T. Rex (December 18, 1970) – T. Rex Album Release UK
T. Rex is the first album released under the shortened band name and the fifth overall since their debut as Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1968. Issued in December 1970 by Fly Records, the album continued the stylistic shift away from the duo’s earlier folk‑based sound toward a more minimal electric rock approach, balancing acoustic and electric textures.
The previous album A Beard of Stars had charted moderately, but Marc Bolan remained frustrated at not breaking beyond cult status. Touring extensively with Mickey Finn throughout 1970 helped introduce audiences to their evolving electric sound, while Bolan’s decision to shorten the group’s name coincided with signing to Fly Records and the release of “Ride a White Swan.” Although credited to T. Rex, all recordings and the cover photography were completed while still known as Tyrannosaurus Rex, with Bolan and Finn as the core duo and Tony Visconti contributing bass and recorder. Bolan considered several titles, including The Wizard and The Children of Rarn, before choosing a self‑titled album.
Track Listing
All songs written by Marc Bolan.
Side one
• The Children Of Rarn — Marc Bolan — 0:53
• Jewel — Marc Bolan — 2:46
• The Visit — Marc Bolan — 1:55
• Childe — Marc Bolan — 1:41
• The Time Of Love Is Now — Marc Bolan — 2:42
• Diamond Meadows — Marc Bolan — 1:58
• Root Of Star — Marc Bolan — 2:31
• Beltane Walk — Marc Bolan — 2:38
Side two
• Is It Love? — Marc Bolan — 2:34
• One Inch Rock — Marc Bolan — 2:28
• Summer Deep — Marc Bolan — 1:43
• Seagull Woman — Marc Bolan — 2:18
• Suneye — Marc Bolan — 2:06 • The Wizard — Marc Bolan — 8:50
• The Children Of Rarn (Reprise) — Marc Bolan — 0:36
Total length: 37:41
Album Details
Released: 18 December 1970
Recorded: 14 May – 31 August 1970
Studios: Trident Studios, London
Length: 37:41
Labels: Fly (UK); Reprise (US)
Producer: Tony Visconti
Chronology: A Beard of Stars (1970) → T. Rex (1970) → Electric Warrior (1971)
Packaging
Semi‑gatefold sleeve.
Photograph by Peter Sanders.
Design by Graphreaks.
Manufactured for Fly Records, London. Printed and made by the E. J. Day Group, London and Bedford.
Songs and recording
Although the album was credited to T. Rex, all of the recording work — along with the cover photography — was completed while the duo were still operating under the name Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The sessions featured Marc Bolan on vocals and guitar and Mickey Finn on percussion, with Tony Visconti contributing bass and recorder on selected tracks. Bolan considered naming the album The Wizard or The Children of Rarn before settling on a self‑titled release.
Musically, the record followed the direction set by A Beard of Stars, pushing further into electric rock while incorporating string arrangements written by Visconti. Some pieces, such as “The Time of Love Is Now,” “Suneye,” and “Root of Star,” retained elements of the duo’s earlier folk style, while tracks like “Jewel,” “Childe,” “Beltane Walk,” “Diamond Meadows,” “Is It Love,” and “One Inch Rock” integrated electric guitar and bass more fully, hinting at the sound of the next album.
As on previous releases, Bolan’s lyrics drew inspiration from Tolkien, weaving imagery of wizards, Druids, and a “Liquid Poetess in a buckskin dress.” Journalist Tom Everett noted Bolan’s fascination with mysticism and the sonic qualities of language, marking the last time this thematic focus would dominate his writing.
Other songs explored different ideas: “The Visit” describes a UFO encounter, while “Diamond Meadows” and “Suneye” function as more traditional love songs that anticipate later ballads.
The album also included electric reworkings of two earlier Tyrannosaurus Rex songs.
“The Wizard” had originally appeared as the A‑side of Bolan’s first solo single in 1965, and “One Inch Rock” was the second Tyrannosaurus Rex single, now presented with a scat‑sung introduction that Bolan and Finn had been using in live acoustic performances.
The remaining tracks were newly written. “The Children of Rarn” and its reprise, which bookend the UK album, represented Bolan’s attempt at a symphonic rock concept he hoped to expand into a full‑length project; a 16‑minute demo suite was recorded in 1971. Additional material from the sessions included a cover of “Summertime Blues” and the instrumental outtake “Deep Summer.”
Recording began at Trident Studios on 14 May 1970 with “Jewel” and “Is It Love,” the former already familiar from live shows. This session established the electric pop/rock direction of the album. On 1 June, “Diamond Meadows,” “The Visit,” and “Ride a White Swan” were recorded, though some sources place “Swan” on 1 July.
