Tyrannosaurus Rex (January 1, 1976) – Debora Album LP TC: GER
Debora was a German compilation album released in 1976 by Cube Records as part of the Star-Power series and distributed through Intercord Ton GmbH.
The collection focused on material from the formative Tyrannosaurus Rex years, drawing together recordings originally released between 1968 and 1970. The album highlighted Marc Bolan's pre-glam period, showcasing the acoustic, psychedelic and folk-inspired recordings that established the group's cult following before the emergence of T. Rex.
The compilation assembled key tracks from several early releases and provided German listeners with a concise overview of the Tyrannosaurus Rex catalogue.
The recordings featured on the compilation were originally recorded between 1968 and 1970. The selected material included recordings dating from 1968 (Debora, Hot Rod Mama, Mustang Ford, The Travelling Tragition, Salamanda Palaganda), 1969 (Chariots Of Silk, She Was Born To Be My Unicorn) and 1970 (A Beard Of Stars, Great Horse, Dove, By The Light Of A Magical Moon, Elemental Child).
The recordings were produced by Tony Visconti.
Personnel across the various sessions included Marc Bolan, Steve Peregrin Took and Mickey Finn, reflecting the changing line-up of Tyrannosaurus Rex during this period.
Recording engineers included Malcolm Toft, Gerald Chevin and Robin Geoffrey Cable.
STYLE & THEMES
The album presents the acoustic and psychedelic side of Marc Bolan's songwriting before the emergence of glam rock.
Drawing on folk traditions, surreal imagery and mystical themes, the recordings combine acoustic guitars, bongos, percussion, harmonium, bass, tabla and assorted exotic instruments. The material captures the distinctive sound that made Tyrannosaurus Rex one of the most unique acts of the late 1960s British underground scene.
The compilation demonstrates Bolan's development as a songwriter and highlights the transition from the Steve Peregrin Took era to the later Mickey Finn period.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• Debora — One of Tyrannosaurus Rex's best-known early recordings.
• A Beard Of Stars — Selected from the 1970 period of the group's catalogue.
• Great Horse — Acoustic recording from the A Beard Of Stars era.
• Dove — Reflects the band's poetic and folk-inspired songwriting style.
• Hot Rod Mama — Early Tyrannosaurus Rex favourite from 1968.
• Chariots Of Silk — Transitional recording from the 1969 era.
• By The Light Of A Magical Moon — Representative of the group's mystical style.
• She Was Born To Be My Unicorn — Popular recording from the classic duo period.
• Mustang Ford — Early Marc Bolan composition.
• The Travelling Tragition — Characteristic psychedelic folk recording.
• Salamanda Palaganda — One of the group's most recognisable early tracks.
• Elemental Child — Extended closing track from the 1970 catalogue.
RELEASE HISTORY
The album was released in Germany in 1976 under catalogue number INT 126.308, though the exact date is unknown.
Issued as part of the Star-Power series, the album was distributed by Intercord Ton GmbH and carried Cube Records branding.
A companion German cassette edition was also issued under catalogue number 426.308, although no release year is specified for that format.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar, bass, organ, harmonium, lip organ, fonofiddle, songwriter
Steve Peregrin Took — vocals, bongos, percussion, African talking drums, kazoo, pixiephone, gong, bass, guitar, piano, drum kit
Mickey Finn — backing vocals, Moroccan clay drums, tabla, bass, finger cymbals
Tony Visconti — producer
PRODUCTION
Engineered by Malcolm Toft, Gerald Chevin and Robin Geoffrey Cable
Design by Helmut Hastenteufel
Label: Cube Records
Catalogue Number: INT 126.308
RELEASE VARIANTS
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
Tyrannosaurus Rex | Debora | Cube Records / Intercord | Germany | INT 126.308 | 1976 | LP, Compilation |
Tyrannosaurus Rex | Debora | Intercord | Germany | 426.308 | Unknown | Cassette, Compilation |
TRACKLIST TABLE
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
LP | INT 126.308 | Side One: Debora • A Beard Of Stars • Great Horse • Dove • Hot Rod Mama • Chariots Of Silk Side Two: By The Light Of A Magical Moon • She Was Born To Be My Unicorn • Mustang Ford • The Travelling Tragition • Salamanda Palaganda • Elemental Child |
Cassette | 426.308 | Debora • A Beard Of Stars • Great Horse • Dove • Hot Rod Mama • Chariots Of Silk • By The Light Of A Magical Moon • She Was Born To Be My Unicorn • Mustang Ford • The Travelling Tragition • Salamanda Palaganda • Elemental Child |
NOTES
• German compilation released in 1976.
• Part of the Star-Power budget compilation series.
• Distributed by Intercord Ton GmbH.
• Printed in Western Germany.
• Published by Essex Music International Ltd., except Chariots Of Silk, which was published by Lupus Music.
• Features material originally recorded between 1968 and 1970.
• Sleeve design by Helmut Hastenteufel.
• Matrix information includes the designation "76, Germany", confirming 1976 manufacture.
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, Marc Bolan ‘There Was A Time’ by Cliff McLenehan
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