Big Carrot (August 10, 1973) “Blackjack” / “Squint Eye Mangle” – Single 7" UK

A groovy, semi-instrumental glam-rock excursion, “Blackjack” was released under the name Big Carrot — in reality Marc Bolan’s T. Rex backing band — and stands as a fascinating side project from the peak of T.Rextasy.

Cover art taken from the UK release of T. Rex's "The 7" Singles Box Set," produced by Edsel and released on March 16, 2015.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Big Carrot

Label: EMI / T. Rex Wax Co.

Date: August 10, 1973

Catalogue: EMI 2042 F

ormat: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: UK

Genre: Glam Rock

Style: Glam, Funk Rock

A-Side: “Blackjack”

Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Marc Bolan

B-Side: “Squint Eye Mangle”

Written by: Marc Bolan

Produced by: Marc Bolan

Cover art taken from the UK release of T. Rex's "The 7" Singles Box Set," produced by Edsel and released on March 16, 2015.

TRACK LIST UK 7" Commercial Single (EMI 2042)

A. Blackjack

B. Squint Eye Mangle

LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS

Main Commercial – EMI 2042 (Stereo) Promo copies exist

PERSONNEL

• Stephanie Spruill — vocals

• Gloria Jones — vocals

• Marc Bolan — guitar, production

• Mickey Finn — percussion

• Steve Currie — bass

• Bill Legend — drums

  
  

Vinyl record of "Blackjack" by Big Carrot, released on 10 August 1973 under EMI label, UK (Catalogue: EMI 2047), written and composed by Marc Bolan.

THE STORY

Released on August 10, 1973 on EMI (catalogue EMI 2042), “Blackjack” / “Squint Eye Mangle” was a side project featuring Marc Bolan’s T. Rex backing band under the pseudonym Big Carrot. Bolan wrote, produced, and played guitar on both semi-instrumental tracks, which were recorded in Los Angeles during his American tour. He met the two American vocalists (Stephanie Spruill and Gloria Jones) while appearing on the US TV show In Concert. The A-side was written earlier that year while Bolan was on holiday in Barbados.

Vinyl record of "Squint Eye Mangle" by Big Carrot, released on 10 August 1973 under EMI label, UK (Catalogue: EMI 2047), written and composed by Marc Bolan.

CONTEXT & NOTES

This release highlighted Bolan’s experimental side with groovy, riff-driven tracks that emphasised atmosphere and groove over traditional vocals. NME noted the playful advertising campaign featuring a woman and a carrot. Depending on its success, further Big Carrot releases were planned, though the project remained limited. It is a sought-after collectible among T. Rex fans.

International Issues Limited international distribution at the time.

RELATED MATERIAL

T. Rex (1973) The Groover (Single)

T. Rex (1973) Truck On (Tyke) (Single)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES 

Discogs, 45cat, 45worlds, Official Charts, Wikipedia, New Musical Express (August 25, 1973)

All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.