Released 5 August 1967 Length 4:26 | Recorded March - April 1967 | |
Published Magdalene Music/Essex Music Genre Psychedelic rock, jazz fusion, instrumental rock, space rock, acid rock Label EMI Columbia (UK)
Tower (US) | ||
"Pow R. Toc H." is an instrumental, with vocal effects, by Pink Floyd on their 1967 album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. In addition to the vocal effects, the piano is a prominent instrument in the piece.
Contents
Background
Toc H. was the army signallers' code for "TH," representing Talbot House, a club where officers and enlisted men were equals. It later became an interdenominational Christian fellowship organization serving the community.
According to Nick Mason, the original four members of Pink Floyd (Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Mason) were present at Abbey Road Studios and watched the Beatles record "Lovely Rita" from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Voice effects and noises similar to those used in "Lovely Rita" could be heard in "Pow R. Toc H.," recorded next door during the same period.
In the song, Syd Barrett displays an early example of beatboxing. Roger Waters also uses the "scream" he would later use in "Careful With That Axe, Eugene."
Alternative and live versions
"Pow R. Toc H." was renamed "The Pink Jungle" in the "Journey" part of The Man and The Journey. Pink Floyd performed the song live from 1967-69.