Marc Bolan and T-Rex – Dandy In The Underworld

Marc Bolan And T. Rex – Dandy In The Underworld

Dandy In The Underworld is the final T. Rex studio album, originally released on EMI in March 1977, and stands as Marc Bolan's last completed album before his death later that year. After the more experimental and soul-influenced direction of his mid-1970s records, Bolan returned to a tighter, more immediate rock sound, combining the swagger and melodic hooks of classic T. Rex with a tougher, more contemporary edge that sat surprisingly close to the emerging punk movement.

The original twelve-track album features some of Bolan's most recognisable late-period material, including "Dandy In The Underworld", "Crimson Moon", "Universe", "I Love To Boogie", "Visions Of Domino", "The Soul Of My Suit" and "Teen Riot Structure". "I Love To Boogie" had already provided T. Rex with a UK hit in 1976, while the title track, released as a single in May 1977, was reworked with new vocals and additional instrumentation for its single release.

This particular single-LP configuration extends beyond the original album sequence, bringing together additional recordings associated with Bolan's final period, including "To Know You Is To Love You", "City Port", the single version of "Dandy In The Underworld", "Tame My Tiger", "Celebrate Summer" and "Ride My Wheels". These tracks help place the album in the wider context of Bolan's 1976–77 work: "Ride My Wheels" originated from the preceding Futuristic Dragon period, while "Celebrate Summer" was issued as a single in August 1977 and became the final single released during Bolan's lifetime.

For collectors, this is an appealing snapshot of late-period Marc Bolan and T. Rex, covering the original Dandy In The Underworld material alongside related singles and recordings. It captures Bolan moving between glam rock, pop, funk-influenced grooves and the harder-edged sound that anticipated some of the attitude of the late-1970s punk era.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Dandy In The Underworld
2. Crimson Moon
3. Universe
4. I'm A Fool For You Girl
5. I Love To Boogie
6. Visions Of Domino
7. Jason B. Sad
8. Groove A Little
9. The Soul Of My Suit
10. Hang-Ups

Side B

1. Pain & Love
2. Teen Riot Structure
3. To Know You Is To Love You
4. City Port
5. Dandy In The Underworld (Single Version)
6. Tame My Tiger
7. Celebrate Summer
8. Ride My Wheels