Jeepster Single: 2019

Bolan's Raw Glam Rarities

T. Rex’s “Jeepster (Alternative Version)” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 11, 2019, on Easy Action (catalogue: EA45044).

Backed with “The Motivator (Alternative Version),” this limited-edition pressing featured rare alternate takes from Marc Bolan’s 1971 sessions, celebrating T. Rex’s glam rock zenith.

Recorded in New York and Los Angeles, the A-side’s raw energy and the B-side’s funky groove offered fans a glimpse into Bolan’s creative process. With 11 owners and 3 wants in the community, it’s a coveted item for T. Rex collectors.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Jeepster (Alternative Version, Recorded in New York, April 1971)” (4:20)Written by Marc Bolan. An alternate take of the Electric Warrior classic, this New York version captures Bolan’s wild vocals and the band’s loose, energetic jam, differing from the polished album cut with rawer guitars and a freer structure.

B-Side: “The Motivator (Alternative Version, Recorded in Los Angeles, April 1971)” (3:45)Written by Marc Bolan. An early alternate of the Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow track, this LA recording highlights Bolan’s funky bass and psychedelic edge, showcasing the session’s experimental spirit.

Release Details:

Label: Easy Action (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Format: 7-inch vinyl single, in a picture sleeve with Bolan’s 1971-era artwork.

Notes: ℗ 2019 Easy Action. Limited edition, part of Easy Action’s T. Rex reissue series. Community stats: 11 own, 3 want. Valuation page available for collectors.

Production and Context

The A-side was recorded in April 1971 at New York’s Electric Lady Studios, during the Electric Warrior sessions, with Bolan (vocals, guitar), Mickey Finn (percussion), Steve Currie (bass), and Bill Legend (drums). The B-side came from Los Angeles sessions for Zinc Alloy, featuring Bolan’s evolving sound with funk and soul influences. Produced by Tony Visconti, these alternates highlight Bolan’s improvisational genius amid T. Rex’s rise, post-Electric Warrior and pre-Slider. Released in 2019, the single tied into Bolan’s 50th anniversary celebrations, appealing to fans of his glam peak.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

This 2019 reissue did not chart, as it was a limited collector’s item. The original “Jeepster” (1971, EMI MARC 5):

UK: No. 2 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 13 weeks.

Ireland: No. 1.

Germany: No. 3.

Norway: No. 4.

Australia: No. 10.

Netherlands: No. 26.No original single for “The Motivator,” but the Zinc Alloy album reached No. 12 UK.

Album Chart Performance

As a single, it did not chart, but the originals contributed to T. Rex’s ‘70s success, with Electric Warrior No. 1 UK, No. 18 US, No. 1 Australia, No. 7 Germany, No. 4 Netherlands, No. 1 Norway, No. 10 Canada, No. 3 Sweden, No. 5 New Zealand.

Have you spun this T. Rex reissue? Which alternate track stands out? Share in the comments!