T.Rex: "T. Rex Gold" Album (2018)

T.Rex’s T. Rex Gold was released as a compilation double album in the UK by Demon Records (catalog number DEMREC284) on September 7, 2018.

This 2LP, 180g heavyweight vinyl set (also available as a 3CD set) brings together 24 of the greatest hits by Marc Bolan and T. Rex, capturing the essence of their glam rock legacy. The release, marketed by Demon Music Group, a division of BBC Studios, features original artwork and includes iconic tracks like “Get It On,” “Metal Guru,” “Hot Love,” “Children of the Revolution,” “Ride a White Swan,” “Telegram Sam,” “20th Century Boy,” and “Cosmic Dancer.” A special gold vinyl edition was exclusive to Sainsbury’s stores in the UK, adding to its collectible appeal. The compilation spans T. Rex’s evolution from their early Tyrannosaurus Rex days to their later, funkier experiments, offering a comprehensive overview of their hit-making years.

Historical Context

Marc Bolan, the creative force behind T. Rex, was a central figure in the UK’s glam rock movement of the early 1970s. Starting as the psychedelic folk duo Tyrannosaurus Rex with percussionist Steve Peregrin Took, Bolan transitioned to the electric, chart-topping T. Rex by 1970, with Mickey Finn replacing Took. This shift coincided with hits like “Ride a White Swan,” marking the birth of “T. Rextasy,” a fan frenzy akin to Beatlemania. By 1972, T. Rex was at its peak, with albums like Electric Warrior (1971) and The Slider (1972) defining glam rock’s swagger and style. Bolan’s untimely death in a car accident in 1977 cemented his legend, and posthumous releases like Gold continue to celebrate his influence. The 2018 release of Gold taps into the vinyl revival and ongoing fascination with Bolan’s work, following other Demon Records releases like Bump 'N' Grind (2019) and 1972 (2018).

The 2LP version of Gold (DEMREC284) contains 24 tracks across four sides, curated to showcase T. Rex’s biggest hits and key moments. Below is the track listing, with notes on each song’s significance:

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1 Debora

2 One Inch Rock

3 Ride A White Swan

4 Cosmic Dancer

5 Life's A Gas

6 Hot Love

7 Get It On

8 Jeepster

9 Telegram Sam

10 Metal Guru

11 Children Of The Revolution

12 Solid Gold Easy Action

Disc: 2

1 20th Century Boy

2 The Groover

3 Truck On (Tyke)

4 Teenage Dream

5 Till Dawn

6 Light Of Love

7 New York City

8 Dreamy Lady

9 London Boys

10 I Love To Boogie

11 The Soul Of My Suit

12 Celebrate Summer

The 3CD version (also released in 2018, catalog number unknown) expands to 45 tracks, covering a broader range of T. Rex’s catalog, including additional B-sides like “Thunderwing” and deeper cuts.

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1 Debora

2 One Inch Rock

3 King Of The Rumbling Spires

4 By The Light Of A Magical Moon

5 Ride A White Swan

6 Hot Love

7 Get It On

8 Cosmic Dancer

9 Life's A Gas

10 Jeepster

11 Is It Love?

12 The King Of The Mountain Cometh

13 Woodland Rock

14 There Was A Time/Raw Ramp/Electric Boogie

15 Lean Woman Blues"

Disc: 2

1 Telegram Sam

2 Metal Guru

3 Children Of The Revolution

4 Solid Gold easy Action

5 20th Century Boy

6 The Groover

7 Truck On (Tyke)

8 Teenage Dream

9 Light Of Love

10 New York City

11 Dreamy Lady

12 London Boys

13 I Love To Boogie

14 The Soul Of My Suit

15 Celebrate Summer

Disc: 3

1 Born To Boogie

2 Cadilac

3 Thunderwing

4 The Slider

5 Life Is Strange

6 Venus Loon

7 Till Dawn

8 Zip Gun Boogie

9 Solid Baby

10 Chrome Sitar

11 Laser Love

12 All Alone

13 Life's An Elevator

14 Crimson Moon

15 Dandy In the Underworld

Production and Credits

Phonographic Copyright: Demon Music Group Ltd., Straight Ahead Productions Ltd., Universal Music Group Ltd. (for select tracks).

