T Rex Dandy In The Underworld CD

The 1997 reissue of DANDY IN THE UNDERWORLD features 5 additional tracks that did not appear on the original release; "To Know You Is To Love You (To Know Him Is To Love Him)," "City Port," "Dandy In The Underworld (Single Version)," "Tame My Tiger" and "Celebrate Summer."

PRINCE OF PLAYERS is Edsel's alternate version of DANDY IN THE UNDERWORLD.

T. Rex's final release came out in 1977, when punk emerged like a ragged, safety-pin bedecked David to strike the Goliath of progressive rock square between the eyes with a well-aimed, rough-edged rock. The musical landscape has never been quite the same since.

Marc Bolan, always a keen observer of musical trends, was quick to embrace the punk ethos, even declaring himself to be its godfather. But DANDY is no punk record. It's an eclectic set, but all in all, it sounds like T. Rex. "Jason B. Sad" has a "Get it On" flavor, while "I Love to Boogie" has a similar feel to the classic "Jeepster." The title track, a midtempo groover, sports synthesizer textures and slick production. Yet these songs show Bolan's heartfelt commitment to classic chord patterns of '50s rock & roll, as the cover of "To Know Him Is to Love Him" further attests. It's hard to hear the punk influence here: certainly "We love to boogie/on a Saturday night" is a far cry from "I want to be anarchy..." But in an era when rock was becoming increasingly self-important, T. Rex shared the essential punk preference for songs that were fast, simple, and disposable.

Marc Bolan's abbreviated career and profound influence on '70s rock and beyond has guaranteed an extraordinary level of interest in everything that he and T. Rex produced. As a result, alternative versions of most of T. Rex's albums have been issued, brimming with working versions, demos, and odd bits and pieces. While 1977's DANDY IN THE UNDERWORLD was a return to form, it was not a genuine hit. However, it showed that Bolan's singing and his ability to pen short, dirty-sweet ditties were undiminished.

DANDY'S outtake album, PRINCE OF PLAYERS, is a pleasant grab-bag of late-period T. Rex, including rocking live recordings of hip-shakers like "Groove a Little," "Hang-Ups," and the anthemic title track, all of which are much raunchier than the originals. On a stripped-down "Jason B. Sad," a helium-voiced Bolan sounds like a cartoon sprite, but the unmistakable guitar riff is pure T. Rex. Among the unexpected treats: Bolan's vocal on "Pain and Pleasure" is more pure and immediate than on the original album version; a demo of "I Love to Boogie," with just Bolan and acoustic guitar, is a total delight; the rough a cappella "Teen Riot Structure" is haunting; and "Weird Strings" lives up to its name.

Disc one features the original album remastered, accompanied by 5 non-album single sides, while disc two is a 21 track bonus disc of fascinating 'work-in-progress' versions and demos, which mirrors the original album's running order. The package is completed by a 16-page color booklet, including lyrics, photos and memorabilia, with extensive and updated annotation by Mark Paytress, editor of Mojo Collections, and author of the best Bolan biography available. Deluxe gatefold digipak. 2002.

Includes liner notes by Mark Paytress.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Includes liner notes by Martin Barden.

Marc Bolan welcomed the advent of punk rock w

Marc Bolan/T.Rex: Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar, bass, percussion); Dino Dines (keyboards, synthesizer); Herbie Flowers (bass); Tony Newman (drums).

Personnel: Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar); Miller Anderson (guitar); Dino Dines (keyboards, synthesizer); Herbie Flowers (bass); Tony Newman (drums).

Personnel: Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar, maracas, tambourine, percussion); Colin Jacas, Steve Harley, Gloria Jones, Alfalpha (vocals); Miller Anderson (guitar); J.B. Long (violin); Bud Beadle (flute, baritone saxophone); Steve Gregory (flute); Chris Mercer (tenor saxophone); Dino Dines (keyboards, synthesizer); Paul Humphrey & tQ (10/02, p.122) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...The last official T.Rex album....it's petulant pop holds up well..."