T. Rex (November 2, 1985) – T. Rextasy: The Best Of T. Rex, 1970–1973 Album US: LP.TC.
T. Rextasy: The Best Of T. Rex, 1970–1973 is a North America-only compilation released by Warner Bros. Records in September 1985. Issued in the United States and Canada, the album was designed as an introduction to T. Rex's most commercially successful years, collecting key recordings released between 1970 and 1973.
The compilation focuses on the band's breakthrough and glam rock period, tracing the development from "Ride A White Swan" through to "20th Century Boy".
RECORDING
The compilation gathers previously released recordings originally produced by Tony Visconti during T. Rex's most successful era.
For the 1985 release, the collection was compiled by Kevin Laffey and digitally remastered by Lee Herschberg at Amigo Studios in Los Angeles.
STYLE & THEMES
The album presents a chronological overview of T. Rex's rise from the final days of the Tyrannosaurus Rex sound into the height of Bolanmania.
The selection combines major hit singles, key album tracks and notable non-album recordings, showcasing Marc Bolan's distinctive blend of glam rock, pop, boogie and rock and roll.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• The Children Of Rarn — Opening introduction to the compilation.
• Ride A White Swan — T. Rex breakthrough hit.
• Jewel — Early classic from the band's transition period.
• Hot Love — UK chart-topper and defining glam anthem.
• Summertime Blues — Eddie Cochran and Jerry Capehart cover version.
• Raw Ramp — Fan favourite originally associated with the Electric Warrior era.
• Get It On (Bang A Gong) — International hit single.
• Jeepster — Signature T. Rex recording.
• Telegram Sam — Number one UK single.
• The Groover — Stand-alone classic single.
• Solid Gold Easy Action — Glam-era hit.
• Metal Guru — One of Bolan's best-known recordings.
• Born To Boogie — Celebrated 1972 single.
• 20th Century Boy — Final major hit represented on the collection.
• The Children Of Rarn (Reprise) — Closing reprise completing the album.
BONUS TRACKS
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RELEASE HISTORY
The album was released in September 1985 through Warner Bros. Records.
The compilation was issued exclusively in North America on LP and cassette formats and was distributed in both the United States and Canada.
Multiple LP pressings and cassette editions were subsequently released.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, songwriter
Tony Visconti — original producer
Kevin Laffey — compilation producer
Lee Herschberg — compilation engineer, digital remastering
PRODUCTION
Produced by Tony Visconti
Compilation Produced by Kevin Laffey
Compilation Engineered and Digitally Remastered by Lee Herschberg
Mastered At: Amigo Studios, Los Angeles
Label: Warner Bros. Records
Catalogue Number: 1-25333 / W1 25333
Barcode: 07599253331
NOTES
• North America-only release.
• Released in the United States and Canada.
• Digitally remastered at Amigo Studios, Los Angeles.
• Compilation produced by Kevin Laffey.
• Focuses on recordings issued between 1970 and 1973.
• Billboard New Releases listing dated September 14, 1985.
RELATED RELEASES
• Ride A White Swan
• Electric Warrior
• The Slider
• Bolan Boogie
• 20th Century Boy
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | T. Rextasy: The Best Of T. Rex, 1970–1973 | Warner Bros. Records | USA | W1 25333 | September 1985 | LP, Compilation |
T. Rex | T. Rextasy: The Best Of T. Rex, 1970–1973 | Warner Bros. Records | USA | 1-25333 | September 1985 | LP, Compilation |
T. Rex | T. Rextasy: The Best Of T. Rex, 1970–1973 | Warner Bros. Records | USA | W4-25333 | 1985 | Cassette |
T. Rex | T. Rextasy: The Best Of T. Rex, 1970–1973 | Warner Bros. Records | USA | 9 2533-4 / 4-25333 SR | 1985 | Cassette |
T. Rex | T. Rextasy: The Best Of T. Rex, 1970–1973 | Warner Bros. Records | Canada | 92 53331 | 1985 | LP |
T. Rex | T. Rextasy: The Best Of T. Rex, 1970–1973 | Warner Bros. Records | Canada | 92 53334 | 1985 | Cassette |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP | W1 25333 | Side One: The Children Of Rarn • Ride A White Swan • Jewel • Hot Love • Summertime Blues • Raw Ramp • Get It On (Bang A Gong) Side Two: Jeepster • Telegram Sam • The Groover • Solid Gold Easy Action • Metal Guru • Born To Boogie • 20th Century Boy • The Children Of Rarn (Reprise) |
Cassette | W4-25333 | The Children Of Rarn • Ride A White Swan • Jewel • Hot Love • Summertime Blues • Raw Ramp • Get It On (Bang A Gong) • Jeepster • Telegram Sam • The Groover • Solid Gold Easy Action • Metal Guru • Born To Boogie • 20th Century Boy • The Children Of Rarn (Reprise) |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, RockfilesUK.
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