Publishers: Essex Music International, Inc., Onward Music Ltd., Spirit Music Group, Wizard (Bahamas) Ltd., Westminster Music Ltd., Lupus Music Ltd.

Mastering: Sourced from original tapes, ensuring high fidelity. The 180g vinyl pressing enhances sound quality, with reviewers noting “perfect dynamics” and minimal noise after cleaning.

Packaging: The 2LP set includes two custom inner sleeves and original artwork. The 3CD version comes in a 6-panel digifile, though some criticized its thin packaging.

Critical ReceptionGold has been widely praised for its comprehensive selection and sound quality. Vinyl buyers on Discogs called the 2018 pressing “great sounding” with “perfect dynamics” after cleaning, despite some copies arriving dirty. Amazon UK reviews of the 3CD version highlight its value, with customers describing it as a “brilliant collection” and “excellent value for money,” though some noted poor packaging quality for the CDs. One reviewer appreciated the nostalgic value, calling it a “great mix of all their hits” that evokes memories of the 1970s, while another criticized the sound quality of the CD version as “abysmal” compared to earlier releases, suggesting it’s aimed at casual listeners. The inclusion of hits from both Tyrannosaurus Rex and T. Rex’s glam peak, alongside later tracks, makes it a definitive overview, though some fans wished for B-sides like “Lady” to be included.

Cultural and Collectible Value Released on September 7, 2018, Gold capitalizes on the vinyl revival and T. Rex’s enduring cult status. The gold vinyl edition, exclusive to Sainsbury’s, is a collector’s item, with eBay listings emphasizing its value. The 2LP set’s gatefold packaging and heavyweight vinyl appeal to audiophiles and fans, while the 3CD version targets those seeking a broader collection. As part of Demon Records’ ongoing T. Rex reissues (e.g., Tanx 2LP in 2018, Bump 'N' Grind in 2019), Gold reinforces Bolan’s legacy as a glam rock pioneer whose influence persists in artists like David Bowie and modern indie acts.

Comparison to Bump 'N' Grind (2019)While Bump 'N' Grind (DEMREC492, 2019) focuses on raw, unpolished session takes and alternate mixes for dedicated fans, Gold is designed for a broader audience, compiling polished hits. Gold covers a wider chronological range (1968–1977), including Tyrannosaurus Rex tracks, whereas Bump 'N' Grind dives deeper into specific sessions, offering extended versions like “20th Century Boy” (6:15) and “The Groover” (5:14). Both releases complement each other: Gold is the accessible entry point, while Bump 'N' Grind is the deep cut for completists.

Critical Reflection Gold succeeds as a definitive hits collection, balancing T. Rex’s glam rock zenith with their folk roots and later experiments. Its strength lies in its accessibility, making it ideal for newcomers and casual fans, though hardcore Bolan enthusiasts might prefer archival releases like Bump 'N' Grind or 1972 for rarer material. The sound quality is a highlight, especially on vinyl, but the CD version’s packaging and inconsistent mastering have drawn criticism. The absence of detailed liner notes or a booklet (unlike the 1972 box set’s 12,000-word essay by Mark Paytress) is a missed opportunity for context.

Conclusion T. Rex: Gold (Demon UK, DEMREC284, 7 Sep 2018) is a vibrant celebration of Marc Bolan’s legacy, compiling 24 essential tracks across 2LPs (or 45 on 3CDs) that trace T. Rex’s journey from psychedelic folk to glam rock superstardom and beyond. With stellar sound quality, iconic hits, and collectible appeal (especially the gold vinyl edition), it’s a must-have for fans and a perfect introduction for new listeners. Its broad scope and polished presentation make it a standout in T. Rex’s catalog of reissues, though fans seeking raw, unreleased material may lean toward Bump 'N' Grind. If you want me to search for specific reviews, track down rare editions, or analyze related content, let me know