The 1997 reissue of THE SLIDER features 3 additional tracks that did not appear on the original release; "Cadillac," "Thunderwing" and "Lady."

Marc Bolan/T. Rex: Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar); Mickey Finn (vocals, percussion, congas) Steve Currie (bass); Bill Legend (drums).

Additional personnel: Howard Kaylan, Mark Volman (background vocals).

Recorded at Chateau D'Herouville, Paris, France and Rosenberg Studios, Copenhagen, Denmark. Includes liner notes by Mark Paytress.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Marc Bolan & T. Rex: Marc Bolan (vocals, guitar); Steve Currie (bass guitar); Bill Legend (drums); Mickey Finn (congas).

Recording information: Rosenberg Studios, Copenhagen, Denmark; Chateau D'Herouville, Paris, France (1972).

Although 1971's ELECTRIC WARRIOR was the first album on which all the pieces finally came together for marc Bolan and T. Rex, the follow-up, THE SLIDER was Bolan's masterpiece. The album on which Bolan's characteristically inscrutable, hippy-dippy lyrics were perfectly balanced with crunchy glam-rock guitar riffs and great, whomping drum fills, THE SLIDER is a masterpiece of glam boogie. It spawned two of Bolan's biggest singles, "Metal Guru" and "Telegram Sam" (the latter of which just might be the best song Bolan ever wrote). The David Bowie tribute "Main Man" and the goofy rockabilly giggle "Baby Strange," as well as the more delicate title track, are all up to that level as well. This reissue includes three bonus tracks, the surprisingly worthwhile 1972 demos "Cadillac," "Thunderwing," and "Lady" that are formative glimpses at how wildly productive Marc Bolan was during this period of his career.

Although 1971's ELECTRIC WARRIOR was the first album on which all the pieces finally came together for Marc Bolan and T. Rex, the follow-up, THE SLIDER, was Bolan's crowning achievement. Bolan's characteristically inscrutable, hippy-dippy lyrics are perfectly balanced with crunchy glam-rock guitar riffs and great, whomping drum fills here, making THE SLIDER a masterpiece of glam boogie. The album spawned two of Bolan's biggest singles, "Metal Guru" and "Telegram Sam" (the latter might be the best song he ever wrote). The David Bowie tribute "Main Man," and the goofy rockabilly giggle "Baby Strange," as well as the more delicate title track, are all notable highlights. This reissue includes three bonus tracks, the surprisingly worthwhile 1972 demos "Cadillac," "Thunderwing," and "Lady" that are formative glimpses at how wildly productive Marc Bolan was during this period of his career.

Q (8/94, p.128) - 4 Stars - Excellent