T. Rex (January 1, 1976) – Spotlight On T. Rex Album JAP: 2LP
Spotlight On T. Rex was a Japanese double-album compilation released by Philips in 1976 as part of the Spotlight On series. Issued by Nippon Phonogram Co., Ltd. and licensed from Noeland Productions Ltd., the collection focused heavily on the band's 1970-1971 recordings, drawing primarily from the T. Rex ("Brown Album") and Electric Warrior albums.
Rather than concentrating solely on hit singles, the compilation presented a wider overview of Marc Bolan's songwriting during the period when Tyrannosaurus Rex evolved into T. Rex, blending major chart successes with album tracks and non-album B-sides.
The compilation consists entirely of previously released recordings drawn from the T. Rex catalogue.
The set includes all eleven tracks from Electric Warrior, thirteen tracks from the T. Rex ("Brown Album"), two tracks from A Beard Of Stars, one track from the Get It On single and material from both the Ride A White Swan and Hot Love singles.
STYLE & THEMES
Unlike many greatest-hits collections, Spotlight On T. Rex balances major chart recordings with deeper album material.
The collection highlights the transition from the acoustic and mystical sound of late Tyrannosaurus Rex into the electric boogie and glam rock style that made Marc Bolan one of the defining figures of the early 1970s.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released in Japan during 1976 by Philips.
The album formed part of the Japanese Spotlight On compilation series and was issued as a double-LP set complete with obi strip and insert.
The retail price at release was 3,000 Yen.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, songwriter
Steve Peregrin Took — percussion (selected recordings)
Mickey Finn — percussion, backing vocals (selected recordings)
T. Rex — performances
Tyrannosaurus Rex — performances
PRODUCTION
Produced by Marc Bolan and associated original producers
Label: Philips
Catalogue Number: FDX-9243-9244
Record Company: Nippon Phonogram Co., Ltd.
Licensed From: Noeland Productions Ltd.
Country: Japan
NOTES
• Japanese double-album compilation.
• Issued with obi strip and insert.
• Retail price was 3,000 Yen.
• Contains all eleven tracks from Electric Warrior.
• Contains thirteen tracks from the T. Rex ("Brown Album").
• Includes tracks from A Beard Of Stars.
• Includes material from the Ride A White Swan, Get It On and Hot Love singles.
• One of the most extensive Japanese T. Rex compilations of the 1970s.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Spotlight On T. Rex | Philips | Japan | FDX-9243-9244 | Exact Date Unknown, 1976 | 2LP |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
2LP | FDX-9243-9244 | LP1 Side One: Mambo Sun • Cosmic Dancer • Monolith • Planet Queen • Girl • The Motivator • Life's A Gas • Rip-Off LP1 Side Two: Get It On • Jeepster • Beltane Walk • The King Of The Mountain Cometh • Jewel • Lean Woman Blues • Woodland Rock • Ride A White Swan LP2 Side One: The Visit • Raw Ramp • Fist Heart Mighty Dawn Dart • By The Light Of A Magical Moon • Summertime Blues • Hot Love • Childe • The Time Of Love Is Now LP2 Side Two: Diamond Meadows • Root Of Star • Is It Love? • One Inch Rock • Summer Deep • Seagull Woman • Suneye • The Wizard |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Demon Records, Rockfiles, 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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