T. Rex (September 17, 1976) – "Laser Love" b/w "Life’s An Elevator" Single: UK
Updated: Sep 17
Released on 17 September 1976, Laser Love arrived during T. Rex’s late‑era period, issued on the T. Rex Wax Co. label. Neither track appeared on an official LP during the band’s lifetime, though both were later included on deluxe CD reissues of Futuristic Dragon.
The single spent four weeks on the UK chart, peaking at number 41. Music historian Simon Reynolds described Laser Love as a “proto‑punky” highlight of the era, calling it an “undeserved flop.”
RECORDING
Written and produced by Marc Bolan, the single reflects his mid‑1970s shift toward sharper, leaner rock textures.
The T. Rex Wax Co. imprint marked Bolan’s increasing independence in production and release control.
STYLE & THEMES
The A‑side delivers tight, fast, electric rock with a proto‑punk edge. The B‑side, Life’s An Elevator, offers a companion track with the same late‑period immediacy and melodic directness.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• Laser Love — A brisk, electric track with a proto‑punk feel, showcasing Bolan’s late‑period songwriting.
• Life’s An Elevator — A melodic, driving B‑side from the same sessions, later included on Futuristic Dragon deluxe editions.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released 17 September 1976 in the UK as a 7" single on T. Rex Wax Co.
Catalogue MARC 15. Charted for four weeks, peaking at number 41. Later reissued in multiple territories.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
UK Singles Chart — #41 Entered: September 1976 Total weeks: 4
Artist: T. Rex
Title: Laser Love
Label: T. Rex Wax Co.
Country: United Kingdom Catalogue: MARC 15
Date: September 17, 1976
Format: 7" Single
Tracklist (7"): A — Laser Love B — Life’s An Elevator
Notes: Neither track appeared on an official LP during the band’s lifetime. Later added to Futuristic Dragon deluxe editions.
LINKED RELEASES
Country | Release | Label | Year |
Australia | Laser Love – 7" | T. Rex | 1976 |
Germany | Laser Love – 7" | Ariola | 1976 |
Ireland | Laser Love – 7" | T. Rex | 1976 |
South Africa | Laser Love – 7" | T. Rex | 1976 |
UK | Laser Love – 7" | Edsel | 2015 |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts
All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
Comments