T. Rex (June 20, 1977) – Dandy In The Underworld (Japan LP Edition)
Dandy In The Underworld was the final studio album released during Marc Bolan's lifetime and represented the closing chapter of the original T. Rex story.
The album arrived following a renewed commercial resurgence that had seen the band return to the charts with successful singles including I Love To Boogie.
This Japanese edition was released by Toshiba EMI on June 20, 1977 and features the original album configuration. The release included Japanese liner notes by Masa Itoh and lyric translations by Yasumi Yamamoto.
By the time of its release, T. Rex had successfully adapted to changing musical trends while retaining the distinctive style that had made Marc Bolan one of Britain's most recognisable rock performers.
RECORDING
The album was recorded during 1976 and 1977 and continued Marc Bolan's partnership with a wide range of musicians and guest performers.
The recordings combined classic T. Rex glam-rock elements with contemporary production approaches, reflecting Bolan's ongoing efforts to modernise the band's sound while retaining its identity.
This Japanese release was manufactured by Toshiba EMI Ltd.
STYLE & THEMES
The album blends glam rock, rock and pop with a more contemporary late-1970s approach.
Many of the songs combine energetic rock and roll with reflective lyrical themes. The album balances upbeat commercial material such as I Love To Boogie with more atmospheric and introspective tracks including Crimson Moon, Universe and The Soul Of My Suit.
The record displays Bolan's continued interest in evolving the T. Rex sound while maintaining the melodic and stylistic characteristics associated with the band's most successful releases.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Dandy In The Underworld — Title track and one of the key singles from the album.
• Crimson Moon — Atmospheric composition later issued as a single.
• Universe — Reflective album recording.
• I'm A Fool For You Girl — Melodic studio performance from the album sessions.
• I Love To Boogie — Major hit single and one of Bolan's best-known late-period recordings.
• Visions Of Domino — Included in the original album running order.
• Jason B. Sad — Opening track of side two.
• Groove A Little — Up-tempo recording from the album.
• The Soul Of My Suit — Later released as a single.
• Hang Ups — Featured on side two.
• Pain And Love — One of the album's reflective compositions.
• Teen Riot Structure — Closing track of the album.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released in the United Kingdom in March 1977.
Issued in Japan on June 20, 1977 by Toshiba EMI.
The album was subsequently reissued in multiple formats including expanded CD editions and vinyl reissues.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar
T. Rex — performances
Masa Itoh — liner notes
Yasumi Yamamoto — lyric translations
PRODUCTION
Manufactured by Toshiba EMI Ltd.
Liner Notes by Masa Itoh
Lyrics Translation by Yasumi Yamamoto
Label: T. Rex
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Album | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Dandy In The Underworld | T. Rex | Japan | EMS-80828 | June 20, 1977 | LP |
T. Rex | Dandy In The Underworld | T. Rex | UK | BLN 5005 | March 1977 | LP |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP NOTES • Japanese LP edition. • Manufactured by Toshiba EMI Ltd. • Includes Japanese liner notes. • Includes Japanese lyric translations. • Original album configuration. • Released during Marc Bolan's lifetime. RELATED RELEASES • Futuristic Dragon • I Love To Boogie • The Soul Of My Suit • Celebrate Summer | EMS-80828 | Side One: • Dandy In The Underworld • Crimson Moon • Universe • I'm A Fool For You Girl • I Love To Boogie • Visions Of Domino Side Two: • Jason B. Sad • Groove A Little • The Soul Of My Suit • Hang Ups • Pain And Love • Teen Riot Structure |
SOURCES Discogs, Wikipedia, Official Charts, Sleeveographia2
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