The Spangle Maker

The Spangle Maker
EP by
Cocteau Twins
Released2 April 1984
StudioPalladium Studios, Edinburgh and Rooster Studios, London
Genre
Length18:30
Label4AD
ProducerCocteau Twins
Cocteau Twins chronology
Sunburst and Snowblind
(1983) 		The Spangle Maker
(1984) 		Treasure
(1984)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
Spin Alternative Record Guide7/10[2]

The Spangle Maker is an EP by Scottish band Cocteau Twins, released on 4AD in April 1984. It was the first recording to be issued after bassist Simon Raymonde joined the band. The EP featured two versions of "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops", and two B-sides. All three songs appeared in the band's live set.[3]

"The Spangle Maker" and "Pepper-Tree" were recorded at the Palladium Studios in Edinburgh and mixed at Rooster in West London. "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops" was recorded at Rooster.

The sleeve notes credit the cover image to photographer Gertrude Käsebier.

Reception

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Ned Raggett of The Guardian wrote that "The Spangle Maker" had "a minimal, tense arrangement that suddenly exploded into a concluding, crashing swoon" and described "Pepper-Tree" as one of the band's "gentlest tracks to date, a serene and exquisite lope that could only be described as sunlight through curtains." He also remarked that "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops" sounded like an anthem, featuring "Guthrie’s trademark sound of heavily reverbed guitars that might as well have been bells, that might as well have been keyboards," a slow pace, strong beats and Fraser's "soaring" vocals.[4]

Track listing

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All songs written by Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie and Simon Raymonde.

12": 4AD / BAD 405 (UK)

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  1. "The Spangle Maker" – 4:40
  2. "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops" – 5:13
  3. "Pepper-Tree" – 3:57

7": 4AD / AD 405 (UK)

[edit]
  1. "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops" (7-inch version) – 4:11
  2. "Pepper-Tree" – 3:57

CD: 4AD / BAD 405 CD (UK)

[edit]
  1. "The Spangle Maker" – 4:40
  2. "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops" (12-inch version) – 5:13
  3. "Pepper-Tree" – 3:57
  4. "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops" (7-inch version) – 4:11
  • CD version released in 1991

Personnel

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Additional personnel

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  • John Madden – recording engineer ("Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops"), mixing engineer
  • Jon Turner – recording engineer ("The Spangle Maker", "Pepper-Tree")

References

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  1. ^ AllMusic review
  2. ^ Hannaham, James (1995). "Cocteau Twins". In Weisbard, Eric; Marks, Craig (eds.). Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. pp. 86–88. ISBN 0-679-75574-8.
  3. ^ "The Spangle Maker" discography page from official Cocteau Twins website
  4. ^ Raggett, Ned (24 February 2016). "Cocteau Twins – 10 of the best". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
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