MARC BOLAN & T.REX/ACROSS THE AIRWAVES ICS 1004 (-82) UK MONO

One of the better Marc Bolan posthumous issues. Twentyone cuts from the BBC vaults, originally recorded for radio broadcasts 1968-71. Twelve from the combo's first incarnation Tyrannosaurus Rex and nine as T.Rex, including two songs - "Misty Mist" and "Riders On The Highway" - that didn't make it to original vinyl in the first place (although a mid-sixties recording of "Misty Mist" appears on the 1974 "Beginning Of Doves" compilation). Some of the cuts sounds very much like the album versions with only slightly different arrangements while others are alternate versions. "Girl" is totally stripped with Bolan and acoustic guitar, "Jewel" a lot more offensive than the LP version, "Hot Love" sounds like arranged for the "Beard Of Stars" album and "Summertime Blues" rawer than the original '45 B-side. Some of the cuts are early trials that later would be remade for album or '45 versions, others were hits already but forced to a simpler treatment by studio location. Sound quality varies from excellent to OK. Maybe not the best Bolan album for beginners, but if you're already a fan and know the songs it's a welcome addition with lots of nerve. Also issued as picture disc (ICSX 1004). German (Cube 6.26268) came with title on front sleeve. 1998 CD issue on A&M (541 004-2). First UK had label as shown here and glossy fold/out cover with no text on front. (RÄX*) (FXÖ*)