🔘 One Inch Rock – Single: Aug. 1968

In the late summer of 1968, Tyrannosaurus Rex were developing their unique brand of acoustic, poetic folk-rock. Led by Marc Bolan’s whimsical lyrics and gentle guitar, the duo released “One Inch Rock” — a quirky, rhythmic track full of Bolan’s signature wordplay and mystical charm.

Released on August 23, 1968, the single appeared on Regal Zonophone under catalogue number RZ 3011. Backed with “Salamanda Palaganda,” this 7-inch release became the band’s only Top 30 hit during their acoustic era.

Label: Regal Zonophone

Catalogue Number: RZ 3011

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: August 23, 1968 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Regal Zonophone – RZ 3011 — 1968

A. One Inch Rock

B. Salamanda Palaganda

Written by: Marc Bolan (both tracks)

Produced by: Tony Visconti

Recorded: 1968

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released August 23, 1968

• Tyrannosaurus Rex’s only Top 30 single during their acoustic period

• Featured Bolan’s playful, rhythmic songwriting and poetic lyrics

• Chart debut: August 31, 1968

• Peaked at No. 28 on the BBC Chart

🔘 The Story

“One Inch Rock” was a charming, upbeat number with Bolan’s distinctive vocal style and clever, fantastical lyrics. It showcased the intimate, folk-psychedelic sound that defined Tyrannosaurus Rex before they transitioned into the electric glam sound of T. Rex.

The B-side “Salamanda Palaganda” continued the same whimsical, poetic approach. The single performed better than their previous releases, reaching No. 28 on the BBC Chart and giving the band their first significant chart success.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Regal Zonophone – RZ 3011 — UK — 1968

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Regal Zonophone – RZ 3011 — UK — 1968

• Issued in standard Regal Zonophone company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart (BBC Chart)

Entered the chart on August 31, 1968 and peaked at No. 28. It spent a total of 8 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 8

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “One Inch Rock” – quirky, rhythmic folk-rock track with playful lyrics and strong groove.

• B-side: “Salamanda Palaganda” – gentle, poetic acoustic number in the same style.

• Production: Tony Visconti – early collaboration with Bolan that would continue into the glam years.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Regal Zonophone company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released during Tyrannosaurus Rex’s acoustic folk period, just before the band’s transition to electric glam as T. Rex in 1970.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on Tyrannosaurus Rex rarities compilations and early T. Rex collections.

🔘 Related Material

• My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair... (1968 album)

• Prophets, Seers & Sages: The Angels of the Ages (1968)

• Deborah (1968)

• Ride a White Swan (1970)

🔘 Discography

Deborah – Single: 1968

One Inch Rock – Single: 1968

Ride a White Swan – Single: 1970

Hot Love – Single: 1971

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1968 — Recorded during the acoustic Tyrannosaurus Rex period

✦ August 23, 1968 — UK single released

✦ August 31, 1968 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ September 1968 — Peaks at No. 28

✦ Late 1968 — Completes 8-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

Before the glitter and electric boogie, Marc Bolan and Steve Peregrin Took cast a gentle spell with “One Inch Rock” in August 1968 — their only Top 30 hit in the acoustic era and a charming glimpse of the magic to come.

#ReleaseChronicle #TyrannosaurusRex #OneInchRock #1968 #RegalZonophone

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Regal Zonophone, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.

Tyrannosaurus Rex’s "One Inch Rock" backed with "Salamanda Palaganda", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Regal Zonophone (catalog number RZ 3011) on August 23, 1968, peaking at number 28 on the BBC Chart as the band’s only Top Thirty single.

PRESS REVIEWS:

“A group that’s becoming increasingly popular around the club circuit... Can’t make up my mind about this disc – it’s happy, light-hearted and thoroughly infectious, yet I wonder if it has enough substance and punch to meet today’s demands.

It has a deliberately dated sound, a toe-tapping bouncy shuffle beat, and vocal that’s sung largely in scat. All credit to Tyrannosaurus Rex for coming up with something that’s undemanding, good fun and blues chasing...”.

– Derek Johnson, NME

“We’re all pretty unanimous that this will be a big hit for the two lads. It’s a gently produced piece, with interesting sounds behind a very basic, catchy guitar phase running through the whole thing. Really it’s very commercial material, and a genuine effort to find something different. Should be a goodie for them.”

– Peter Jones, Record Mirror

“It has taken me much longer than all those hip people who have been digging them for ages to appreciate this group.

I now must admit I find their sound rather endearing, certainly very individual, and totally fascinating.

I’m glad they put a title on this ... I couldn’t understand a thing Marc Bolan was singing about. But there’s power in those vocal chords, by Jove! And they do get a very good sound.”

– Penny Valentine, Disc And Music Echo