T. Rex (January 1, 1973) – Rockin' & Rollin' LP: JAP
Rockin' & Rollin' was a Japanese promotional compilation album released by Odeon in 1973, though the exact date is unknown.
Released exclusively as a promotional LP, the album compiled key recordings from T. Rex's most commercially successful glam rock period. The collection focused heavily on the band's major hit singles while also including important album tracks from the same era.
The compilation provided Japanese audiences with a concentrated overview of Marc Bolan and T. Rex during their peak years, featuring material drawn from the group's most successful releases.
The album consisted of previously released T. Rex recordings originally produced during the band's glam rock years.
No new recordings were created specifically for this release. The compilation assembled existing studio recordings associated with the group's chart success between the Electric Warrior, The Slider and Tanx eras.
The featured recordings originated from sessions produced during Marc Bolan's commercial peak with T. Rex.
STYLE & THEMES
Rockin' & Rollin' captures the signature glam rock sound that established T. Rex as one of the defining acts of the early 1970s.
The track selection balances major hit singles such as 20th Century Boy, Telegram Sam, Metal Guru, Children Of The Revolution and Solid Gold Easy Action with album material including Spaceball Ricochet, Ballrooms Of Mars and Electric Slim And The Factory Hen.
The compilation highlights Marc Bolan's distinctive songwriting, memorable hooks and combination of rock and pop elements that became synonymous with the glam rock movement.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• The Groover — Stand-alone T. Rex single from the band's commercial peak.
• 20th Century Boy — One of T. Rex's most recognisable and enduring hit singles.
• Solid Gold Easy Action — Major UK hit single and glam rock favourite.
• Children Of The Revolution — Celebrated non-album single and one of Bolan's signature recordings.
• Metal Guru — Chart-topping glam rock anthem.
• Telegram Sam — One of the band's defining early-1970s hit singles.
• Jitterbug Love — Melodic album track from the glam rock era.
• Cadillac — Rock and roll-influenced recording associated with the group's live repertoire.
• Midnight — Album track representing the band's evolving sound.
• Born To Boogie — Title track associated with the Born To Boogie era.
• Spaceball Ricochet — Popular album track from The Slider period.
• Main Man — Recording from the Tanx era.
• Buick Mackane — Classic T. Rex album track.
• Ballrooms Of Mars — One of Marc Bolan's most acclaimed compositions.
• Mad Donna — Harder-edged recording from the band's later glam period.
• Country Honey — Album track from the Tanx era.
• Life Is Strange — Reflects the band's developing mid-1970s sound.
• Electric Slim And Factory Hen — Deep catalogue track included to complement the hit material.
RELEASE HISTORY
The album was released in Japan during 1973 by Odeon as a promotional-only compilation LP.
Issued under catalogue number PRP-8014, the release was not a standard retail issue and was intended for promotional use.
Fifty years later, the compilation was reissued worldwide by Demon Records as a Record Store Day release pressed on pink 140-gram vinyl.
Label: Odeon
Catalogue Number: PRP-8014
Barcode:
Recorded At: Various recording sessions
NOTES
• Japanese promotional-only release.
• Issued by Odeon in 1973.
• Catalogue number PRP-8014.
• Focuses on T. Rex's peak glam rock years.
• Contains nine tracks per side.
• Features many of Marc Bolan's biggest hit singles.
• Includes key album recordings from The Slider and Tanx.
• Reissued worldwide in 2023 by Demon Records for Record Store Day.
• 2023 edition pressed on pink 140-gram vinyl.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Rockin' & Rollin' | Odeon | Japan | PRP-8014 | 1973 | LP, Compilation, Promo |
T. Rex | Rockin' & Rollin' | Demon Records | Worldwide | DEMREC1085 | 2023 | LP, Compilation, Record Store Day, Pink Vinyl, 140g |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP | PRP-8014 | Side One: The Groover • 20th Century Boy • Solid Gold Easy Action • Children Of The Revolution • Metal Guru • Telegram Sam • Jitterbug Love • Cadillac • Midnight Side Two: Born To Boogie • Spaceball Ricochet • Main Man • Buick Mackane • Ballrooms Of Mars • Mad Donna • Country Honey • Life Is Strange • Electric Slim And Factory Hen |
LP (RSD Reissue) | DEMREC1085 | Side One: The Groover • 20th Century Boy • Solid Gold Easy Action • Children Of The Revolution • Metal Guru • Telegram Sam • Jitterbug Love • Cadillac • Midnight Side Two: Born To Boogie • Spaceball Ricochet • Main Man • Buick Mackane • Ballrooms Of Mars • Mad Donna • Country Honey • Life Is Strange • Electric Slim And Factory Hen |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, Marc Bolan ‘There Was A Time’ by Cliff McLenehan
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