T. Rex (November 11, 2016) – The Unobtainable T. Rex LP
The Unobtainable T. Rex was released by Demon Records as part of a series of classic T. Rex catalogue reissues on heavyweight vinyl.
Rather than serving as a conventional greatest hits compilation, the album focuses on Marc Bolan's extensive catalogue of non-album B-sides. The collection assembles recordings that were originally issued on the reverse side of many T. Rex singles, presenting an alternative history of the band's recording career.
The release highlights the depth of Bolan's songwriting during the 1970s and demonstrates how many significant recordings were originally relegated to B-side status despite their quality and popularity among fans.
RECORDING
The compilation gathers recordings produced throughout the T. Rex years and brings together material originally issued as non-album B-sides and standalone recordings.
The tracks reflect multiple phases of Marc Bolan's career and include collaborations with Gloria Jones as well as productions handled by both Marc Bolan and Tony Visconti.
STYLE & THEMES
The collection showcases the remarkable diversity of Marc Bolan's songwriting.
While rooted in glam rock and pop rock, the recordings also incorporate elements of soul, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and acoustic pop. Taken together, the album illustrates the breadth of material that existed alongside T. Rex's major hit singles and albums.
The compilation demonstrates that many of Bolan's finest recordings were issued outside the band's principal studio albums.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Celebrate Summer — One of the final major T. Rex recordings.
• Sunken Rags — Well-known non-album recording from the classic period.
• Tame Me Tiger — Included from the band's B-side catalogue.
• City Port — Features shared vocals from Marc Bolan and Gloria Jones.
• Thunderwing — Later became one of the most celebrated songs from the wider T. Rex catalogue.
• Satisfaction Pony — Included from the mid-1970s period.
• Midnight — Non-album recording associated with the Zinc Alloy era.
• Jitterbug Love — Popular fan favourite from the B-side catalogue.
• To Know Him Is To Love Him — Features Gloria Jones on vocals.
• Do You Wanna Dance — Bolan's interpretation of the classic song.
• Dock Of The Bay — Features vocals by Gloria Jones and Marc Bolan.
• Cadilac — One of the earliest and most enduring T. Rex recordings.
• Free Angel — Included from the non-album catalogue.
• Life's An Elevator — Late-period T. Rex recording.
• Sitting Here — B-side recording from the 1970s.
• Lady — One of the group's best-known non-album tracks.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released on November 11, 2016, The Unobtainable T. Rex formed part of Demon Records' programme of heavyweight vinyl reissues.
The compilation was designed as an alternative hits collection, focusing specifically on Marc Bolan's non-album B-sides rather than the familiar hit singles and album tracks.
The release was issued under licence from Spirit Services Holdings s.a.r.l. and manufactured in the European Union.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, producer
Gloria Jones — vocals
Tony Visconti — producer
Colin Miles — compilation
PRODUCTION
Compiled by Colin Miles
Sleeve Concept by C. Miles
Sleeve Design and Artwork by Adam Yeldham
Photography by Terry O'Neill
Cutting Engineer — Harry Moss
Produced by Marc Bolan
Produced by Tony Visconti
Label: Demon Records
Catalogue Number: DEMREC183
Barcode: 5014797895331
RELEASE TABLE
Artist | Album | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | The Unobtainable T. Rex | Demon Records | Europe | DEMREC183 | November 11, 2016 | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP NOTES • Heavyweight vinyl reissue. • Alternative hits collection. • Focuses on non-album T. Rex B-sides. • Compiled by Colin Miles. • Issued under licence from Spirit Services Holdings s.a.r.l. • Manufactured in the European Union. • Part of Demon Records' classic T. Rex vinyl reissue programme. RELATED RELEASES • Thunderwing • Lady • Sunken Rags • Celebrate Summer • Satisfaction Pony | DEMREC183 | A1. Celebrate Summer A2. Sunken Rags A3. Tame Me Tiger A4. City Port A5. Thunderwing A6. Satisfaction Pony A7. Midnight A8. Jitterbug Love B1. To Know Him Is To Love Him B2. Do You Wanna Dance B3. Dock Of The Bay B4. Cadilac B5. Free Angel B6. Life's An Elevator B7. Sitting Here B8. Lady |
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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