T. Rex (October 4, 2024) – "Now Playing" Album LP: JAP
Now Playing was a compilation album released worldwide on October 4, 2024 by Reprise Records and Rhino Records.
Issued as part of the Now Playing series, the album presented a concise ten-track overview of T. Rex's most celebrated recordings. The collection focused on material drawn from the group's classic early-1970s period, featuring key tracks associated with Electric Warrior, The Slider and the breakthrough singles era.
The release was marketed as a glam rock essentials collection and offered both casual listeners and collectors a curated introduction to Marc Bolan's best-known recordings.
The recordings featured on the album were originally recorded during T. Rex's most commercially successful period.
The compilation consists entirely of previously released studio recordings written by Marc Bolan and originally produced by Tony Visconti.
No new recordings were created for the release. The album assembled existing master recordings into a newly curated compilation programme for the Now Playing series.
STYLE & THEMES
Now Playing focuses on the recordings that defined T. Rex as leaders of the glam rock movement.
The compilation blends chart hits, fan favourites and influential album tracks, highlighting Marc Bolan's distinctive songwriting, memorable guitar-driven arrangements and the group's combination of rock, pop and boogie influences.
Tracks such as Ride A White Swan, Hot Love, Bang A Gong (Get It On) and Jeepster document the band's commercial breakthrough, while selections such as Cosmic Dancer, Planet Queen and Life's A Gas showcase the broader musical depth of the T. Rex catalogue.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Ride A White Swan — The breakthrough hit that launched T. Rex into the mainstream.
• Jewel — Early fan favourite showcasing Bolan's developing songwriting style.
• Hot Love — One of the group's defining UK number one singles.
• Bang A Gong (Get It On) — International breakthrough hit and signature recording.
• Raw Ramp — Popular B-side and concert-era favourite.
• Jeepster — Landmark glam rock single from the Electric Warrior era.
• Life's A Gas — One of Marc Bolan's most admired compositions.
• Mambo Sun — Opening track from The Slider period.
• Cosmic Dancer — Acclaimed album recording featuring one of Bolan's most celebrated performances.
• Planet Queen — Classic Electric Warrior album track.
RELEASE HISTORY
The album was issued worldwide on October 4, 2024 by Reprise Records and Rhino Records.
The release formed part of Rhino's Now Playing series, which highlights selected essential recordings from major recording artists.
The compilation was pressed as a red transparent 180-gram vinyl LP and featured newly designed packaging using archival imagery from the T. Rex catalogue.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, songwriter
T. Rex — performances
Tony Visconti — producer
Keith Morris Estate — cover photography
David Torres — design
Rachel Gutek — art supervision
PRODUCTION
Produced by Tony Visconti
Recorded by T. Rex
Engineered by
Mastered by
Photography by The Estate of Keith Morris
Artwork by
Design by David Torres
Label: Reprise Records / Rhino Records
Catalogue Number: 603497824427 / RCV1 726583
Barcode: 603497824427
Recorded At: Various recording sessions
NOTES
• Released as part of Rhino's Now Playing series.
• Pressed on red transparent 180-gram vinyl.
• Worldwide release.
• Issued by Reprise Records and Rhino Records.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Now Playing Compilation Album | Reprise Records / Rhino Records | Worldwide | 603497824427 / RCV1 726583 | October 4, 2024 | LP, Compilation, Red Transparent, 180g |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP | 603497824427 / RCV1 726583 | Side One: Ride A White Swan • Jewel • Hot Love • Bang A Gong (Get It On) • Raw Ramp Side Two: Jeepster • Life's A Gas • Mambo Sun • Cosmic Dancer • Planet Queen |
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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