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T. Rex (February 7, 2020) – Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow 180g Clear Vinyl

Writer: T.Rex
T.Rex
Feb 7, 2020
2 min read

Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow was originally released in 1974 and represented a significant stage in the continuing evolution of Marc Bolan and T. Rex. The album followed the hit singles The Groover and Truck On (Tyke) and included the subsequent hit Teenage Dream.


The recordings reflected the impact of Bolan's travels in the United States during 1973, where exposure to black radio stations introduced him to a broader range of soul and rhythm-and-blues influences. These influences became an important component of the album's sound, helping to shape a record that differed noticeably from earlier T. Rex releases.

Over time, the album has become regarded as an overlooked treasure within the T. Rex catalogue, showcasing Bolan's willingness to experiment while continuing to develop his songwriting and production style.

This edition presents the complete album remastered by original co-producer Tony Visconti and Ted Jensen and pressed on 180g clear vinyl for the first time.

RECORDING

The album was created following Marc Bolan's experiences touring the United States during 1973.


Influences absorbed from American soul and R&B radio broadcasts informed the direction of the material and contributed to a broader musical approach than that heard on previous T. Rex releases.


For this reissue, the complete album was remastered by Tony Visconti and Ted Jensen.

STYLE & THEMES

The album blends glam rock and pop-rock with strong soul and R&B influences.

While maintaining many of the characteristics associated with T. Rex, the recordings also demonstrate a growing interest in rhythm-driven arrangements, expanded vocal textures and more adventurous production techniques.

Tracks such as Teenage Dream, Venus Loon and Explosive Mouth illustrate this broader musical outlook, while the album as a whole captures a period of experimentation and artistic development.

RELEASE TABLE

Artist

Album

Label

Country

Catalogue

Date

Format

T. Rex

Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow

Demon Records

UK

DEMREC638

February 7, 2020

LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, 180g Clear Vinyl

TRACKLIST TABLE

Format

Catalogue

Tracklisting

LP 180g Clear Vinyl

NOTES

• First pressing of the album on 180g clear vinyl.

• Complete album remastered by Tony Visconti and Ted Jensen.

• Gatefold sleeve.

• Includes printed inner sleeve.

• Reissued by Demon Records.

• UK release.

• Clear vinyl format.

• Influenced by Marc Bolan's exposure to American soul and R&B radio during 1973.


RELATED RELEASES

• The Groover

• Truck On (Tyke)

• Teenage Dream

• Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow


DEMREC638

A1. Venus Loon


A2. Sound Pit


A3. Explosive Mouth


A4. Galaxy


A5. Change


A6. Nameless Wildness


A7. Teenage Dream



B1. Liquid Gang


B2. Carsmile Smith & The Old One


B3. You Got To Jive To Stay Alive


B4. Spanish Midnight


B5. Interstellar Soul


B6. Painless Persuasion V The Meathawk Immacula


B7. The Avengers (Superbad)


B8. The Leopards Featuring Gardenia & The Mighty Slug

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.


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The Bolan Timeline:

The Bolan Timeline:

  • 1971 The Warrior's Reign The arrival of T. Rextasy. Chart success, cultural influence, and the breakthrough.

  • 1972: The Height Of T. Rextasy The phenomenon reaches its peak. Hit records, sold-out concerts, television appearances.

  • 1973: Beyond The Revolution Moving beyond the peak years, Marc continued to evolve creatively while remaining one of Britain's most visible and influential performers.

  • 1974: Zinc Alloy's Dream A year of experimentation, reinvention, and ambitious new directions as Marc sought fresh creative horizons.

  • 1975: Zip Gun Boogie Defined by the release of Bolan's Zip Gun, this period documented Marc's continuing creativity.

  • 1976: The Dragon Takes Flight The Futuristic Dragon era. New ideas, renewed momentum, and the foundations of a remarkable comeback.

  • 1977: The Dandy's Return The celebrated comeback year. New music, television .

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