Tyrannosaurus Rex (August 23, 1968) “One Inch Rock” / “Salamanda Palaganda” – Single 7" UK

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. Backed with “Salamanda Palaganda,” this Regal Zonophone 7" single became the band’s only Top 30 hit during their acoustic era, giving them their first significant chart success.

RELEASE DETAILS

• Artist: Tyrannosaurus Rex

• Label: Regal Zonophone

• Date: August 23, 1968

• Catalogue: RZ 3011

• Format: 7" Vinyl Single

• Country: UK

• A-Side: “One Inch Rock”

• B-Side: “Salamanda Palaganda”

  • Written by: Marc Bolan

  • Produced by: Tony Visconti

    
    

UK 7" Commercial Single (RZ 3011)

A. One Inch Rock

B. Salamanda Palaganda

Note: Issued in a dark company sleeve featuring four small square ads for other Regal Zonophone releases.

UK Variants

• 4-prong push-out centre

• Solid centre

PERSONNEL

• Marc Bolan — vocals, guitar

• Steve Peregrin Took — bongos, vocals

• Tony Visconti — producer

Chart Performance (UK OCC):

• Entered: August 31, 1968

• Peak: 28

• Weeks on chart: 8

The single showcases Tyrannosaurus Rex’s charming, upbeat folk-psych sound with playful lyrics and rhythmic acoustic delivery.

B-Sides The UK 7" carried one non-album B-side.

“Salamanda Palaganda”

• Poetic acoustic track

• Features Bolan’s signature whimsical and mystical wordplay

THE STORY 

“One Inch Rock” / “Salamanda Palaganda” was released on August 23, 1968 during Tyrannosaurus Rex’s early acoustic phase. Produced by Tony Visconti, the single highlighted Marc Bolan’s unique poetic style and became the duo’s highest-charting release of their folk era, peaking at No.28. It helped build their cult following and served as an important step before the band’s evolution into the electric glam sound of T. Rex.

Related Material

• Deborah (Single) UK RZ 3008 April 1968

• My People Were Fair And Had Sky In Their Hair… But Now They’re Content To Wear Stars On Their Brows (Album) UK July 1968

SOURCES 

Discogs,

45cat,

Official Charts,

Wikipedia

This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. All rights to the music, artwork, and trademarks belong to their respective copyright holders.