The instrumental “Deep Summer” was attempted on 16 June but left unreleased. On 24 June, Howard Kaylan of Flo & Eddie joined the session for “Seagull Woman” to provide backing vocals — the first time he appeared on a T. Rex track — although Mark Volman’s credit on the sleeve is not confirmed by session notes.
The pair would later contribute to many of the group’s hits. “Summer Deep” and “The Time of Love Is Now” followed on 26 June, while “Beltane Walk” and an early version of “King of the Mountain Cometh” were attempted on 1 July.
Remakes of “One Inch Rock” and “The Wizard” were recorded on 6 July along with “The Children of Rarn.” The final sessions on 5 and 31 August produced “Root of Star.” Documentation for the recording of “Childe” and “Suneye” has not survived.
Reception
On release, Rolling Stone responded enthusiastically, noting that the album made it hard to single out specific tracks as standouts. Reviewer Todd Everett highlighted the group’s unusual blend of vocal and instrumental textures, pointing out moments where the voices mimic feedback‑style guitar tones — a technique he felt few bands could pull off convincingly.
UK critics were similarly impressed. Ray Hollingworth of Melody Maker described the record as vigorous and full of drive, carried by Bolan’s imaginative and poetic vocal style. Nick Logan of New Musical Express called the album highly enjoyable, observing that the electric approach strengthened both the rhythmic and melodic aspects of Bolan’s writing, and remarking that after several albums it must have been gratifying to produce material of such quality.
Disc & Music Echo also praised the album, noting that the sweeping strings and rich arrangements suited the duo better than expected, while Penny Valentine of Sounds commented that although some listeners might feel the group’s sound was no longer mystical or pure, she welcomed the change, saying Bolan’s work now carried greater rhythmic appeal and a more assured presence.
Retrospective commentary has remained positive.
Mark Deming of AllMusic described the album as a calm moment before the arrival of Electric Warrior, retaining a playful energy and charm that make it one of Bolan’s key works. Writing for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis noted that the record brought Bolan’s instincts forward — more electric guitar, tighter rhythms, vocals treated with slapback echo, and string parts that emphasized the descending chord patterns later associated with early glam.
Ultimate Classic Rock likewise praised the album, calling it an immediate classic filled with tracks such as “Childe,” “Beltane Walk,” and “One Inch Rock,” describing them as ’50s‑style rockers reimagined with early ’70s flair. The review added that Bolan, Finn, and producer Tony Visconti shaped a sound that, with only slight refinement, would soon carry T. Rex to major chart success in the UK.
COUNTRY VARIANTS
• LP, Album, Stereo — Fly Records — HIFLY 2 — UK — 1970
• LP, Album, Cover Variant — Fly Records — HIFLY 2 — UK — 1970
• Cassette, Album, Stereo — Fly Records — ZCFLY 2 — UK — 1970
• 8‑Track Cartridge, Album, Stereo — Fly Records — Y8FLY 2 — UK — 1970
Personnel
T. Rex
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, bass, organ Mickey Finn — drums, bass, Pixiphone, vocals
Additional Personnel
Tony Visconti — bass, piano, recorder, string arrangements, production Howard Kaylan — backing vocals Mark Volman — backing vocals
Roy Thomas Baker — engineering
Technical
Recorded at Trident Studios, London Produced by Tony Visconti Engineered by Roy T. Baker
Charts
Chart (1971–1971) — Peak Position UK Albums Chart — 7
Certifications
Singles from T. Rex
Ride a White Swan — Released
October 9, 1970
B-side
"Is It Love?"
"Summertime Blues"
Label Fly
Songwriter Marc Bolan
Producer Tony Visconti
20 weeks on BBC Singles Chart - 24/10/1970 to 06/03/1971
Peak Position - 2
OVERSEAS VARIANTS — US
In the United States, the album did not appear until 20 March 1971, as listed in BB New LP / Tape Releases. The American edition used the same semi‑gatefold sleeve as the UK pressing, but the final track was replaced with “Ride a White Swan.”
This substitution was notable because “Ride a White Swan” had already been distributed as a free single with the band’s previous US release, A Beard of Stars.
OVERSEAS VARIANTS — GERMANY
In Germany, the album was also issued in 1971, released by Ariola under catalogue number 85 070 IT. This edition was retitled Ride a White Swan and came in a full gatefold sleeve. The interior featured the familiar photograph of Marc and Mickey, with the lyrics printed along the lower edge, echoing the layout of the UK and US fold‑over flap versions.
This German release carried a completely unique front and back sleeve, distinguishing it from all other international variants.
As with the US edition, the final track was replaced, in this case with the title track “Ride a White Swan.”
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.
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