T. Rex (January 1, 1973) – Portrait Of T. Rex LP

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Portrait Of T.Rex was a Japanese-only compilation album released in 1973 as part of the Portrait Of series. Issued by Cube Records and manufactured by Polydor K.K., it was the third title in the MW-5001 to MW-5003 sequence, following collections dedicated to Cream and the Bee Gees.

The compilation brought together recordings from both the Tyrannosaurus Rex and T. Rex eras, offering Japanese fans an overview of Marc Bolan's transition from psychedelic folk performer to glam rock superstar.

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The album compiles previously released recordings from various sessions spanning the Tyrannosaurus Rex and T. Rex years.

Material ranges from early Tyrannosaurus Rex recordings such as Debora and One Inch Rock to major T. Rex hit singles including Get It On, Ride A White Swan, Jeepster and Hot Love.

STYLE & THEMES

The compilation balances the acoustic folk-rock sound of Tyrannosaurus Rex with the electric glam rock style that brought T. Rex international success.

By combining both periods on a single LP, the collection highlights the evolution of Marc Bolan's songwriting and recording career.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Get It On — One of T. Rex's signature recordings.

• The King Of The Mountain Cometh — Album selection representing the group's album-oriented material.

• Woodland Rock — Included from the early T. Rex catalogue.

• Stacey Grove — Acoustic-era Tyrannosaurus Rex recording.

• Ride A White Swan — Breakthrough hit that launched T. Rex's commercial success.

• One Inch Rock — Classic Tyrannosaurus Rex composition.

• Debora — One of Marc Bolan's earliest and most celebrated songs.

• Jeepster — Major hit from the Electric Warrior era.

• Summertime Blues — T. Rex interpretation of the Eddie Cochran classic.

• Seagull Woman — Early Bolan composition.

• Salamanda Palaganda — Representative of the group's psychedelic folk period.

• Strange Orchestras — Early

Tyrannosaurus Rex favourite.

• Hot Love — UK chart-topping glam rock classic.

• Elemental Child — Non-album era T. Rex recording.

RELEASE HISTORY

Released exclusively in Japan in 1973, with the exact date unknown.

The album formed part of the Japanese Portrait Of series and was issued with a distinctive die-cut cover design.

Recorded At: Various sessions

NOTES

• Japanese-only release.

• Third title in the MW-5001 to MW-5003 Portrait Of series.

• Manufactured by Polydor K.K..

• Issued in a unique gimmick cover with a die-cut picture-frame design.

• The removable front panel could be displayed separately from the sleeve.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Cat No.	Date	Format
T. Rex	Portrait Of T. Rex	Cube Records	Japan	MW-5003	1973	LP

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
LP	MW-5003	Side One: Get It On • The King Of The Mountain Cometh • Woodland Rock • Stacey Grove • Ride A White Swan • One Inch Rock • Debora Side Two: Jeepster • Summertime Blues • Seagull Woman • Salamanda Palaganda • Strange Orchestras • Hot Love • Elemental Child

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SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, Marc Bolan ‘There Was A Time’ by Cliff McLenehan

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