Album Information:
Album ID: 9876
About T. Rex:
T. Rex is a British rock band that was formed in 1967 in London. The band was fronted by musician and songwriter Marc Bolan, who is credited with creating the band's unique sound and image. Bolan's style was characterized by his flamboyant and androgynous persona, his electric guitar playing skills, and his distinctive voice.
T. Rex began as a folk-rock duo with Bolan playing acoustic guitar and singing, and Steve Peregrin Took playing percussion and backing vocals. The duo released their debut album, 'My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair...But Now They're Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows,' in 1968. The album featured Bolan's whimsical songwriting and Took's experimental percussion, but did not achieve commercial success.
In 1969, Bolan reformed T. Rex with a new lineup that included Mickey Finn on percussion and Steve Currie on bass. The band's sound shifted towards electric guitar-driven rock and roll, and they released their second album, 'Prophets, Seers & Sages: The Angels of the Ages,' later that year. The album showcased Bolan's songwriting talent and Finn's dynamic percussion, and it featured hits such as 'Debora' and 'One Inch Rock.'
In 1970, T. Rex released their breakthrough album, 'T. Rex,' which included the hit single 'Ride a White Swan.' The song reached number two on the UK singles chart and marked the beginning of T. Rex's commercial success. Bolan's image underwent a transformation during this time, as he began wearing glitter and platform boots and incorporating a harder rock sound into the band's music.
Over the next few years, T. Rex released a string of successful albums and singles, including 'Electric Warrior' (1971), which featured hits such as 'Bang a Gong (Get It On)' and 'Jeepster,' and 'The Slider' (1972), which included hits such as 'Telegram Sam' and 'Metal Guru.' Bolan's fame was at its peak during this time, as he became a media sensation with his glamorous image and infectious rock anthems.
In 1977, Bolan tragically died in a car accident in London at the age of 29. Despite his untimely death, T. Rex's legacy lived on, as their music continued to influence generations of musicians. Bolan was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing his status as one of the most innovative and influential rock musicians of all time.
About the album Electric Warrior:
T. Rex's Electric Warrior is a classic album from 1971 that features a unique blend of glam rock, psychedelic rock, and folk rock. The album is widely regarded as one of the most influential recordings of its time and a defining moment for the glam rock movement.
The album opens with the iconic track 'Mambo Sun,' which is a great indication of what is to come. The song features bouncy, upbeat instrumentation, including handclaps, percussion, and a driving bassline. Bolan's vocals are confident and charismatic, bringing the lyrics to life as he sings about a surreal experience in the desert.
The second track 'Cosmic Dancer' is a slower, more introspective song that showcases Bolan's softer side. The lyrics are poetic and romantic, and the stripped-down instrumentation highlights Bolan's unique vocal range.
The hit single 'Get It On' is up next, and it's arguably the most iconic track on the album. The song features a catchy guitar riff, an infectious chorus, and a driving beat that makes you want to dance. Bolan's lyrics are filled with innuendo and playful wordplay that gives the song a cheeky sense of humor.
Other standout tracks on the album include 'Jeepster,' a song with a catchy melody and a memorable chorus; 'Life's a Gas,' a more acoustic-based track with a heartfelt message; and 'Rip Off,' a rollicking song with a funky bassline and Bolan's signature guitar playing.
Overall, Electric Warrior is a cohesive album that showcases T. Rex at their best. Bolan's songwriting and performance are top-notch, and the album's production has a timeless quality that still sounds fresh today.
Members:
T. Rex was a British rock band fronted by the charismatic Marc Bolan. Here are the key members of the band and a brief biography of each:
1. Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar): Born in London in 1947, Marc Bolan was the founder and frontman of T. Rex. As a child, he showed an interest in music and attended a school for the performing arts. He began his musical career as a folk singer and released several unsuccessful albums before forming T. Rex in 1967. Bolan became known for his distinctive style, which included glitter, spandex, and platform shoes. He died in a car accident in 1977, but his legacy as one of the most influential figures in glam rock lives on.
2. Steve Peregrin Took (percussion, vocals): Born in 1949, Steve Took was a founding member of T. Rex. He played various instruments in the band, including percussion, guitar, and bass. However, he had a troubled personality and was fired from the band in 1970. He continued to make music on his own but struggled with drug addiction and died of an overdose in 1980.
3. Mickey Finn (percussion): Born in 1947, Mickey Finn joined T. Rex after Steve Took was dismissed. He played percussion in the band and also contributed backing vocals. He continued to perform with T. Rex until Bolan's death in 1977. After that, he formed his own band, Mickey Finn's T. Rex, which paid tribute to Bolan's music. He died of liver cancer in 2003.
4. Bill Legend (drums): Born in 1944, Bill Legend was the drummer for T. Rex from 1970 until the band's breakup in 1977. Prior to joining T. Rex, he played with several other bands, including Lucifer's Friend and Skip Bifferty. After T. Rex disbanded, he continued to work in the music industry and played with other bands, including Iggy Pop and the Psychedelic Furs.
5. Steve Currie (bass): Born in 1947, Steve Currie was the bassist for T. Rex from 1970 until 1976. He also played keyboards on some of the band's recordings. He died in a car accident in 1981.
6. Dino Dines (keyboards): Born in 1948, Dino Dines was a keyboardist who played with T. Rex from 1976 until the band's breakup in 1977. After T. Rex disbanded, he continued to work as a session musician and played with other bands, including Ian Hunter and Mott the Hoople. He died of a heart attack in 2004.
