T.Rex: "The Unobtainable T. Rex" Album (1980)

Marc Bolan & T.Rex’s The Unobtainable T. Rex was released as an LP album and cassette in the UK by EMI Records (catalog number EMC 3346) in September 1980.

The album was later released on compact disc (Japan 1989) and heavy weight

vinyl (Europe 2016).

Release Details: Label and Catalog: EMI Records, UK (NUT 28).

Release Date: September 1980. Format: Vinyl LP (later reissued on 180g heavyweight vinyl by Demon Records, e.g., in 2016).

Purpose:

A compilation of non-album B-sides from T. Rex’s singles, primarily from their glam rock peak (1971–1973) and later years up to 1977. The title reflects the rarity of these tracks, as many original singles were out of print (“unobtainable”) by 1980.

Background:

After Maar's passing in a car accident on September 16, 1977, EMI capitalized on his enduring popularity by releasing this compilation to collect B-sides that were not included on T. Rex’s studio albums.

The album captures the band’s prolific output, showcasing Bolan’s knack for crafting high-quality B-sides that often rivaled their A-side hits in creativity and energy.

Released three years after Bolan’s passing, The Unobtainable T. Rex served as a tribute to his legacy and a gift to fans seeking rare tracks.

Tracklist (1980 UK Vinyl, NUT 28):

Side A:“Celebrate Summer” (2:36) – B-side to Bolan’s final single (1977).

“Sunken Rags” (2:55) – B-side to “Children of the Revolution” (1972).

“Tame My Tiger” (2:30) – B-side to “Dandy in the Underworld” (1977).

“City Port” (2:44) – B-side to “Laser Love” (1976).

“Thunderwing” (3:46) – B-side to “Metal Guru” (1972).

“Satisfaction Pony” (3:29) – B-side to “20th Century Boy” (1973).

“Midnight” (2:47) – B-side to “Solid Gold Easy Action” (1972).

“Jitterbug Love” (2:58) – B-side to “20th Century Boy” (1973).

Side B:

“To Know Him Is to Love Him” (2:46) [cover, Phil Spector song] – B-side to “New York City” (1975).

“Do You Wanna Dance” (2:15) [cover, Bobby Freeman song] – B-side to “Dreamy Lady” (1975).

“Dock of the Bay” (2:22) [cover, Otis Redding song] – B-side to “Dreamy Lady” (1975).

“Cadilac” (3:50) – B-side to “Telegram Sam” (1972).

“Free Angel” (2:14) – B-side to “Solid Gold Easy Action” (1972).

“Life’s an Elevator” (2:37) – B-side to “I Love to Boogie” (1976).

“Sitting Here” (2:20) – B-side to “Light of Love” (1974).

“Lady” (2:16) – B-side to “Metal Guru” (1972).

Total Runtime: Approximately 40 minutes.

Musical Style and Content

Glam Rock Core:

The majority of tracks reflect T. Rex’s signature glam rock sound—driving guitar riffs, boogie rhythms, and Bolan’s charismatic, sensual vocals. Songs like “Thunderwing,” “Cadilac,” and “Jitterbug Love” capture the raw energy and swagger of T. Rex’s 1972–1973 peak.

Later Period Tracks: Tracks from 1975–1977, such as “Celebrate Summer” and “Tame My Tiger,” show Bolan experimenting with punk and disco influences, reflecting his adaptability to changing musical trends.

Cover Songs: The three covers (“To Know Him Is to Love Him,” “Do You Wanna Dance,” “Dock of the Bay”) feature backing vocals by Gloria Jones (Bolan’s partner) and are often criticized for their softer, less distinctive arrangements compared to Bolan’s originals.

Standout Tracks:

“Thunderwing”: A fan-favorite B-side with a catchy riff and glam rock flair, often considered hit-worthy.

“Cadilac”: A raw, boogie-driven track with Bolan’s playful energy.

“Celebrate Summer”: Bolan’s final single B-side, blending glam with punk’s raw edge, released just before his death.

“Life’s an Elevator”: A melodic, upbeat track showcasing Bolan’s knack for hooks.

Production:

Most tracks were produced by Tony Visconti, T. Rex’s longtime collaborator, who crafted their polished yet gritty sound during the glam era. Later tracks (1975–1977) were produced by Bolan and others.

The album features various T. Rex lineups, including Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar), Mickey Finn (percussion), Steve Currie (bass), Bill Legend (drums), and later members like Gloria Jones (vocals) and Dino Dines (keyboards).

Vinyl and Packaging

Original 1980 Pressing (NUT 28):

Standard 12-inch vinyl LP with a glossy picture sleeve featuring an iconic image of Marc Bolan.

Reissues:

Demon Records reissued the album on 180g heavyweight vinyl in 2016 and later, with high-quality pressings and faithful reproduction of the original artwork.

Reception and Significance

Critical Reception:

The Unobtainable T. Rex is celebrated as a “fan favorite” for compiling rare B-sides that showcase Bolan’s songwriting depth. Amazon reviews (e.g., 5/5 stars) praise its value and the enduring appeal of T. Rex’s music, even decades after Bolan’s death.

The cover songs are seen as weaker, with some reviewers noting their “middle-of-the-road” style, but the original tracks like “Thunderwing” and “Cadilac” are considered essential for glam rock enthusiasts.

The album is valued for preserving tracks that were hard to find in 1980, before digital reissues made them more accessible.

Cultural Significance:

Released during a post-punk era when T. Rex’s influence was still felt (e.g., on bands like The Smiths), the compilation highlighted Bolan’s ability to deliver strong B-sides, a testament to his prolific output.

It captures T. Rex’s evolution from glam rock pioneers to a band adapting to mid-1970s trends, offering a broader view of Bolan’s career.

Additional Notes

Context in T. Rex’s Catalog:

The Unobtainable T. Rex stands out for focusing exclusively on B-sides, unlike studio albums or hits collections. It’s a snapshot of Bolan’s creativity across his career, from the glam rock peak to his final years.