T. Rex (June 27, 1986) – The Collection Double Album UK: LP,TC,CD.
The Collection is a double-album compilation released by Castle Communications in 1986 as part of The Collector Series. Issued in a gatefold sleeve, the set focuses primarily on material drawn from the Tyrannosaurus Rex and early T. Rex years, tracing Marc Bolan's development from psychedelic folk pioneer to glam rock innovator.
The compilation brings together key album tracks, fan favourites and landmark recordings from one of the most creative periods of Bolan's career.
RECORDING
The album consists of previously released studio recordings written by Marc Bolan.
The track selection spans material originally recorded during the Tyrannosaurus Rex era through to early T. Rex recordings, showcasing the evolution of Bolan's songwriting and musical style.
STYLE & THEMES
The collection captures the transition from the mystical, acoustic sound of Tyrannosaurus Rex to the more electric style that would eventually lead to T. Rex's commercial breakthrough.
Across the four sides are fantasy-inspired lyrics, psychedelic folk arrangements, acoustic ballads and early rock-oriented material that laid the foundation for the glam rock movement.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Hot Rod Mama — Early Tyrannosaurus Rex favourite.
• Strange Orchestras — One of Bolan's most distinctive early compositions.
• Chateau In Virginia Waters — Classic psychedelic folk recording.
• Mustang Ford — Popular early Bolan composition.
• Graceful Fat Sheba — Characteristic Tyrannosaurus Rex track.
• Deborah — One of Marc Bolan's best-known early recordings.
• Stacey Grove — Acoustic-era favourite.
• Salamanda Palaganda — A cornerstone of the Tyrannosaurus Rex catalogue.
• The Travelling Tragition — Early fantasy-inspired composition.
• Chariots Of Silk — Transitional recording bridging two eras.
• Seal Of Seasons — Atmospheric acoustic recording.
• Cat Black (The Wizard Hat) — Classic Bolan composition.
• She Was Born To Be My Unicorn — Tyrannosaurus Rex favourite.
• Warlords Of The Royal Crocodiles — Signature early recording.
• Woodland Bop — Acoustic folk-rock composition.
• Dove — Reflective album track.
• A Beard Of Stars — Title track from the landmark 1970 album.
• Elemental Child — Transitional-era recording.
• One Inch Rock — One of Bolan's most enduring compositions.
• Seagull Woman — Early electric-period recording.
• Mambo Sun — Opening track from Electric Warrior.
• Life's A Gas — One of Bolan's most celebrated songs.
• Ride A White Swan — Breakthrough hit single.
• Jeepster — Glam rock classic from the Electric Warrior era.
RELEASE HISTORY
The album was issued by Castle Communications in 1986.
Released as a double LP in a gatefold sleeve, it also appeared on CD and cassette formats as part of The Collector Series.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
Marc Bolan — songwriter
PRODUCTION
Label: Castle Communications
Series: The Collector Series
Catalogue Number: CCSLP 136
Format: 2 × LP, Gatefold
Country: UK
NOTES
• Released as part of The Collector Series.
• Double album housed in a gatefold cover.
• Focuses heavily on Tyrannosaurus Rex and early T. Rex recordings.
• Features material from A Beard Of Stars, Electric Warrior and earlier albums.
• All songs written by Marc Bolan.
• Community listing shows 12 owners on 45cat.
RELATED RELEASES
• A Beard Of Stars
• Electric Warrior
• Bolan Boogie
• Ride A White Swan
• The Ultimate Collection
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | The Collection | Castle Communications | UK | CCSLP 136 | 1986 | 2 × LP, Gatefold |
T. Rex | The Collection | Castle Communications | UK | CCSCD 136 | 1986 | CD |
T. Rex | The Collection | Castle Communications | UK | CCSMC 136-1 / CCSMC 136-2 | 1986 | 2 × Cassette |
T. Rex | The Collection | Castle Communications | UK | CCSMC 136 | 1986 | Cassette |
T. Rex | The Collection | Castle Communications | UK | CCSMC 136 | 1986 | Clear Cassette |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP 1 | CCSLP 136 | Side One • Hot Rod Mama • Strange Orchestras • Chateau In Virginia Waters • Mustang Ford • Graceful Fat Sheba • Deborah Side Two • Stacey Grove • Salamanda Palaganda • The Travelling Tragition • Chariots Of Silk • Seal Of Seasons • Cat Black (The Wizard Hat) |
LP 2 | CCSLP 136 | Side Three • She Was Born To Be My Unicorn • Warlords Of The Royal Crocodiles • Woodland Bop • Dove • A Beard Of Stars • Elemental Child Side Four • One Inch Rock • Seagull Woman • Mambo Sun • Life's A Gas • Ride A White Swan • Jeepster |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, RockfilesUK.
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