Cardiacs: Every Album, Every Song

Tim Smith was the composer, guitarist, singer, and lyricist for the cult band Cardiacs. He created intricate and original music combining punk energy, prog complexity, ska rhythms, heavy metal drama, and more with an absurd and satirical lyrical stance. Eric Benac examines each Cardiac album and side projects, discussing the music and lyrics with original shots from Cardiacs fans.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 08 October 2021
Publisher: Sonicbond Publishing

When Tim Smith passed away in July 2020, he left behind a devoted fan base and an honorary doctorate in music. Not bad for someone who never had a top-ten hit and whose music was so notorious during its heyday that some magazines not only refused to review his work but also edited out praise from fellow musicians. But who was Tim Smith? He was the composer, guitarist, singer, and lyricist for cult band Cardiacs. Working from the 1970s to 2008, Smith and his rotating band of musicians created some of the most intricate and original music of all time. They combined punk energy, progressive complexity, ska rhythms, heavy metal drama, and much more with an absurd and satirical lyrical stance, while creating a confrontational on-stage image that inspired as many as it appalled. Eric Benac examines each Cardiac album (including the never-repressed, cassette-only albums) and side projects, such as the sublime prog-folk of Sea Nymphs, the warped psychedelics of Spartley's Japs, and the twisted Brit Pop of Tim's solo album. Each song is discussed both musically and lyrically, with a photo section containing original shots from Cardiacs fans.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 147 x 209 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789521313