‘Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex’ Tribute Album Out 9/4, ft. U2, Elton John, Nick Cave, Joan Jett, Many More (Produced by Hal Willner)

On September 4, a very special, star-studded tribute album honoring Marc Bolan and T. Rex will be released via BMG.

Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex will present 26 songs recorded by Marc Bolan from 1968 to 1977, and the release of this record is timed to coincide with T. Rex’s (overdue) induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November.

Speaking to the legacy of Marc Bolan and T. Rex, this tribute record features a dizzying array of talent, including U2 teaming up with Elton John for “Bang a Gong,” Joan Jett tackling “Jeepster,” Father John Misty covering “Main Man” and many more.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds transformed “Cosmic Dancer” to a hushed piano ballad in that signature Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds way, and that can be streamed below as a preview of the record:

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.”

And here’s the track listing for Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex:

Disc One
1. “Children of the Revolution” – Kesha
2. “Cosmic Dancer” – Nick Cave
3. “Jeepster” – Joan Jett
4. “Scenescof” – Devendra Banhart
5. “Life’s a Gas” – Lucinda Williams
6. “Solid Gold, Easy Action” – Peaches
7. “Dawn Storm” – BØRNS
8. “Hippy Gumbo” – Beth Orton
9. “I Love to Boogie” – King Khan
10. “Beltane Walk” – Gaby Moreno
11. “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” – U2 feat. Elton John
12. “Diamond Meadows” – John Cameron Mitchell
13. “Ballrooms of Mars” – Emily Haines

Disc Two
1. “Main Man” – Father John Misty
2. “Rock On” – Perry Farrell
3. “The Street and Babe Shadow” – Elysian Fields
4. “The Leopards” – Gavin Friday
5. “Metal Guru” – Nena
6. “Teenage Dream” – Marc Almond
7. “Organ Blues” – Helga Davis
8. “Planet Queen” – Todd Rundgren
9. “Great Horse” – Jessie Harris
10. “Mambo Sun” – Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl
11. “Pilgrim’s Tale” – Victoria Williams with Julian Lennon
12. “Bang a Gong (Get It On) Reprise” – David Johansen
13. “She Was Born to Be My Unicorn / Ride A White Swan” – Maria McKee