Track List for Electric Warrior:
Sure, here are the tracks in the album 'Electric Warrior' by T. Rex in order of appearance, along with their play time and a detailed description:
1. Mambo Sun (3:40) - This track kicks off the album with a bang, featuring upbeat rhythms and guitar riffs. The lyrics are eccentric and almost psychedelic, with references to astrological signs and mystical themes.
2. Cosmic Dancer (4:30) - One of T. Rex's most beloved tunes, 'Cosmic Dancer' is a slow-burning, hypnotic ballad. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, with singer Marc Bolan singing about finding beauty in the mundane.
3. Jeepster (4:10) - This track is one of T. Rex's most well-known hits, featuring a catchy guitar riff and a groovy, dance-worthy beat. The lyrics are playful and flirtatious, with Bolan singing about his desire for a girl who he calls a 'Jeepster.'
4. Monolith (3:50) - 'Monolith' is a psychedelic rock tune with heavy percussion and guitar riffs. The lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, but seem to reference metaphysical themes like inner exploration and transformation.
5. Lean Woman Blues (3:00) - This track is a bluesy number with a stripped-down, raw feel. The lyrics are suggestive and sensual, with Bolan singing about a 'lean woman' who he finds alluring.
6. Get It On (4:24) - One of T. Rex's biggest hits and a defining song of the glam rock movement, 'Get It On' is a joyful explosion of rock and roll energy. The lyrics are playful and somewhat nonsensical, with Bolan exclaiming 'you're built like a car, you've got a hubcap diamond star halo.'
7. Planet Queen (3:13) - This track is a trippy, spacey rock tune with chiming guitar tones and atmospheric sound effects. The lyrics are poetic and abstract, with Bolan painting a surreal picture of a 'Planet Queen' who embodies feminine power and mystery.
8. Girl (2:26) - 'Girl' is a short and sweet rock and roll tune with a driving rhythm and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics are straightforward and to the point, with Bolan declaring his love for a girl who he finds 'so fine.'
9. The Motivator (4:00) - This track is a bluesy, soulful tune with a swaggering beat and melodic guitar work. The lyrics are simple but effective, with Bolan singing about the power of music to inspire and uplift.
10. Life's a Gas (2:24) - 'Life's a Gas' is a feel-good tune with an upbeat tempo and a sing-along chorus. The lyrics are optimistic and uplifting, with Bolan encouraging listeners to find joy in the simplest things in life.
11. Rip Off (3:40) - The closing track of the album, 'Rip Off' is another groovy and upbeat tune with a catchy guitar riff and a funky rhythm section. The lyrics are tongue-in-cheek and seem to poke fun at the rock and roll industry, with Bolan declaring 'I'm just a rip off of Ziggy Stardust.'
Overall, 'Electric Warrior' is a must-listen for fans of classic rock and music history in general. Its blend of psychedelia, blues, and rock and roll helped define the glam rock movement of the 1970s and solidified T. Rex's place in the pantheon of rock legends.
Discography for T. Rex:
Here is a complete discography for T. Rex in chronological order, including all albums, singles and other releases with their respective release dates:
Albums:
1. My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair... But Now They're Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows (1968)
2. Prophets, Seers & Sages: The Angels of the Ages (1968)
3. Unicorn (1969)
4. A Beard of Stars (1970)
5. T. Rex (1970)
6. Electric Warrior (1971)
7. The Slider (1972)
8. Tanx (1973)
9. Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow (1974)
10. Bolan's Zip Gun (1975)
11. Futuristic Dragon (1976)
12. Dandy in the Underworld (1977)
Singles:
1. 'Debora' / 'One Inch Rock' (1968)
2. 'Pewter Suitor' / 'King of the Rumbling Spires' (1969)
3. 'King of the Rumbling Spires' / 'Do You Remember' (1969)
4. 'Consuela' / 'Child Star' (1969)
5. 'Hot Rod Mama' / 'Woodland Rock' (1970)
6. 'Ride a White Swan' / 'Is it Love?' (1970)
7. 'Cosmic Dancer' / 'Life's a Gas' (1971)
8. 'Jeepster' / 'Life's a Gas' (1971)
9. 'Get It On' / 'There Was a Time' (1971)
10. 'Telegram Sam' / 'Cadillac' (1972)
11. 'Metal Guru' / 'Thunderwing' (1972)
12. 'Children of the Revolution' / 'Jitterbug Love' (1972)
13. 'Solid Gold Easy Action' / 'Born to Boogie' (1972)
14. '20th Century Boy' / 'Free Angel' (1973)
15. 'The Groover' / 'Midnight' (1973)
16. 'Truck On (Tyke)' / 'Sitting Here' (1974)
17. 'Teenage Dream' / 'Satisfaction Pony' (1974)
18. 'Light of Love' / 'Explosive Mouth' (1974)
19. 'Zip Gun Boogie' / 'Space Boss' (1975)
20. 'New York City' / 'Chrome Sitar' (1975)
21. 'Dreamy Lady' / 'Do You Wanna Dance?' (1976)
22. 'I Love to Boogie' / 'Baby Boomerang' (1976)
23. 'Laser Love' / 'Life's An Elevator' (1976)
24. 'The Soul of My Suit' / 'All Alone' (1977)
25. 'Dandy in the Underworld' / 'I'm a Fool for You Girl' (1977)
Other Releases:
1. 'Tyrannosaurus Rex' (1968)
2. 'A Whole Zinc of Finches' (1969)
3. 'Live at the BBC' (1970)
4. 'Rarities' (1972)
5. 'Great Hits' (1972)
6. 'Great Hits 2' (1973)
7. 'More Great Hits' (1975)
8. 'T. Rextasy: The Best of T. Rex' (1985)