T. Rex (February 7, 2020) – Futuristic Dragon 180g Clear Vinyl
Futuristic Dragon was originally released in 1976 and became one of the defining albums from the later period of Marc Bolan and T. Rex. The album included both Dreamy Lady and New York City, the latter becoming Bolan's biggest latter-day hit single
The record continued Bolan's interest in sonic experimentation while further incorporating American soul influences into the evolving T. Rex sound. Combining glam rock, pop and soul-inspired elements, the album demonstrated Bolan's continuing desire to expand his musical horizons while retaining the distinctive songwriting style that had made him one of Britain's most successful performers.
This edition presents the complete album pressed on 180g clear vinyl for the first time.
RECORDING
The album was recorded during a period in which Marc Bolan was increasingly experimenting with studio sounds and arrangements.
The recordings featured contributions from Steve Currie, Davey Lutton, Gloria Jones, Dino Dines, Tyrone Scott and Jimmy Haskell.
This reissue presents the complete original album in its original running order.
STYLE & THEMES
Futuristic Dragon combines glam rock and pop with increasing soul influences and adventurous production techniques.
The album reflects Bolan's continuing fascination with futuristic imagery while simultaneously incorporating richer arrangements and American musical influences. Songs such as New York City and Dreamy Lady illustrate the balance between commercial songwriting and stylistic experimentation that characterises the album.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Futuristic Dragon (Introduction) — Opening instrumental introduction to the album.
• Jupiter Liar — Featured on the original release.
• Chrome Sitar — Reflects the album's experimental character.
• All Alone — Included on side one.
• New York City — Became Bolan's biggest latter-day hit.
• My Little Baby — Featured on the original album.
• Calling All Destroyers — Closing track on side one.
• Theme For A Dragon — Instrumental composition opening side two.
• Sensation Boulevard — Included on the second side.
• Ride My Wheels — Featured in the original running sequence.
• Dreamy Lady — One of the album's best-known recordings.
• Dawn Storm — Included on side two.
• Casual Agent — Closing track on the album.
RELEASE HISTORY
Futuristic Dragon was originally released in 1976.
Demon Records reissued the album on February 7, 2020 as a clear vinyl edition.
The release was pressed on 180g clear vinyl for the first time and includes an inner sleeve containing lyrics and credits.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, Moog synthesizer, producer, written by
Steve Currie — bass
Davey Lutton — drums
Paul Fenton — additional drums
Dino Dines — organ, keyboards
Gloria Jones — vocals, clavinet
Tyrone Scott — additional vocals
Jimmy Haskell — string arrangements
PRODUCTION
Produced by Marc Bolan
Engineered by Gary Ulmer
String arrangements by Jimmy Haskell
Artwork by George Underwood
Label: Demon Records
Catalogue Number: DEMREC640
RELEASE TABLE
Artist | Album | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Futuristic Dragon | Demon Records | UK | DEMREC640 | February 7, 2020 | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, 180g Clear Vinyl |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP 180g Clear Vinyl NOTES • First pressing of the album on 180g clear vinyl. • Includes lyric and credit inner sleeve. • Reissued by Demon Records. • Yellow promotional sticker on shrink-wrap. • Features Dreamy Lady and New York City. • New York City became Marc Bolan's biggest latter-day hit. • Clear vinyl edition. RELATED RELEASES • New York City • Dreamy Lady • Futuristic Dragon • Casual Agent | DEMREC640 | A1. Futuristic Dragon (Introduction) A2. Jupiter Liar A3. Chrome Sitar A4. All Alone A5. New York City A6. My Little Baby A7. Calling All Destroyers B1. Theme For A Dragon (Instrumental) B2. Sensation Boulevard B3. Ride My Wheels B4. Dreamy Lady B5. Dawn Storm B6. Casual Agent |
SOURCES ES 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.
Comments