |
SOURCES 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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