T Rex Futuristic Dragon: Expanded & Remastered CD

The 1997 reissue of FUTURISTIC DRAGON features 3 additional tracks that did not appear on the original release; "London Boys," "Laser Love" and "Life's An Elevator."

By the mid-'70s, Marc Bolan's T. Rex had fallen on hard times. Bolan, who remained the essential element in the band, began experimenting with soul/funk sounds and collaborating with his wife, singer Gloria Jones, with mixed results.

While 1976's FUTURISTIC DRAGON didn't hit the charts as hard as T. Rex's earlier classics ELECTRIC WARRIOR, SLIDER, and TANX had, it finds Bolan back on track. "New York City" turned out to be one of Bolan's final U.K. hits before his untimely death one year later. Other highlights include the orchestrated instrumental "Theme for a Dragon," and the upbeat power pop of "Chrome Sitar."

The phenomenally popular and influential T.Rex spearheaded the glam-rock movement, a genre owing everything to its quintessential superstar, Marc Bolan. Rivaled only by Bowie, whose own glam period followed in their flamboyant footsteps, Bolan and T.Rex created an incredible vibe and sound whose legacy lives. Driven by primal grooves, effortless hooks, trippy vocals, and deliciously fat guitar riffs, their music was both infused with hippie spirituality and raw sexuality-a rich, ripe, sonic delight both primitive and evolved. While their music defined an era, their irresistible grooves are timeless, and Bolan's later, more experimental tracks, marrying pop genius with creative expansion and proto-punk power, underscore his groundbreaking artistry. Each 2-CD set in the trio of the reissues contains the original album in all its glory but now freshly remastered, mirrored by a second disc of outtakes, live versions, demos, and works in progress of the same songs. Rhino. 2006.

Includes liner notes by Mark Paytress.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Recorded at MRI Studios, Hollywood, California.

Marc Bolan/T. Rex: Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar, Moog); Gloria Jones (vocals, Clavinet); Dino Dines (organ, keyboards); Steve Currie (bass); Davey Lutton (drums).

T. Rex: Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar, Moog synthesizer); Gloria Jones (vocals, Clavinet); Dino Dines (organ, keyboards); Steve Currie (bass guitar); Dave Lutton (drums).

Additional personnel: Tyrone Scott (vocals); Paul Fenton (drums); Jimmy Haskell.