T. Rex (January 17, 2025) – Easy Action (2CD Edition)
Easy Action is a two-disc collection issued by Easy Action Records focusing entirely on alternate recordings from across Marc Bolan and T. Rex's career. Drawing material from multiple recording periods, the set assembles alternate takes, working versions, instrumental mixes, jams, poems and expanded performances, offering a different perspective on familiar recording
Rather than presenting original master versions, the compilation focuses on studio experimentation and developmental recordings. According to the release notes, all recordings included are alternate versions. The collection ranges from material associated with Electric Warrior through to recordings connected with later T. Rex albums and standalone singles.
The release was issued in a gatefold four-panel digisleeve designed to resemble a miniature vinyl package and includes a twenty-page booklet containing notes and supporting material.
RECORDING
Recordings included in the collection originate from numerous studio sessions across several years.
Recording locations supplied for the release include Trident Studios, Advision Studios, Mediasound, Rosenberg Studio, Strawberry Studios (France), Toshiba Studios, Wally Heider Studios, The Sound Pit and Musicland Studios.
The compilation consists entirely of alternate recordings, including alternate takes, rough mixes, working versions, instrumental versions and extended jams.
A hidden track, Children Of The Revolution (Jam / Working Version), is appended to the final track on Disc Two.
STYLE & THEMES
The collection reflects the creative development of Marc Bolan's songwriting and recording process. The recordings range from glam rock and pop rock to studio jams, instrumentals and experimental working versions.
Many tracks reveal alternative arrangements and performance approaches, presenting familiar songs in forms that differ substantially from their originally released counterparts.
The compilation highlights the evolution of songs from early concepts through to later developments.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Get It On (#3) — Alternate extended version.
• Mambo Sun (#3) — Alternative recording from the Electric Warrior period.
• Life's A Gas (#6) — Alternate version of the well-known album track.
• Lean Love (Lean Woman Blues) — Early variation on the original song.
• Planet Queen (#3) — Alternative recording.
• Rip Off (#1 Instrumental) — Instrumental version.
• The Electric Warrior (Poem) — Spoken-word poem.
• Electric Boogie (Take 1) — Early studio take.
• Electric Boogie (Take 2) — Alternate take.
• Jam — Extended studio performance.
• Raw Ramp (Take 1) — Alternate take.
• Raw Ramp (Take 2) — Alternate take.
• Electric Boogie (Short Mix) — Edited version.
• Thunderwing — Alternative recording.
• Easy Action (Fast Blues) — Blues-oriented interpretation.
• Mystic Lady — Alternate version.
• Rabbit Fighter — Alternative recording.
• Chariot Choogle — Alternate performance.
• Rock On — Alternative version.
• Buick MacKane (Denmark) — Alternate recording.
• Buick MacKane And The Babe Shadow — Combined version.
• Easy Action (Solid Gold) — Alternate interpretation.
• 20th Century Boy (Full Unedited Version) — Extended unedited version.
• Left Hand Luke And The Beggar Boys — Alternate version.
• Midnight — Alternative recording.
• All My Love — Included among the archive recordings.
• Superbad — Alternate performance.
• Carsmile Smith — Alternative recording.
• Explosive Mouth — Alternate version.
• Look To Your Soul (Painless Persuasion) — Alternative recording.
BONUS TRACKS
• Children Of The Revolution (Jam / Working Version) — Hidden track attached to the final track of Disc Two.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2025 by Easy Action Records.
Issued as a two-CD set housed in a gatefold four-panel digisleeve styled as a vinyl replica package.
The release focuses exclusively on alternate versions, alternate mixes, working recordings and studio rarities.
PRODUCTION
Mastered and audio restoration by Anders Peterson
Artwork by Les Clark
Design by Carlton Sandercock and Les Clark
Photography (CD Cover) by Michael Putland
Label: Easy Action Records
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — guitar, vocals
Steve Currie — bass
Mickey Finn — congas
Bill Legend — drums
Jack Green — guitar (track 2-14)
Bill Legend — liner notes
Carlton P. Sandercock — liner notes
RELEASE TABLE
Artist | Album | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Easy Action | Easy Action | UK | EARS175CD | January 17, 2025 | 2CD |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
2CD NOTES • All recordings are alternate versions. • Hidden track Children Of The Revolution (Jam / Working Version) appended to the final track on Disc Two. • Gatefold four-panel digisleeve. • Vinyl-replica style packaging. • Includes a twenty-page booklet. • Barcode: 5060446073902. | EARS175CD | Disc 1: 1. Get It On (#3) 2. Mambo Sun (#3) 3. Life's A Gas (#6) 4. Lean Love (Lean Woman Blues) 5. Planet Queen (#3) 6. Rip Off (#1 Instrumental) 7. The Electric Warrior (Poem) 8. Electric Boogie (Take 1) 9. Electric Boogie (Take 2) 10. Jam 11. Raw Ramp (Take 1) 12. Raw Ramp (Take 2) 13. Electric Boogie (Short Mix) 14. Thunderwing 15. Easy Action (Fast Blues) Disc 2: 1. Mystic Lady 2. Rabbit Fighter 3. Chariot Choogle 4. Rock On 5. Buick MacKane (Denmark) 6. Buick MacKane And The Babe Shadow 7. Easy Action (Solid Gold) 8. 20th Century Boy (Full Unedited Version) 9. Left Hand Luke And The Beggar Boys 10. Midnight 11. All My Love 12. Superbad 13. Carsmile Smith 14. Explosive Mouth 15. Look To Your Soul (Painless Persuasion) Hidden Track: Children Of The Revolution (Jam / Working Version) |
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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