T.Rex: "Get It On" Single (2007)
- T.Rex
- Sep 9, 2007
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 22
T.Rex’s "Get It On" backed with "Raw Ramp", was released as a limited-edition, numbered 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Universal (catalog number 1744374, barcode 602517443747) on September 10, 2007. This release celebrates one of T. Rex’s most famous tracks, originally featured on their seminal 1971 album Electric Warrior, and is a key artifact of the glam rock era led by Marc Bolan.
A-Side: "Get It On" (4:24, as printed on release; actual timing varies slightly)
Origin: Written by Marc Bolan, "Get It On" was first released in July 1971 as a single from Electric Warrior (Fly Records in the UK, Reprise in the US). It became T. Rex’s second UK No. 1 single, topping the charts for four weeks starting July 24, 1971, and their biggest hit overall, reportedly selling a million copies. In the US, it was retitled "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" to avoid confusion with a 1971 song by Chase, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 12 on the Cash Box Top 100 in March 1972.
Musical Style: A quintessential glam rock anthem, "Get It On" features a driving guitar riff inspired by Chuck Berry’s "Little Queenie," with Bolan admitting to borrowing a line ("And meanwhile, I’m still thinking") for the fade-out. The track blends infectious pop-rock with a sensual, swaggering energy, highlighted by Bolan’s charismatic vocals, Ian McDonald’s saxophones (one baritone, two altos), and piano contributions from either Rick Wakeman or Blue Weaver (with Wakeman adding signature glissandos for £9 to pay his rent). Backing vocals were provided by Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan (formerly of The Turtles).
Recording:
Recorded at Trident Studios, London, in March 1971, produced by Tony Visconti for Straight Ahead Productions. The 2007 reissue uses the original 1971 Fly Records recording (℗ 1971 Fly Records Ltd.).
Publisher: Westminster Music Ltd.
B-Side: "There Was a Time / Raw Ramp" (5:12, as printed on release)
Origin: The B-side combines two tracks, "There Was a Time" and "Raw Ramp,"
from the 1971 Electric Warrior sessions, also produced by Tony Visconti (℗ 1971 Straight Ahead Productions Ltd.). These tracks were originally the B-side of the 1971 single, showcasing Bolan’s raw, electric sound with a mix of poetic lyrics and gritty guitar work.
The B-side runs at 33⅓ RPM, contrasting with the A-side’s 45 RPM, an unusual feature noted by collectors.
Release Details
Label: Universal Music TV, a division of Universal Music Operations Ltd.
Catalog Number: 1744374
Barcode: 602517443747
Release Date: September 10, 2007
Format: 7" vinyl, limited edition, numbered, stereo. Side A plays at 45 RPM, Side B at 33⅓ RPM.
Matrix/Runout:Side A: 1744374 Hub cap diamond star halo B795921-01A1
Side B: 1744374 Keep a little marc in your heart B795921R-01B1
Related Releases:
Universal also reissued other T. Rex singles in 2007, such as "Hot Love" and "Ride a White Swan," in similar limited-edition, numbered 7" formats, reflecting a broader effort to celebrate T. Rex’s glam rock legacy.
2007 Reissue Context:
The 2007 reissue was part of Universal’s effort to capitalize on renewed interest in T. Rex, driven by Bolan’s lasting influence and the vinyl revival. The limited-edition, numbered format appealed to collectors, while the unusual RPM split (45 for A-side, 33⅓ for B-side) added a quirky, collectible quirk. Fan comments on Discogs reflect nostalgia, with one buyer noting their purchase 50 years after owning the original, impressed by its timeless quality.
Comparison to Original 1971 Release
Original Release (1971):Label: Fly Records (UK), Reprise (US)
A-Side: "Get It On" (retitled "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" in the US)
B-Side: "There Was a Time / Raw Ramp"
Chart Performance: No. 1 UK, No. 10 US Billboard Hot 100, No. 12 Canada
Recorded at Trident Studios with Tony Visconti, featuring Rick Wakeman or Blue Weaver (piano), Ian McDonald (saxophones), and Mark Volman/Howard Kaylan (backing vocals).
2007 Reissue:
Faithful to the original recordings, with no remixing or re-recording.
Modern vinyl pressing by Universal, with updated artwork and numbering for collectors.
Marketed as a nostalgic tribute, leveraging the vinyl revival and T. Rex’s cult status.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Critical Acclaim: "Get It On" is celebrated as a glam rock masterpiece. Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream called it one of his all-time favorite pop songs, praising T. Rex’s ability to evolve and captivate. The song’s influence spans genres, from punk to indie rock, and its inclusion in films like Death Proof (2007) and Billy Elliot (2000) underscores its cultural staying power.
Sources
Discogs: T.Rex – Get It On (2007, Numbered, Vinyl)
Wikipedia: Get It On (T. Rex song)
Wikipedia: Electric Warrior
Wikipedia: T. Rex (band)
Official Charts Company: T. Rex songs and albums
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