Review: T. Rex

Review: T. Rex

T. Rex "The Slider": Aidin Vaziri | It seems like the classic T. Rex albums are passed off every few years to another label for a reissue. With Rhino, they've finally fallen into the right hands. Out of the latest batch -- which also includes expanded versions of 1974's blunted "Zinc Alloy," 1977's slick "Dandy in the Underworld" and an incomplete singles compilation (what, no "Bang a Gong"?) -- this deluxe edition of 1972's "The Slider" is the one to grab. The bounty of rare and unreleased music that pads out the original album is a thrill. As well as acoustic demos and bonus cuts, a second disc includes an entire alternate version of the seminal glam-rock album, with the hits "Metal Guru" and "Telegram Sam." Of course, the raucous, aspirational original is all anyone really needs. Just ask Devendra Banhart, Billy Corgan, Noel Gallagher, Morrissey or any other musician who has been using it as a handbook since day one.