T. Rex (June 9, 2023) – The Slider Deluxe Edition 2CD
The Slider remains one of the most celebrated albums in the T. Rex catalogue and one of the defining releases of the glam rock era. Originally issued during the height of the group's commercial success, the album helped cement Marc Bolan's position as one of Britain's most influential rock performers and songwriters.
This deluxe edition revisits the album with a newly presented two-disc configuration, pairing the original album and associated period recordings with The Alternate Slider: Rabbit Fighter, an alternative reconstruction featuring alternate versions and related material from the same era.
Issued by Edsel Records, the collection was packaged in an oversized seven-inch gatefold sleeve with an accompanying booklet.
RECORDING
The recordings feature the classic T. Rex line-up led by Marc Bolan.
Production was overseen by Tony Visconti, who also arranged the string sections. Engineering duties were handled by Dominique Blanc-Francard and Freddy Hansson.
The sessions captured T. Rex during one of the most commercially successful periods of the band's career and produced several of the group's best-known recordings.
STYLE & THEMES
The Slider combines glam rock, melodic pop and hard rock with the distinctive lyrical imagery that characterised Marc Bolan's songwriting.
The album balances chart-oriented singles with more reflective and expansive compositions. Tracks such as Metal Guru, Telegram Sam and Ballrooms Of Mars illustrate the variety of styles present within the collection, while the alternate disc offers insight into different arrangements and developmental versions of the material.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Metal Guru — One of T. Rex's signature recordings and the album opener.
• Mystic Lady — Combines romantic imagery with atmospheric arrangements.
• Rock On — Up-tempo glam rock performance.
• The Slider — Title track and centrepiece of the album.
• Baby Boomerang — One of the album's most recognisable recordings.
• Spaceball Ricochet — Features cosmic lyrical themes.
• Buick MacKane — Popular album track from the period.
• Telegram Sam — Major hit single and fan favourite.
• Rabbit Fighter — One of the most energetic performances on the album.
• Baby Strange — Glam rock classic from the T. Rex catalogue.
• Ballrooms Of Mars — One of Marc Bolan's most acclaimed compositions.
• Chariot Choogle — Prominent album track from the original release.
• Main Man — Closing track of the original album sequence.
BONUS TRACKS
• Cadilac — Associated non-album recording included with the original album programme.
• Thunderwing — Standalone era track featured on disc one.
• Lady — Additional bonus recording.
• Sunken Rags — Included on the alternate album reconstruction.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released on June 9, 2023, this deluxe edition expanded The Slider into a comprehensive two-disc package.
The first disc presents the original album together with associated period material, while the second disc, titled The Alternate Slider: Rabbit Fighter, offers an alternative listening experience built around alternate versions of recordings from the same sessions.
The release continued Edsel Records' programme of expanded and archival T. Rex editions.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar
Steve Currie — bass
Bill Legend — drums
Mickey Finn — percussion, congas, vocals
Howard Kaylan — backing vocals
Mark Volman — backing vocals
PRODUCTION
Produced by Tony Visconti
Strings Arranged by Tony Visconti
Engineered by Dominique Blanc-Francard
Engineered by Freddy Hansson
Photography by Ringo Starr
Label: Edsel Records
Catalogue Number: EDSL0146
Barcode: 740155734633
RELEASE TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | The Slider Deluxe Edition | Edsel Records | UK | EDSL0146 | June 9, 2023 | 2CD Deluxe Edition, Seven-Inch Gatefold Sleeve |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
CD1 NOTES • Deluxe two-CD edition. • Remastered release. • Presented in an oversized seven-inch gatefold sleeve. • Includes eight-page booklet. • Audio content identical to the earlier Edsel two-CD edition. • Features the alternate album reconstruction The Alternate Slider: Rabbit Fighter. RELATED RELEASES • Electric Warrior • Tanx • Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow • Telegram Sam • Metal Guru | EDSL0146 | The Slider: • Metal Guru • Mystic Lady • Rock On • The Slider • Baby Boomerang • Spaceball Ricochet • Buick MacKane • Telegram Sam • Rabbit Fighter • Baby Strange • Ballrooms Of Mars • Chariot Choogle • Main Man • Cadilac • Thunderwing • Lady |
CD2 | EDSL0146 | The Alternate Slider: Rabbit Fighter: • Metal Guru • Mystic Lady • Rock On • The Slider • Thunderwing • Spaceball Ricochett • Buick Mackane • Telegram Sam • Rabbit Fighter • Baby Strange • Ballrooms Of Mars • Cadilac • Main Man • Lady • Sunken Rags |
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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