T. Rex (September 26, 1975) – "Dreamy Lady" b/w "Do You Wanna Dance?" Single: United Kingdom
Released on September 26, 1975, T. Rex Disco Party, subtitled Bolan's Jive In '75, was issued as a 7-inch extended-play single by EMI Records on the T. Rex Wax Co. label. The release arrived during a period when Marc Bolan was actively reshaping T. Rex's sound, incorporating stronger disco, soul and R&B influences into the band's music.
Appearing between Bolan's Zip Gun and Futuristic Dragon, the EP captured Bolan's growing interest in dance-oriented rhythms and contemporary musical trends. While retaining elements of T. Rex's glam rock identity, the release reflected a broader musical palette that embraced funk, soul and disco-inspired production.
The subtitle Bolan's Jive In '75 reinforced the upbeat, dancefloor-friendly nature of the record.
The inclusion of two cover versions, one featuring Gloria Jones, further demonstrated the influence of soul and R&B on Bolan's mid-1970s work.
RECORDING
The tracks were recorded at Music Recorders Inc. in Hollywood during 1975.
Following his professional split from longtime producer Tony Visconti in 1974, Marc Bolan assumed a greater production role. His approach favoured a harder and more futuristic sound, representing a deliberate change from the production style that had helped define T. Rex's earlier chart successes.
The participation of Gloria Jones on "Dock of the Bay" highlighted her increasingly important role within the band's creative circle during this period.
STYLE & THEMES
The release combined glam rock with elements of disco, soul and R&B. "Dreamy Lady" blended Bolan's distinctive lyrical style with a more dance-oriented arrangement, while the cover selections reflected his affection for classic rock and soul recordings.
Together, the three tracks document a period of musical experimentation in which T. Rex sought to adapt to changing tastes while maintaining the band's individual identity.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• Dreamy Lady — An original Marc Bolan composition combining glam rock with a more rhythm-driven and danceable approach. Its disco influences reflected the direction Bolan was exploring during 1975.
• Do You Wanna Dance? — A reinterpretation of Bobby Freeman's 1958 rock and roll classic, reworked with the energy and style of mid-1970s T. Rex.
• Dock of the Bay — A cover of the Otis Redding and Steve Cropper composition performed by Gloria Jones. Her soulful vocal performance brought a different character to the release and reflected her strong influence on T. Rex's evolving sound.
RELEASE HISTORY
Issued on September 26, 1975, the EP was released in the United Kingdom by EMI Records under the T. Rex Wax Co. imprint.
The release followed Bolan's Zip Gun and preceded Futuristic Dragon, documenting a transitional period in the band's career. Around this time Bolan had returned to the United Kingdom following a period spent living abroad and was making regular television appearances to promote T. Rex's latest recordings.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
UK Singles Chart — Peak: 30 — Weeks: 5
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, songwriter, producer
Gloria Jones — vocals on "Dock of the Bay"
PRODUCTION
Produced by Marc Bolan
Label: EMI Records / T. Rex Wax Co.
Catalogue numbers:
• MARC 11
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
T. Rex | T. Rex Disco Party (Bolan's Jive In '75) | T. Rex Wax Co. / EMI Records | United Kingdom | MARC 11 | September 26, 1975 | 7" EP |
T. Rex | T. Rex Disco Party | T. Rex | Ireland | MARC 11 | September 26, 1975 | 7" EP |
T. Rex | T. Rex Disco Party | T. Rex | Japan | EMR-10877 | December 20, 1975 | 7" EP |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
7" EP | MARC 11 | A. Dreamy Lady B1. Do You Wanna Dance? B2. Dock of the Bay |
NOTES
• Also known as Bolan's Jive In '75.• Released as a three-track extended-play single.
• Reflected Marc Bolan's growing interest in disco, soul and R&B influences.
• Recorded at Music Recorders Inc., Hollywood.
• Bolan handled production following his split with Tony Visconti.
• Gloria Jones performed "Dock of the Bay" and played an increasingly significant role in T. Rex's mid-1970s recordings.
• "Dreamy Lady" was praised for its danceable character and disco-infused sound.• The release is now regarded as an important document of T. Rex's stylistic transition during 1975.
• A contemporary advertisement appeared in Record Mirror on October 4, 1975.• Rolan Bolan, son of Marc Bolan and Gloria Jones, was born during the same period in September 26, 1975.
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts
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