T. Rex (June 1, 2024) – T. Rex (VMP Rock "Jewel Of Frost" 180g Green Vinyl Club Edition)
This Vinyl Me, Please exclusive edition of T. Rex was issued as part of the VMP Rock series. The release revisits the album that documented the transition from Tyrannosaurus Rex to T. Rex and includes the breakthrough recording Ride A White Swan.
Issued as a club-exclusive pressing, the album was released on 180g "Jewel Of Frost" green vinyl and was cut directly from the master tapes. The package also includes a listening notes booklet written by Jason Diamond.
The edition was manufactured by Rhino Entertainment Company and issued through Reprise Records as part of a programme of premium audiophile reissues.
RECORDING
The album was recorded at Trident Studios.
Production was handled by Tony Visconti for Straight Ahead Productions.
Engineering duties were performed by Roy Thomas Baker.
For this edition, lacquers were cut directly from the master tapes by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound.
STYLE & THEMES
The album captures a pivotal moment in Marc Bolan's artistic development. The recordings combine elements of folk rock, psychedelic rock, rock and roll and the emerging glam-rock sound that would soon define T. Rex.
Songs such as Beltane Walk and Ride A White Swan illustrate the shift towards a more electric sound, while other tracks retain elements associated with the earlier Tyrannosaurus Rex period.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released in June 2024 as a Vinyl Me, Please Rock series exclusive.
Issued by Reprise Records in partnership with Rhino Entertainment Company.
Presented on exclusive 180g "Jewel Of Frost" green vinyl and accompanied by a listening notes booklet.
The release formed part of Vinyl Me, Please's curated archive reissue programme.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar
Tony Visconti — producer
Roy Thomas Baker — engineer
Ryan Smith — lacquer cutting
Jason Diamond — listening notes
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• The Children Of Rarn — Opening introduction to the album.
• Jewel — Featured among the album's central compositions.
• The Visit — Early-period T. Rex recording.
• Childe — Included from the original album sequence.
• The Time Of Love Is Now — Studio recording from the transitional era.
• Diamond Meadows — Featured on side one.
• Root Of Star — Included among the original album tracks.
• Beltane Walk — One of the recordings signalling the arrival of the new T. Rex sound.
• Is It Love? — Opens side two of the album.
• One Inch Rock — Included in the original album sequence.
• Summer Deep — Acoustic-era composition.
• Seagull Woman — Featured among the album's second-side recordings.
• Suneye — Included in the original running order.
• The Wizard — Extended closing composition.
• Ride A White Swan — Landmark recording that became T. Rex's breakthrough hit.
PRODUCTION
Produced by Tony Visconti
Engineered by Roy Thomas Baker
Listening Notes by Jason Diamond
Lacquer Cut by Ryan Smith
Label: Reprise Records
Series: VMP Rock
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Album | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | T. Rex | Reprise Records | US | RCV1 726317 / 081227816537 | June 2024 | LP, Club Edition, 180g "Jewel Of Frost" Green Vinyl |
T. Rex | T. Rex | Reprise Records | US | VMP-RR012 | June 2024 | VMP Rock Exclusive Edition |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP NOTES • Vinyl Me, Please exclusive release. • Part of the VMP Rock series. • Pressed on exclusive 180g "Jewel Of Frost" green vinyl. • AAA lacquers cut from the master tapes. • Lacquers cut by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound. • Includes listening notes booklet by Jason Diamond. • Manufactured by Rhino Entertainment Company. • Pressed by GZ Media. • Barcode: 081227816537. RELATED RELEASES • Ride A White Swan • T. Rex • Electric Warrior | RCV1 726317 | Side A: A1. The Children Of Rarn A2. Jewel A3. The Visit A4. Childe A5. The Time Of Love Is Now A6. Diamond Meadows A7. Root Of Star A8. Beltane Walk Side B: B1. Is It Love? B2. One Inch Rock B3. Summer Deep B4. Seagull Woman B5. Suneye B6. The Wizard B7. Ride A White Swan |
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.
Comments