T. Rex – (September 18, 2020) Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow: 1921 Series (2LP "Zinc Alloy" Vinyl) HMV Exclusive
Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow was reissued by Demon Records as an HMV-exclusive double LP edition pressed on specially created "Zinc Alloy" silver-coloured vinyl. The release revisits Marc Bolan and T. Rex's 1974 studio album, presenting the complete remastered album alongside a second disc devoted to contemporary non-album singles and B-sides.
The album marked a significant stylistic shift for Bolan. While touring the United States during 1973, he became increasingly influenced by the soul and funk music broadcast on black radio stations. Returning to the studio, he incorporated these influences into a new body of work that moved beyond the familiar glam-rock formula of earlier T. Rex releases.
The resulting album blended soul, funk and glam influences into a distinctive collection of recordings that included highlights such as Venus Loon, Explosive Mouth and the hit single Teenage Dream. Though sometimes overlooked in comparison to earlier T. Rex classics, the album has become increasingly recognised as an ambitious and adventurous period in Bolan's recording career.
This exclusive edition expands the original album by including a second disc dedicated to non-album recordings from the period, including the UK Top 10 hit The Groover.
RECORDING
The original album was created following Marc Bolan's return from touring the United States in 1973.
Inspired by the soul and funk music he encountered while travelling, Bolan developed material that incorporated stronger rhythm-and-blues influences alongside the established T. Rex sound.
For this edition, LP1 contains the complete studio album remastered by Ted Jensen and original co-producer Tony Visconti.
LP2 gathers contemporary standalone singles and B-sides associated with the album period.
STYLE & THEMES
The album reflects Bolan's growing fascination with American soul and funk music.
Although elements of glam rock remain throughout the album, the material also introduces more prominent rhythmic grooves, richer arrangements and a broader sonic palette. Songs such as Venus Loon, Teenage Dream and Explosive Mouth demonstrate this expanded musical approach.
The collection captures a period when Bolan was actively experimenting with new influences while maintaining the distinctive songwriting style that defined T. Rex
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Venus Loon — Opening track of the original album.
• Sound Pit — Featured on the original studio album.
• Explosive Mouth — One of the album's highlighted recordings.
• Galaxy — Included on the original release.
• Change — Studio recording from the album sessions.
• Nameless Wildness — Included within the original running order.
• Teenage Dream — Hit single and one of the album's best-known recordings.
• Liquid Gang — Featured on the second side of the original album.
• Carsmile Smith & The Old One — Included in the original sequence.
• You've Got To Jive To Stay Alive – Spanish Midnight — Album recording reflecting broader musical influences.
• Interstellar Soul — Studio recording from the original release.
• Painless Persuasion V. The Meat Hawk Immaculate — Included on the original album.
• The Avengers (Superbad) — Album track reflecting the expanded musical direction.
• The Leopards Featuring Gardenia & The Mighty Slug — Closing track from the original album.
BONUS TRACKS
• The Groover — UK Top 10 hit single.
• Midnight — Non-album recording from the period.
• Truck On (Tyke) — Contemporary standalone single.
• Sitting Here — Associated B-side recording.
• Satisfaction Pony — Included among the bonus material.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released by Demon Records on September 18, 2020, this edition was issued exclusively through HMV.
The album was pressed on 140g silver-coloured "Zinc Alloy" vinyl and limited to 1,000 individually numbered copies. Each copy carries its unique number on the obi strip.
The package includes a gatefold sleeve together with custom printed inner sleeves.
An exclusive T. Rex etching appears on Side D in place of additional audio content.
The release was manufactured in the European Union.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — written by, composed by, producer
Tony Visconti — producer, string arrangements
Maestro David Katz & The Pop Arts Orchestra — strings
Neal Preston — photography
Richard Fitzgerald — photography
Alphi O'Leary — Polaroid photography
RELEASE TABLE
Artist | Album | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow: 1921 Series | Demon Records | UK | DEMREC727 | September 18, 2020 | 2LP "Zinc Alloy" Vinyl HMV Exclusive |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
2LP "Zinc Alloy" Vinyl NOTES • HMV exclusive release. • Pressed on 140g silver-coloured "Zinc Alloy" vinyl. • Limited to 1,000 individually numbered copies. • Numbering printed on the obi strip. • Features an exclusive T. Rex etching on Side D. • Gatefold sleeve. • Custom printed inner sleeves. • LP1 contains the original album remastered by Ted Jensen and Tony Visconti. • LP2 contains non-album singles and B-sides. • Manufactured in the European Union. • Full title on labels: Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow Or A Creamed Cage In August. RELATED RELEASES • The Groover • Truck On (Tyke) • Teenage Dream • Zinc Alloy And The Hidden Riders Of Tomorrow | DEMREC727 PRODUCTION Produced by Marc Bolan Produced by Tony Visconti Strings arranged by Tony Visconti Remastered by Ted Jensen Label: Demon Records Licensed from Spirit Services Holdings s.a.r.l. Marketed by Demon Music Group Ltd. | LP1 – Original Album A1. Venus Loon A2. Sound Pit A3. Explosive Mouth A4. Galaxy A5. Change A6. Nameless Wildness A7. Teenage Dream B1. Liquid Gang B2. Carsmile Smith & The Old One B3. You've Got To Jive To Stay Alive – Spanish Midnight B4. Interstellar Soul B5. Painless Persuasion V. The Meat Hawk Immaculate B6. The Avengers (Superbad) B7. The Leopards Featuring Gardenia & The Mighty Slug LP2 – Bonus Tracks C1. The Groover C2. Midnight C3. Truck On (Tyke) C4. Sitting Here C5. Satisfaction Pony Side D: Exclusive T. Rex etching |
SOURCES 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.
Comments