The Slider Songs Ranked
The Slider is a 1972 album by Marc Bolan’s band T. Rex, the seventh since their debut as Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1968, and the third under the name T. Rex. It was released on 21 July by record labels EMI and Reprise. Two singles, “Telegram Sam” and “Metal Guru”, were released to promote the album. The Slider received acclaim from critics, and reached number 4 in the UK charts and number 17 in the US. The iconic grainy image of the cover is in no small part a result of how the film was actually processed. The film from the Born to Boogie shoot was couriered to Robert Horner Photography in Kensington. The task of processing the film fell to a young darkroom technician who, encouraged by his love of T.Rex, stayed on to develop the four rolls of black and white 35mm film. Anxious to see if they really were of T.Rex, the developing chemical, Kodak D76, was heated to a far higher than recommended temperature, shortening the processing time. However, the stop bath chemical, used to prevent the film from developing further prior to fixation, remained at the lower regular temperature. This action resulted in some reticulation of the film emulsion adding a subtle but rather interesting effect to this cover image. Here are all of The Slider songs ranked.
Don’t miss out on TIMELESS T-Trex albums below! Click to experience one of the UK’s best bands!
8. Main Man
“.There are then some above average ( for this type of thing) acoustic versions of some songs, the best of which by far is ” Main Man” with mostly different lyrics, including a nod to Elton John. “
7. Ballrooms of Mars
“The biggest standout on this album is the beautiful “Ballrooms of Mars” which many consider to be Bolan’s finest moment. A hard rock ballad that completely encapsulates youth, glamour and rock and roll, paying homage to Bolan’s heroes, Dylan and Alan Freed. It’s perfect.”
6. Rabbit Fighter
“Sonically speaking, “Rabbit Fighter” just may be his finest moment, taming the current with a series of synapse-blowing runs and a solo that’s truly diabolical in its unrestraint.”
See more: T-Rex Albums Ranked
5. Buick Mackane
“Make no mistake about it, Electric Warrior is the best place to start if you’re new to T Rex but if you’re feeling inspired this isn’t a bad place either. When I bought Electric Warrior I was instantly drawn into the heavy rocking sound and the incredible voice of Marc Bolan”
4. Baby Boomerang
“I’ve always loved “Baby Boomerang” – it was used as a B-side for the infectious “I Love To Boogie” in June 1976 – and its words oozed that Bolan confidence (lyrics from it title this review).”
3. Rock On
“You know, one thing about T-Rex that always interested me was the way the singer tends to sing meaningful vocals in a way that almost sounds like a mix between slow dance music from the early 60’s with some kind of emotionally spiritual and dreaminess to the vocals.”
2. Metal Guru
“Metal Guru” opens the disc with an exhilirating wail of joy and power. It’s anthemic vibe never lets up. Flo and Eddie of The Turtles showcase their harmonies on this track and throughout the disc. They were so essential to this work’s sound as is the production of Tony Visconti.”
1. Mystic Lady
“Mystic Lady” is next and Bolan whispers a love song that no doubt melted many young girl’s hearts at the time. How many of those young women identified with these lyrics: “The people in your life are cruel,keep on riding that hard road, the lovers in you life are few, keep on riding that hard road.” Desperation and love within young females Bolan understood.?