Tyrannosaurus Rex (1968) – Chateau In Virginia Waters Single UK: Acetate
This rare single-sided EMIDISC acetate preserves an unreleased Marc Bolan recording from the period immediately preceding the formation of Tyrannosaurus Rex. Produced by Joe Boyd and recorded at Sound Techniques Studio in Chelsea, London, the acetate survives as an important artefact from Bolan's transitional late-1960s period. The surviving disc is particularly noteworthy because the label contains handwritten annotations and illustrations created by Marc Bolan himself.
A unique glimpse into Bolan's creative process and reveal evidence of an earlier working title for the song.
The recording was made at Sound Techniques Studio, Chelsea, London.
Production was handled by Joe Boyd.
The surviving acetate is a single-sided EMIDISC recording blank dating from circa 1968.
The handwritten label identifies the track as "Chateau In Virginia Waters", while also preserving evidence of an earlier title.
STYLE & THEMES
The recording belongs to the fertile creative period that would shortly lead to the emergence of Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The surviving acetate suggests Bolan was continuing to experiment with lyrical imagery and song concepts while refining the distinctive style that would soon become a central feature of his work.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
SIDE ONE
• Chateau In Virginia Waters – A rare acetate recording whose label preserves evidence of an earlier working title and features original artwork drawn by Marc Bolan.
RELEASE HISTORY
The recording survives as a single-sided EMIDISC acetate believed to date from circa 1968.
The acetate appears to have been created as a studio reference disc rather than as a commercial product.
PERSONNEL
Marc Bolan — vocals, songwriter, label illustrations
Joe Boyd — producer
PRODUCTION
Producer: Joe Boyd
Studio: Sound Techniques Studio
Location: Chelsea, London
Format: Single-Sided EMIDISC Acetate
Recording Date: Circa 1968
NOTES
• Recorded at Sound Techniques Studio, Chelsea, London.
• Produced by Joe Boyd.
• Survives as a single-sided EMIDISC acetate.
• Dates from circa 1968.
• The illustrations visible on the label were drawn by Marc Bolan.
• The label provides evidence that the original title may have been "Virginia Water".
• The title was subsequently altered to "Chateau In Virginia Waters".
• The supplied source notes that the original title was not written by Marc.
• The handwritten annotations provide a rare insight into the song's development prior to any commercial release.
• The acetate remains an important document from Bolan's pre-Tyrannosaurus Rex recording period.
RELATED RELEASES
• Early Joe Boyd Sessions
• Tyrannosaurus Rex Pre-Album Recordings
• Marc Bolan Acetates
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Country | Label | Catalogue Number | Format | Notes |
UK | EMIDISC | Unknown | Single-Sided Acetate | Chateau In Virginia Waters |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue Number | Tracklisting |
Single-Sided EMIDISC Acetate | Unknown | Side One • Chateau In Virginia Waters |
SPECIAL PRESSINGS & VARIANTS
Variant | Notes |
Single-Sided EMIDISC Acetate | Features original Marc Bolan illustrations |
Working Title Variant | Label shows evidence of the earlier title "Virginia Water" |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, RockfilesUK.
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This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.
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