T. Rex – (September 30, 2022) Songwriter: 1970

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Songwriter: 1970 is part of Demon Records' vinyl-only Songwriter series, a collection dedicated to exploring the private, creative side of Marc Bolan and the ways in which his personal and artistic development shaped his songwriting.

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Issued following the success of the 2LP collection 1972, the release focuses on one of the most significant years in Bolan's career: 1970, the period in which Tyrannosaurus Rex evolved into T. Rex. Through eighteen recordings, the compilation documents this transformation, moving from the final phase of the Tyrannosaurus Rex era to the emergence of the electric T. Rex sound.

The collection opens with six Tyrannosaurus Rex recordings, including songs such as Woodland Bop, which hint at the direction Bolan would soon pursue.

As the sequence progresses, listeners can trace the gradual arrival of the electric sound that would define the next chapter of his career. By the second half of the compilation, recordings such as Beltane Walk and the breakthrough hit Ride A White Swan demonstrate the new confidence and musical identity that would propel Bolan to superstardom.

The accompanying notes observe that by late 1970 Bolan had become increasingly confident on stage, ending performances with his version of Eddie Cochran's Summertime Blues while beginning to establish the foundations for the teenage anthems that would dominate the years ahead.

RECORDING

The collection gathers recordings created during 1970, documenting the transition from Tyrannosaurus Rex to T. Rex.

Specific recording sessions and studio details were not supplied.

STYLE & THEMES

The material illustrates Marc Bolan's evolution as both songwriter and performer during a year of major artistic change.

Earlier recordings retain the poetic and acoustic character associated with Tyrannosaurus Rex, while later tracks introduce a stronger electric element that would become central to the T. Rex sound. The collection charts the movement from mystical folk-influenced songwriting toward the more direct rock-based approach that would soon define T. Rex.

Throughout the compilation, the emphasis remains firmly on Bolan's songwriting development and creative progression.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Prelude — Opening piece introducing the collection.

• By The Light Of A Magical Moon — Representative of Bolan's late Tyrannosaurus Rex period.

• Woodland Bop — Demonstrates musical ideas pointing towards the future T. Rex sound.

• Lofty Skies — Included as part of the transitional 1970 recordings.

• Elemental Child — Reflects Bolan's continuing creative development.

• A Day Laye — One of the Tyrannosaurus Rex-era selections.

• Oh Baby — Included from the group's final acoustic period.

• Childe — Featured among the key recordings from 1970.

• Jewel — Captures the lyrical style of the period.

• Summer Deep — Included as part of the evolving repertoire.

• Diamond Meadows — Representative of Bolan's songwriting during the transitional period.

• Seagull Woman — Included from the 1970 recordings.

• Is It Love? — Reflects the gradual shift towards a more direct songwriting style.

• Ride A White Swan — Landmark recording that introduced the electric T. Rex sound and became a major hit.

• The Time Of Love Is Now — Included among the later 1970 material.

• Beltane Walk — Demonstrates the arrival of the electric T. Rex style.

• Suneye — Part of Bolan's developing creative direction.

• Summertime Blues — Bolan's popular interpretation of the Eddie Cochran song that became a notable part of his live performances.

RELEASE HISTORY

Released by Demon Records on September 30, 2022, Songwriter: 1970 was the first of two new additions to the Marc Bolan Songwriter series announced following the success of 1972.

Issued as a vinyl-only release, the album was compiled and fully annotated by Mark Paytress, author of Marc Bolan: The Rise And Fall Of A 20th Century Superstar and Glam! When Superstars Rocked The World, 1970–74.

The album was pressed on 140g black vinyl.

PERSONNEL

Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, songwriter

Tyrannosaurus Rex — performances on early recordings

T. Rex — performances on later recordings

Mark Paytress — compilation and annotation

Compiled by Mark Paytress

Annotated by Mark Paytress

Label: Demon Records

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Album	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
T. Rex	Songwriter: 1970	Demon Records	UK	DEMREC1039	September 30, 2022	1LP (140g Black Vinyl)

TRACKLIST TABLE

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
1LP (140g Black Vinyl) NOTES • Part of the Demon Records Songwriter series. • Vinyl-only release. • Focuses on the private and creative side of Marc Bolan. • Documents the transition from Tyrannosaurus Rex to T. Rex during 1970. • Features eighteen recordings from that pivotal year. • Compiled and fully annotated by Mark Paytress. • Pressed on 140g black vinyl. RELATED RELEASES • Songwriter: 1972 • Ride A White Swan • T. Rex	DEMREC1039	1. Prelude 2. By The Light Of A Magical Moon 3. Woodland Bop 4. Lofty Skies 5. Elemental Child 6. A Day Laye 7. Oh Baby 8. Childe 9. Jewel 10. Summer Deep 11. Diamond Meadows 12. Seagull Woman 13. Is It Love? 14. Ride A White Swan 15. The Time Of Love Is Now 16. Beltane Walk 17. Suneye 18. Summertime Blues

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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.

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