Album Information:

About T. Rex:

T. Rex was a British rock band that formed in 1967 and was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the glam rock movement in the 1970s. The band, led by singer-songwriter Marc Bolan, was known for its eclectic sound, blending elements of rock, folk, soul, and psychedelic music into its own unique style. The band's early albums were filled with catchy, guitar-driven singles that helped make them a mainstay on British radio for much of the 1970s.

Bolan began his career as a folk musician, releasing a handful of solo albums in the late 1960s under the name Marc Bolan. He eventually formed the band Tyrannosaurus Rex with percussionist Steve Peregrin Took, and together they released several albums of whimsical, psychedelic folk music. In 1970, Bolan disbanded Tyrannosaurus Rex, shortened the band's name to T. Rex, and began to experiment with a more electric sound.

The band's first album as T. Rex, the self-titled 'T. Rex,' was released in 1970 and featured the hit single 'Ride a White Swan.' The single, which featured Bolan's signature fuzzy guitar sound and catchy, nonsense lyrics, became the band's first hit, reaching number two on the UK charts. Over the next few years, the band released several more albums, including 'Electric Warrior' (1971), 'The Slider' (1972), and 'Tanx' (1973), all of which featured Bolan's distinctive vocals and guitar work.

The band's popularity began to wane in the mid-1970s, and Bolan struggled to maintain his success as the glam rock movement gave way to punk and new wave. In 1977, Bolan tragically died in a car accident, effectively ending the band's career.

Despite its relatively short career, T. Rex had a significant impact on rock music and remains influential to this day. Bolan's distinctive style, which blended elements of rock, folk, and glam, helped pave the way for many later artists, including David Bowie and Gary Glitter. The band's music continues to be celebrated and rediscovered by new generations of fans, and Bolan remains an influential figure in the history of rock and roll.

About the album The Slider:

The Slider by T. Rex is a classic rock album that was first released in 1972. It features 13 tracks of groovy, upbeat rock music with hints of glam and psychedelic influences. The album kicks off with the iconic track 'Metal Guru,' which showcases Marc Bolan's distinctive vocals and signature guitar riffs. The use of electric guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards is prominent throughout the album, creating a rich, layered sound that is both catchy and mesmerizing.

Other standout tracks on The Slider include 'Telegram Sam,' which features a catchy chorus and driving rhythm section, and 'Rock On,' which has a mix of acoustic and electric influences. The slower, more introspective tracks like 'Ballrooms of Mars' and 'Main Man' demonstrate Bolan's ability to write touching and thoughtful songs that still fit within the album's overall vibe.

One of the most notable features of The Slider is Bolan's unique vocal delivery, which ranges from crooning to shouting and everything in between. He also experiments with different vocal effects throughout the album, adding an extra layer of intrigue and variety to each song.

Overall, The Slider is a classic rock album that pushed the boundaries of its genre and became a staple of 1970s music. Its mix of catchy hooks, psychedelic guitars, and glam influences make it a timeless classic that still resonates with listeners today.

Members:

T. Rex was primarily led by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Marc Bolan. There were several supporting or auxiliary members, some of whom changed over time. Here are brief biographies of the key members of T. Rex:

1. Marc Bolan (1947-1977): Born Mark Feld in London, England, Bolan started his music career in the late 1960s playing folk and psychedelic rock. In 1967, he formed the band Tyrannosaurus Rex with percussionist Steve Peregrin Took, which later morphed into T. Rex. Bolan was known for his flamboyant stage outfits, glittery makeup, and iconic hit songs like 'Bang a Gong' and 'Get it On (Bang a Gong).' He died in a car accident in 1977 at the age of 29.

2. Steve Peregrin Took (1949-1980): Born Stephen Ross Porter, Took was a multi-instrumentalist who co-founded Tyrannosaurus Rex with Bolan in 1967. He played percussion and sang backup vocals, but left the band in 1970 due to creative differences. Took later formed his own band, Shagrat, and also worked as a session musician. He died of a drug overdose in 1980 at the age of 31.

3. Mickey Finn (1947-2003): Born Michael Norman Finn in London, England, Finn joined T. Rex in 1970 as a percussionist and backup vocalist. He played on several of the band's hit albums, including 'Electric Warrior' and 'The Slider,' and also contributed to Bolan's solo work. Finn continued to make music after T. Rex disbanded, and died in 2003 at the age of 56 from kidney and liver problems.

4. Bill Legend (born 1944): Born William Fifield in London, England, Legend was T. Rex's original drummer. He played on the band's first four albums, including 'T. Rex' and 'Electric Warrior,' but left in 1973 to pursue other musical projects. Legend later worked with the Pretenders and Robert Plant, among others.

5. Tony Visconti (born 1944): Born in Brooklyn, New York, Visconti was a producer and musician who worked closely with Bolan and T. Rex throughout their career. He produced many of the band's albums, including 'Electric Warrior' and 'The Slider,' and also played bass on several tracks. Visconti worked with a wide range of artists over the years, including David Bowie, Thin Lizzy, and Morrissey.

