Ignite the Seven Cannons

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Ignite the Seven Cannons and Set Sail for the Sun (shortened to Ignite the Seven Cannons) is the fourth album by English alternative rock band Felt, released in 1985. The album marks the debut of Martin Duffy on keyboards and the last to feature founding guitarist Maurice Deebank, thus making it the only Felt album to feature both members.

The album was produced by Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins. His bandmate Elizabeth Fraser features prominently as backing vocalist on "Primitive Painters" which became Felt's most successful single, reaching the top of the UK independent singles chart. Tracks 6, 8, 9 and 11 are instrumental.

The 2018 remastered version for A Decade In Music box-set featured six remixed songs, while the tracks on Side Two of the original vinyl release were "focused, edited and 'made symmetrical'" resulting in the loss of "Serpent Shade". Lawrence said "I got a chance to re-mix the vocals on fourth album 'Ignite The Seven Cannons'. I was never happy with the mix that was done by Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins. He kind of ruined some of my best songs, which I’m sure he’d agree with now he’s a lot more experienced!"

Track listing

All songs written by Lawrence and Maurice Deebank, except where noted. Track 8 was retitled "Elegance" on some reissues.

1. "My Darkest Light Will Shine" – 2:56
2. "The Day the Rain Came Down" – 2:31
3. "Scarlet Servants" – 3:39
4. "I Don't Know Which Way to Turn" – 2:47
5. "Primitive Painters" – 6:02
6. "Textile Ranch" – 2:58
7. "Black Ship in the Harbour" – 2:59
8. "Elegance of an Only Dream" (Deebank) – 5:18
9. "Serpent Shade" (Lawrence) – 2:09
10. "Caspian See" – 2:03
11. "Southern State Tapestry" – 3:10

Track listing (2018 A Decade In Music version)

1. "My Darkest Light Will Shine" (remixed)
2. "The Day The Rain Came Down" (remixed)
3. "Scarlet Servants" (remixed)
4. "I Don’t Know Which Way To Turn" (remixed)
5. "Primitive Painters"
6. "Textile Ranch "
7. "Black Ship In The Harbour" (remixed)
8. "Elegance In D"
9. "Caspian See" (remixed)
10. "Southern State Tapestry"

Personnel

Felt

• Lawrence – guitar, vocals
• Maurice Deebank – lead guitar
• Marco Thomas – bass guitar
• Martin Duffy – keyboards, backing vocals (tracks 2, 7, and 10)
• Gary Ainge – drums

Additional personnel

• Elizabeth Fraser – backing vocals (tracks 2 and 5)
• Robin Guthrie – production