Marc Bolan (August 17 1973) – “Big Carrot – Blackjack / Squint Eye Mangle” Single Review – The Runcorn Guardian

This Runcorn Guardian review from August 1973 briefly assesses Marc Bolan’s project Big Carrot and its single Blackjack / Squint Eye Mangle. The piece highlights Bolan’s shift in focus, praising his guitar work while noting the prominence of his female backing singers.

Publication: The Runcorn Guardian   Date: August 17 1973 Country: United Kingdom

The review opens by noting that Bolan “leaves the spotlight to his girl back‑up singers,” allowing them to “warble the seductive lyrics” while he concentrates on “some mighty fine guitar.”

The writer suggests that Bolan’s decision to step back from the vocal forefront gives the track a distinctive character, emphasizing the interplay between his musicianship and the female harmonies.

The commentary closes with a reflection on the broader music scene: “Girl groups seem to have a hard time making it in England. This could well soon change.” This observation situates Big Carrot within a moment of transition, hinting at Bolan’s interest in expanding his sound and supporting female performers in a male‑dominated industry.

CONTEXT AND NOTES  

Big Carrot was a short‑lived side project led by Marc Bolan in 1973, created to explore funk and soul influences outside the main T. Rex framework.

The single Blackjack / Squint Eye Mangle was released on EMI 2047 and featured Bolan’s characteristic guitar style alongside female backing vocals.

This review captures the curiosity surrounding Bolan’s experimentation during the post‑Tanx period, when he was diversifying his sound and image beyond glam‑rock conventions.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS   Event: Release of Big Carrot – Blackjack / Squint Eye Mangle single Era: 1973 – Post‑Tanx / Funk‑Influenced Phase Tone: Brief, observational, and mildly optimistic

Photography: None included; text‑only review

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Review of Marc Bolan’s Big Carrot single

• Focus on female backing singers and Bolan’s guitar work

• Commentary on the prospects of girl groups in England

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