T. Rex (May 1, 1974) – "Think Zinc" b/w "Liquid Gang" Single: GER/SPA
Released in May 1974 by Ariola in Germany and Spain, "Think Zinc" was issued as a single from Marc Bolan and T. Rex's 1974 album Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow – A Creamed Cage In August.
The release paired the album track "Think Zinc" with "Liquid Gang", another recording from the same creative period. Both tracks reflected the increasingly experimental direction Bolan was pursuing during the mid-1970s, incorporating elements of soul, funk and contemporary American influences into the established T. Rex sound.
Unlike many of the band's major UK releases, this single was primarily aimed at continental European markets and appeared on Ariola in both Germany and Spain.
RECORDING
"Think Zinc" was recorded at Music Recorders Inc., Hollywood.
"Liquid Gang" was recorded at
Musicland Studios, Munich, Germany.
Both tracks were written by Marc Bolan.
"Think Zinc" was produced by Marc
Bolan.
"Liquid Gang" was produced by Marc Bolan and Tony Visconti.
STYLE & THEMES
"Think Zinc" showcased the evolving sound of T. Rex during 1974, drawing upon funk, soul and glam-rock influences while maintaining Bolan's distinctive songwriting style.
"Liquid Gang" continued the experimental approach of the Zinc
Alloy era, reflecting the increasingly sophisticated arrangements and broader musical palette Bolan explored during this period.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Think Zinc (3:23) — Lead single track taken from Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow – A Creamed Cage In August.
• Liquid Gang (3:17) — Companion B-side credited on some releases to Marc Bolan And T. Rex.
RELEASE HISTORY
The single was released in May 1974 by Ariola in Germany and Spain.
German copies were issued under catalogue number 13 380 AT, while Spanish pressings appeared under 13 380 A.
The release was manufactured by Ariola's respective German and Spanish operations and distributed as a standard 7-inch 45 RPM single.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, songwriter, producer
Tony Visconti — co-producer ("Liquid Gang")
PRODUCTION
Recorded at: Music Recorders Inc., Hollywood
Recorded at: Musicland Studios, Munich
Producer: Marc Bolan
Co-Producer ("Liquid Gang"): Tony Visconti
Label: Ariola
Publisher: Wizard Artists Ltd.
NOTES
• Released exclusively in Germany and Spain during May 1974.
• Both songs originated from the Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow – A Creamed Cage In August period.
• "Think Zinc" was solely produced by Marc Bolan.
• "Liquid Gang" carried a joint production credit for Marc Bolan and Tony Visconti.
• German pressings were manufactured by Ariola Eurodisc GmbH and pressed by Sonopress.
• Spanish editions were manufactured by Ariola Eurodisc S.A.
• Some releases credit the B-side artist as "Marc Bolan And T. Rex".
• German run-outs feature stamped matrices: • Side A: S 13380 A-2 Made In Germany • Side B: S 13380 B-2 Made In Germany
• Spanish run-outs feature etched matrices: • Side A: 13380-A-A / 1 / R11 • Side B: 13380-A-B / 1 / G11
• The release promoted material from the Zinc Alloy album, known for its departure from the classic early glam-rock T. Rex sound.
• The German release carried catalogue number 13 380 AT, while the Spanish issue used 13 380 A.
• Both tracks were written by Marc Bolan.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Think Zinc / Liquid Gang | Ariola | Germany | 13 380 AT | May 1974 | 7" Single |
T. Rex | Think Zinc / Liquid Gang | Ariola | Spain | 13 380 A | May 1974 | 7" Single |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
7" Single | 13 380 AT | Side 1: Think Zinc (3:23) Side 2: Liquid Gang (3:17) |
7" Single | 13 380 A | Side 1: Think Zinc (3:23) Side 2: Liquid Gang (3:17) |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Demon Records, Rockfiles, 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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