Tyrannosaurus Rex (November 10, 1972) “A Beard of Stars / Unicorn” Double LP Reissue – Cube Records

Cube Records released a budget-priced double LP reissue pairing Tyrannosaurus Rex’s A Beard of Stars (1970) and Unicorn (1969), marking the final chapter of the band’s acoustic psychedelic era just as they transitioned into T. Rex.

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Publication: Cube Records (TOOFA 9) Date: November 10, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

Location: UK

Section: Album Reissue / Compilation

THE STORY

CONTEXT AND NOTES This reissue was released during the height of T. Rex’s glam success (The Slider era). It gave new fans a chance to discover the band’s earlier psychedelic folk work, bridging the acoustic Tyrannosaurus Rex period with the electric glam explosion.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Double album reissue

Era: 1972 (Tyrannosaurus Rex reissue during T. Rex glam peak)

Tone: Nostalgic, whimsical, psychedelic Photography: Classic black & white portraits of Bolan and band membersThe gatefold double LP combined two classic albums: A Beard of Stars (with Mickey Finn) and Unicorn (with Steve Peregrin Took). It featured Bolan’s whimsical lyrics, acoustic guitars, and ethereal vocals, with John Peel narrating “The Misty Coast of Albany”.

WHAT THE SLEVE SHOWS

• Gatefold cover with reproduced original album sleeves

• Track listings for both A Beard of Stars and Unicorn

• Credits for Tony Visconti production and musicians (Mickey Finn / Steve Peregrin Took)

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• Brown Fly inner sleeves and catalogue TOOFA 9

RELATED MATERIAL

• March 14, 1970 Melody Maker “A Beard of Stars” album advert

• March 30, 1970 Greenock Telegraph “Beard of Stars” review

• Early Tyrannosaurus Rex acoustic era features (1968–1970)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES

• Cube Records, November 10, 1972 (TOOFA 9)

All magazine scans, newspaper cuttings, scrapbook items, photographs 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.

FULL TRACKLISTINGS

Side A – A Beard of Stars

1. Prelude

2. A Day Laye

3. The Woodland Bop

4. Fist Heart Mighty Dawn Dart

5. Pavilions of Sun

6. Organ Blues

7. By the Light of a Magical Moon

8. Wind Cheetah

Side B – A Beard of Stars

1. A Beard of Stars

2. Great Horse

3. Dragon’s Ear

4. Lofty Skies

5. Dove

6. Elemental Child

Side C – Unicorn

1. Chariots of Silk

2. ’Pon a Hill

3. The Seal of Seasons

4. The Throat of Winter

5. Catblack (The Wizard’s Hat)

6. Stones for Avalon

7. She Was Born to Be My Unicorn

8. Like a White Star, Tangled and Far, Tulip That’s What You Are

Side D – Unicorn

1. Warlord of the Royal Crocodiles

2. Evenings of Damask

3. The Sea Beasts

4. Iscariot

5. Nijinsky Hind

6. The Pilgrim’s Tale

7. The Misty Coast of Albany (narrated by John Peel)

8. Romany Soup

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