Track List for The Slider:

1. 'Metal Guru' - 2:26: The opening track on The Slider is a classic T. Rex tune. It is a catchy and upbeat rock song with a simple chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head.

2. 'Mystic Lady' - 3:10: This song has a slow and steady rhythm, with calming guitar chords and a soft vocal delivery. The mystical and dreamy lyrics add to the overall tranquil atmosphere of the track.

3. 'Rock On' - 3:25: 'Rock On' is a rock and roll anthem with a catchy beat and a sing-along chorus. It features a great guitar riff and Freddie Mercury-like vocal harmonies in the background.

4. 'The Slider' - 3:23: The title track, 'The Slider', has a funky guitar riff and a groovy beat. The lyrics are nonsensical at times, but they fit perfectly with the overall vibe of the song.

5. 'Baby Boomerang' - 2:16: This short but sweet song is a high-energy rock tune with a fast pace and a punchy chorus. It has a classic T. Rex sound with Marc Bolan's signature falsetto vocals.

6. 'Spaceball Ricochet' - 3:37: This is a melancholic ballad that starts off slow and softly, with a dreamlike atmosphere created by the moody guitars. The song builds up towards the end, with a more intense sound and a powerful vocal performance.

7. 'Buick Mackane' - 3:31: This song has a classic 70s rock sound, with a bluesy guitar riff and a driving beat. The lyrics are playful and suggestive, adding to the overall sensual atmosphere of the track.

8. 'Telegram Sam' - 3:45: 'Telegram Sam' is one of T. Rex's most popular songs. It has a catchy chorus, a funky bassline, and a great guitar riff. The lyrics are whimsical, with Marc Bolan's unique wordplay at the forefront.

9. 'Rabbit Fighter' - 3:57: This is a classic rock song with a great guitar riff and a bouncy beat. The lyrics talk about fighting against the odds and overcoming obstacles to achieve success.

10. 'Baby Strange' - 3:06: 'Baby Strange' is a driving, upbeat track with a great guitar riff and a pounding beat. The lyrics are suggestive and playful, adding to the overall sexual energy of the song.

11. 'Ballrooms of Mars' - 4:08: 'Ballrooms of Mars' is a slow and atmospheric ballad that features beautiful guitar work and dreamlike vocals. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a strange and otherworldly place.

12. 'Chariot Choogle' - 2:46: The final track on the album is a fun and upbeat rock tune with a catchy chorus and a groovy beat. The lyrics are whimsical and playful, adding to the overall lighthearted mood of the song.

Discography for T. Rex:

Here is the complete discography for the artist T. Rex in chronological order:

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 / Child Star' - 1968
2. 'One Inch Rock / Summer Deep' - 1968
3. 'Pewter Suitor / King of the Rumbling Spires' - 1969
4. 'Woodland Rock / By the Light of the Magical Moon' - 1970
5. 'Hot Love / Woodland Rock' - 1971
6. 'Get It On / There Was a Time / Raw Ramp' - 1971
7. 'Jeepster / Life's a Gas' - 1971
8. 'Telegram Sam / Cadilac' - 1972
9. 'Metal Guru / Thunderwing' - 1972
10. 'Children of the Revolution / Jitterbug Love' - 1972
11. 'Solid Gold Easy Action / Born to Boogie' - 1972
12. '20th Century Boy / Free Angel' - 1973
13. 'The Groover / Midnight' - 1973
14. 'Truck On (Tyke) / Sitting Here' - 1974
15. 'Teenage Dream / Satisfaction Pony' - 1974
16. 'Light of Love / Explosive Mouth' - 1974
17. 'Zip Gun Boogie / Space Boss' - 1975
18. 'New York City / Chrome Sitar' - 1975
19. 'Dreamy Lady / Do You Wanna Dance?' - 1976
20. 'I Love to Boogie / Baby Boomerang' - 1976
21. 'Laser Love / Life's an Elevator' - 1976
22. 'The Soul of My Suit / All Alone' - 1977
23. 'Dandy in the Underworld / Groove a Little' - 1977

Other releases:
1. 'Ride a White Swan / Is It Love?' (non-album single released under the band name Tyrannosaurus Rex) - 1970
2. 'Raw Ramp / Jeepster' (limited edition single) - 1971
3. 'Electric Warrior Outtakes' (bootleg release of unreleased tracks) - 1971
4. 'Tanx Sessions' (bootleg release of unreleased tracks) - 1973
5. 'BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert' (live album) - 1992
6. 'The Essential Collection' (compilation album) - 1997
7. '20th Century Superstar' (compilation album) - 1999
8. 'Born to Boogie' (concert film DVD) - 2004
9. 'The Slider: 40th Anniversary Edition' (remastered album with bonus tracks) - 2012
10. 'Electric Warrior: 40th Anniversary Edition' (remastered album with bonus tracks) - 2012
11. 'Tanx: 40th Anniversary Edition' (remastered album with bonus tracks) - 2012
12. 'Bolan's Zip Gun: 40th Anniversary Edition' (remastered album with bonus tracks) - 2012
13. 'Futuristic Dragon: 40th Anniversary Edition' (remastered album with bonus tracks) - 2014
14. 'Live 1977' (live album) - 2018