T. Rex (November 4, 2015) – Dandy In The Underworld Japanese HR Cutting Album: CD
Dandy In The Underworld was reissued in Japan on November 4, 2015, by Imperial Records as part of a series of high-quality catalogue restorations devoted to Marc Bolan and T. Rex. Issued in HR Cutting format, the release presented what is widely regarded as the final great studio album of Bolan's career.
Originally released in 1977, Dandy In The Underworld arrived after several years in which changing musical tastes and shifting commercial fortunes had moved T. Rex away from the dominant position they had occupied during the height of T. Rextasy. Rather than representing a decline, however, the album revealed a revitalised songwriter rediscovering confidence and creative focus.
Today, many fans and critics view Dandy In The Underworld as one of the strongest albums in the entire T. Rex catalogue. It combined the energy and imagination of Bolan's early successes with the experience gained throughout a decade of recording, resulting in an album that successfully balanced contemporary sounds with the unique qualities that had always defined his work.
The record would ultimately become the final studio album released during Marc Bolan's lifetime and therefore occupies a particularly important place within the T. Rex story.
RECORDING
The album was assembled using a variety of musicians and recording sessions that reflected the changing nature of T. Rex during the late 1970s.
Marc Bolan remained firmly at the centre of the project, serving as writer, producer, vocalist and guitarist. Around him was assembled a diverse collection of contributors including Herbie Flowers, Steve Currie, Tony Newman, Davey Lutton, Dino Dines, Gloria Jones, Miller Anderson, Chris Mercer and Bud Beadle.
The sessions reflected Bolan's determination to modernise his sound without abandoning the melodic instincts that had always distinguished T. Rex recordings. Horn arrangements, keyboards, synthesizers and layered backing vocals all contributed to a richer and more contemporary production style.
The resulting album sounds far more assured than many of the records that immediately preceded it and captured a creative resurgence that would soon be reflected in the band's improving live performances and growing media profile.
STYLE & THEMES
Dandy In The Underworld blends glam rock, pop, soul and contemporary rock influences into one of the most varied records in the T. Rex catalogue.
Lyrically, the album frequently explores themes of identity, fame, survival and reinvention. Bolan appears increasingly self-aware throughout the record, often reflecting on his own experiences while retaining the imaginative and poetic language that had characterised his work since the Tyrannosaurus Rex era.
Musically, the album moves effortlessly between energetic rock songs, melodic pop recordings and more reflective moments. The arrangements are polished without sacrificing spontaneity, while Bolan's vocals convey confidence and maturity.
The album title itself can be interpreted as a statement of resilience, presenting the image of an outsider determined to survive and thrive despite changing circumstances.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Dandy In The Underworld — The title track and opening statement. Featuring guest vocals from Steve Harley, the song immediately establishes the album's themes of reinvention and self-belief.
• Crimson Moon — One of the most atmospheric compositions from Bolan's later years, driven by strong melodies and evocative imagery.
• Universe — Features vocals from Colin Jacas and provides one of the album's more reflective moments.
• I'm A Fool For You Girl — Soul-influenced recording featuring flute and violin textures that broaden the album's musical palette.
• I Love To Boogie — One of the defining T. Rex singles of the late period and among the band's final major hit recordings.
• Visions Of Domino — A concise and energetic rocker that later became a concert favourite.
• Jason B. Sad — Features guitar contributions from Miller Anderson and showcases Bolan's gift for character-driven songwriting.
• Groove A Little — Infectious groove-based performance demonstrating the album's contemporary feel.
• The Soul Of My Suit — One of the most distinctive recordings in the later T. Rex catalogue.
• Hang-Ups — A witty and melodic track balancing humour with strong musicianship.
• Pain And Love — A reflective composition featuring Marc Bolan himself on bass and percussion.
• Teen Riot Structure — One of the album's most ambitious recordings, enhanced by Bud Beadle's flute work.
BONUS TRACKS
• Celebrity Summer — Valuable addition to the Japanese reissue.
• Underground World Dandy (Single Version) — Alternate single presentation of material associated with the album period.
THE COMEBACK ALBUM
By 1977, many observers viewed Dandy In The Underworld as a comeback record.
The album arrived alongside a renewed media profile, successful television appearances and increasingly strong concert performances. Songs from the album quickly became central components of T. Rex live sets, helping to rebuild momentum around the band.
The confidence evident throughout the record suggests that Bolan had entered a new creative phase and many listeners believe Dandy In The Underworld pointed towards an exciting future direction.
Tragically, that future was never fully realised. As a result, the album carries an additional emotional significance for fans, standing as the final complete studio statement from one of Britain's most distinctive songwriters.
LEGACY
Over the decades, Dandy In The Underworld has undergone substantial critical reappraisal.
Many modern listeners now rank the album alongside the strongest releases of Bolan's career, viewing it as a successful fusion of the classic T. Rex sound with contemporary influences. The record demonstrates that Marc Bolan remained an inventive and relevant artist throughout the final chapter of his career.
The album also serves as a fitting conclusion to the remarkable story that began with Tyrannosaurus Rex in the late 1960s and evolved into one of the defining acts of the glam rock era.
RELEASE HISTORY
Originally released in 1977.
Reissued by Imperial Records in Japan on November 4, 2015, as an HR Cutting CD edition featuring the original album along with two bonus tracks.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — guitar, vocals, producer
Steve Harley — guest vocals on Dandy In The Underworld
Colin Jacas — vocals on Universe
Gloria Jones — vocals
Alfalpha — vocals
Herbie Flowers — bass
Steve Currie — bass
Tony Newman — drums
Davey Lutton — drums
Dino Dines — keyboards, synthesizer
Miller Anderson — guitar
Chris Mercer — tenor saxophone
Bud Beadle — baritone saxophone, flute
Scott Edwards — bass
Paul Humphrey — drums
Steve Gregory — flute
J. Long — violin
PRODUCTION
Label: Imperial Records
Catalogue Number: TECI-20709
Format: CD
Country: Japan
Released: November 4, 2015
Edition: HR Cutting Reissue
Manufacturer: Teichiku Records Co., Ltd.
Producer: Marc Bolan
NOTES
• Japanese HR Cutting reissue.
• Originally released in 1977.
• Includes two bonus tracks.
• Manufactured by Teichiku Records Co., Ltd.
• Features Japanese liner notes.
• Regarded by many fans as Marc Bolan's final great studio album.
• Contains the hit single I Love To Boogie.
• Captures T. Rex during a significant late-career revival.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Dandy In The Underworld | Imperial Records | Japan | TECI-20709 | November 4, 2015 | CD, HR Cutting Reissue |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
CD | TECI-20709 | • Dandy In The Underworld • Crimson Moon • Universe • I'm A Fool For You Girl • I Love To Boogie • Visions Of Domino • Jason B. Sad • Groove A Little • The Soul Of My Suit • Hang-Ups • Pain And Love • Teen Riot Structure |
CD | TECI-20709 | Bonus Tracks • Celebrity Summer • Underground World Dandy (Single Version) |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, RockfilesUK.
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