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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
T. Rex at their peak, November 11, 2005
T. Rex and Marc Bolan had the U.K. wrapped around their fingers from 1971 to 1973 as "Trextasy" was at its height. In 1971 the band released the seminal "Electric Warrior", which launched the band into stardom. Surprisingly, they raised the bar (and then some) once more with "The Slider".
Featuring two U.K. number one hit singles, -- the effervescent "Metal Guru" and the bluesy pop of "Telegram Sam -- "The Slider" is the band's best produced album and arguably the most accessible. The strings give the songs -- with their rough glam guitar -- more ground and a more lush setting, that pairs nicely with Bolan's earthly poetic lyrics. The title track is an esspecially great groove-filled song with an odd use of vocals as an instrument (other than singing).
The rough glam tracks like "Buick Mackane", "Chariot Choogle", and "Baby Boomerang" work well with slower ballads like "Main Man", "Mystic Lady", and the simplistic acoustic sound of "Spaceball Ricochet". The lyrical content still uses the same whimsical storytelling from his previous work, which is certainly a good thing. And the background vocals are used much in the same way as on "Electric Warrior", sometimes gratuitously, but usually effectively.
The remastering is done excellently, very much like the other re-releases done for the T. Rex catalogue. The crafty production of Tony Visconti (who was at his best at the time) and the mixing highlights the skill of Mickey Finn and Bolan's playing nicely. The bonus disc is a good treat as well, giving an alternative take of each track on the album, which are usually demos or acoustic sessions.
This album helps prove that Marc Bolan was one of the truly great prolific songwriters of his day, despite his steady decline in the mid-70's and his eventual tragic death. Thankfully, the songs still hold up today, showing the strength of his words and music.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Many thanks to RHINO, February 2, 2006
I was in my early teens and The Slider was one of the first, if not the first, record I purchased. T Rex was my first concert I attended also - happened to be on my 14th Birthday. So will be bias in my review. But received the double CD in the mail yesterday, and enjoyed opening this CD immensely. Rhino has packaged the CD beautifully, including a nice booklet. I have listened to The Slider CD, and part way through the alternative mix CD, and the sound quality seems excellent. It is more than appreciated that a record company would take so much care and I suggest that any T Rex fan, young or old in years, or long term or a more recent devotee, should buy this CD. Electric Warrior may be my favourite T Rex album, but The Slider has many outstanding songs, including the title track, Ballrooms of Mars and Main Man, hit singles in Metal Guru and Telegram Sam, and the odd rocker in Buick Mackane. Although a pioneer in Glam Rock, I think both Electric Warrior and The Slider show Marc Bolan and T Rex had substance.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the most underated album's of all time, November 5, 2006
for some reason, Marc Bolan never has recieved the fame in current day United States that he should of. This album is a classic and one of my all-time favorites. the first time i heard it, it was so overwhelmingly good i didnt know how to handle it. now, every time i hear it, it gets better and better. if you are interested in listening to T. Rex, go for 'Electric Warrior' first, then this 'The Slider.'
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~ Bolan & T Rex, Marc
~ Bolan & T Rex, Marc
~ Bolan & T Rex, Marc
~ Bolan & T Rex, Marc
~ Bolan & T Rex, Marc
See all 15 tracks on this disc
by T. Rex 
