T. Rex – Dandy in the Underworld (2020 Reissue on 180g Clear Vinyl)

Released on 11 March 1977, Dandy in the Underworld is the eighth and final studio album by T. Rex (their twelfth since their debut as Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1968). It reached No. 26 in the UK charts, the band’s highest-charting album since 1974’s Zinc Alloy. The leading single I Love to Boogie had been a hit single in the UK the previous year, peaking at No. 13 in the singles chart.

Dandy in the Underworld was regarded by critics as a comeback for the band. It was praised for the strength of the songwriting and Bolan’s vocal performances. However, it would prove to be the band’s final album, as Marc Bolan died in a car crash in September 1977 at age 29.

Dandy in the Underworld gathered the most consistently positive reviews for any T. Rex album in five years. Having fallen from critical and commercial favour, the band had endured some fiercely hostile press, but NME, which had been amongst the most negative, noted of the album: ‘very listenable, well arranged [and] immaculately played.’

In a positive retrospective review, AllMusic stated that the album contained ‘packed solid with powerful pop’. The reviewer noted the ‘revitalized energy’ and claimed it was ‘the greatest record’ Bolan had released in years. Pitchfork praised the album saying, that it ‘finds a reinvigorated Bolan crafting some of his best hooks and calibrating his catchiest grooves in years’.

Track Listing

Side One

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

Side Two

1. Jason B. Sad
2. Groove a Little
3. The Soul of My Suit
4. Hang Ups
5. Pain and Love
6. Teen Riot Structure