T. Rex – The Unobtainable T. Rex

T. Rex – The Unobtainable T. Rex

Originally released in 1980 on EMI Records, The Unobtainable T. Rex is a 16-track compilation bringing together non-album recordings and rarer single sides from the T. Rex catalogue. Rather than being a conventional greatest-hits collection, it digs deeper into the world of Marc Bolan, making it an especially appealing release for collectors and fans who already know the major T. Rex albums. The original UK edition appeared as EMI NUT 28.

The collection opens with “Celebrate Summer”, a late-period T. Rex single, before moving through a fascinating selection of recordings including “Sunken Rags”, “Tame My Tiger”, “City Port”, “Thunderwing” and “Satisfaction Pony”. These tracks reveal different sides of Bolan's songwriting, from the bright, melodic glam-pop associated with T. Rex to more eccentric and experimental material. The presence of lesser-known songs makes the album particularly useful for listeners looking beyond the familiar Electric Warrior, The Slider and Tanx repertoire.

Among the highlights is “Thunderwing”, a particularly sought-after T. Rex rarity, alongside “Jitterbug Love”, “Midnight” and the atmospheric “Free Angel”. The compilation also includes Bolan's versions of songs associated with other artists, including “To Know Him Is To Love Him”, “Do You Wanna Dance” and “Dock Of The Bay”, giving the record a broader view of his musical influences and the band's willingness to experiment with different material. The track listing is consistently drawn from the less readily available corners of the T. Rex catalogue.

The second side continues with “Cadillac”, “Life's An Elevator”, “Sitting Here” and the closing “Lady”, making this a valuable companion to the group's better-known studio albums. For collectors, the attraction is as much in the selection of material as in the songs themselves: this is a record aimed at the listener who wants to explore Marc Bolan's B-sides, non-album recordings and overlooked T. Rex tracks.

The compilation has also proved attractive to collectors through its later editions. A 1983 Japanese issue appeared as part of the Rock Original Disk Series, while the same 16-track programme was subsequently reissued on heavyweight vinyl. The original 1980 UK LP, however, remains the key release to highlight when describing the album's place in the T. Rex catalogue.

For fans of T. Rex, Marc Bolan, glam rock and 1970s British rock, The Unobtainable T. Rex offers something different from a standard hits compilation: a collection of rarities, B-sides and non-album tracks that gives a broader picture of one of Britain's most distinctive rock performers.

Side A

1. Celebrate Summer
2. Sunken Rags
3. Tame My Tiger
4. City Port
5. Thunderwing
6. Satisfaction Pony
7. Midnight
8. Jitterbug Love

Side B

1. To Know Him Is To Love Him
2. Do You Wanna Dance
3. Dock Of The Bay
4. Cadillac
5. Free Angel
6. Life's An Elevator
7. Sitting Here
8. Lady