Tyrannosaurus Rex / T. Rex (June 1, 1996) – A BBC History Album CD : UK

A comprehensive 1996 CD anthology compiling rare BBC session recordings, live tracks, and performances spanning Tyrannosaurus Rex’s early psychedelic folk era through T. Rex’s glam breakthrough, offering an essential audio history of Marc Bolan’s formative years.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Tyrannosaurus Rex / T. Rex Title: A BBC History

Date: June 1996 Label: Band Of Joy Format / Type: CD Album (Compilation) Country: United Kingdom Catalogue: BOJCD 016

THE STORY This 26-track CD gathers BBC radio sessions and performances from the late 1960s to early 1970s, documenting Marc Bolan’s evolution from the acoustic, poetic Tyrannosaurus Rex duo to the electric glam rock of T. Rex. It includes early folk-psych gems alongside breakthrough hits, providing a unique archival snapshot of Bolan’s rapid artistic development.

TRACK LIST

1. Misty Mist (Highways)

2. Scenescof Dynasty

3. Pictures Of Purple People

4. Juniper Suction (Poem)

5. Juniper Suction (Song)

6. The Misty Coast Of Albany

7. Once Upon The Seas Of Abyssinia

8. Iscariot

9. Chariots Of Silk

10. Fist Heart Mighty Dawn Dart

11. Pavillions Of Sun

12. A Day Laye

13. By The Light Of The Magical Moon

14. Wind Cheetah

15. Ride A White Swan

16. Elemental Child

17. Suneye

18. Summertime Blues

19. Jewel

20. Hot Love

21. Beltane Walk

22. Sailors Of The Highway

23. Girl

24. Cadilac

25. Jeepster

26. Life’s A Gas

THE STORY

This 77-minute CD gathers previously unreleased or rare recordings from BBC radio sessions spanning the late 1960s to early 1970s. It traces Marc Bolan’s journey from the intimate, poetic Tyrannosaurus Rex duo to the emerging electric sound of T. Rex, including alternate takes, poems, and live-in-studio performances.

CONTEXT & NOTES 

Released on the Band Of Joy label in 1996, A BBC History is a valuable collector’s release that fills in gaps in the official discography with authentic BBC archive material. It highlights Bolan’s rapid artistic growth during one of the most creative periods in British rock. The compilation includes both acoustic folk-psych material and early hits like “Ride A White Swan,” “Hot Love,” and “Jeepster.”

PERSONNEL

• Marc Bolan – vocals, guitar

• Steve Peregrin Took – percussion, vocals (early tracks)

• Mickey Finn – percussion, vocals (later tracks)

PRODUCTION 

Produced by: Various (BBC Recordings) Compiled & Released by: Band Of Joy Running Time: 77 minutes

RELATED MATERIAL 

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SOURCES 45cat, Discogs.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE 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.