Out Now: ‘Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex,’ Featuring an Eclectic Array of Tributes (Including U2 + Elton John on ‘Bang a Gong’)

Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex is a brand new tribute album paying homage to the late, great Marc Bolan and T. Rex, and the record was released on Friday. From top to bottom, the depth and variety of the participating artists who lent a hand to this project make it a must-listen for fans.

(Click here to purchase Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex from our Rock Cellar Store).

The tribute was previewed in recent weeks with a handful of tracks, including Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ take on “Jeepster”:

And Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ “Cosmic Dancer,” given the full, expected Nick Cave makeover:

One of the most noteworthy songs on the collection is “Bang a Gong (Get It On),” a collaboration between U2 and Sir Elton John. That particular track isn’t available for streaming on its own, though it’s included if you purchase the record.

Elton collaborated with @U2 on an interpretation of 'Bang a Gong (Get It On)' for the new album 'Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex'. It's out now on CD, Vinyl and Digital: https://t.co/qQX6jrgqrY pic.twitter.com/BZJCcdMTfZ

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 4, 2020

There’s also a second version of that classic T. Rex song, a reprise from David Johansen of the New York Dolls:

Other notable covers include Todd Rundgren‘s “Planet Queen”:

Lucinda Williams with “Life’s a Gas”:

Perry Farrell with “Rock On”:

“Main Man” from Father John Misty:

Julian Lennon + Victoria Williams “Pilgrim’s Tale”:

Sean Ono Lennon + Charlotte Kemp Muhl “Mambo Sun”:

And many more.

This project was produced by Hal Willner, the acclaimed producer and music figure known for his work on Saturday Night Live. Willner passed away in early April due to complications from COVID-19, so this album serves as a tribute to him as well.

Via Rolling Stone:

“Hal had a unique vision of Marc Bolan’s music, and working on Angelheaded Hipster brought him great joy,” Rachel Fox, the comp’s supervising producer, said in a statement. “Speaking for those closest to him, we will forever be heartbroken at the untimely loss of our beloved friend and irreplaceable creative engine. Hal, who referred to Angelheaded Hipster as his ‘White Album,’ was eager for everyone to hear these beautiful songs and to start thinking about Bolan and T. Rex again. This album is a testament to Hal’s spirit.”

Stream the compilation below, via Spotify: