T. Rex (February 7, 1975) Bolan's Zip Gun LP / TC

Marc Bolan’s Bolan’s Zip Gun, released on February 7, 1975, was T. Rex’s tenth studio album and the only one in their catalogue that failed to chart in the UK, representing a raw, stripped-down return to rock ‘n’ roll roots amid lineup changes and shifting musical trends.

Artist: T. Rex

Title: Bolan's Zip Gun

Date: February 7, 1975

Label: T.REX (distributed by EMI) Format / Type: LP Vinyl Album (Die-cut Gatefold), Cassette Album Country: United Kingdom

Catalogue:

• LP: BLNA 7752 / 0C 064 ○ 96222

• Cassette (TC): TC-BLNA7752 / OC 244 96222

• Variants include repress, white label promo/stamped copies

  
  

TRACK LIST

Side A

1. Light Of Love

2. Solid Baby

3. Precious Star

4. Token Of My Love

5. Space Boss

6. Think Zinc

Side B

1. Till Dawn

2. Girl In The Thunderbolt Suit

3. I Really Love You Babe

4. Golden Belt

5. Zip Gun Boogie

THE STORY

Following the ambitious but critically mixed Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow, Bolan shifted to a leaner, more direct sound with simpler lyrics. Many tracks had already appeared on the 1974 US-only Light of Love album. Produced by Bolan himself, the album features an evolving lineup including new drummer Davy Lutton and Gloria Jones on clavinet and backing vocals. It was Mickey Finn’s final album with the band.

CONTEXT & NOTES 

Bolan’s Zip Gun marked a transitional and challenging period for T. Rex. Despite strong individual tracks like “Light Of Love” (UK #22) and “Zip Gun Boogie” (#41), the album failed to chart in the UK — the only T. Rex studio album to do so. The futuristic sci-fi themes in songs like “Space Boss,” “Think Zinc,” and “Golden Belt” reflected Bolan’s interests, while the stripped-down production contrasted with previous orchestral excess. The die-cut cover and inner sleeve added visual flair.

PERSONNEL

• Marc Bolan – vocals, guitar, synthesizers

• Mickey Finn – percussion (final album)

• Dino Dines – keyboards

• Gloria Jones – clavinet, backing vocals

• Steve Currie – bass

• Davy Lutton – drums

• Paul Fenton – additional drums (“Solid Baby”)

• Bill Legend – drums (“Till Dawn”)

• Additional: Harry Nilsson (backing vocals)

PRODUCTION Produced by: Marc Bolan Recorded at: Scorpio Sound (London), Musicland Studios (Munich), MRI Studios (Hollywood)

CHARTS

• UK Albums Chart: Did not chart

PACKAGING / ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS

• Die-cut front cover

• Gatefold sleeve

• Inner sleeve with lyrics and credits

• Label Variants Note: There are two sets of labels. The 1st is the older EMI design with “Made In Gt. Britain” at the 6 o'clock position and “The Gramophone Co. Ltd.” at the 8 o'clock position. The 2nd is the newer EMI design with “Made In Gt. Britain” at the 4 o'clock position and “The Gramophone Co. Ltd.” replaced by “EMI Records Ltd.” at the 8 o'clock position.

WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS

 The distinctive die-cut front cover reveals part of the inner artwork when opened. The gatefold and inner sleeve feature bold 1970s glam styling, full track listings, production credits, and photography. Cassette versions use adapted J-card artwork based on the LP design.

RELATED MATERIAL

 See tags at foot of page.

SOURCES Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, T.REX / EMI Records

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.