CARDIACS

"Songs By Cardiacs and Affectionate Friends"

Released 2001 on Alphabet Business Concern
Reviewed by Greg Yeti, September 2002

(5 stars)
Why no one in America knows who The Cardiacs are & why Tim Smith isn't in 
the upper-echelon of popular underground consciousness is far beyond me. 
Ever since the late 70's The Cardiacs have been putting out some of the best 
and most original music out there, and mostly only people in the UK & Europe 
know anything about the project. This cd collects songs by The Cardiacs and 
side projects by some of the members, and the songs being on the mellow side 
tie all of it together. "…Affectionate Friends" is more for established fans than 
for first-time converts, as this side of their music is definitely not the whole 
of the project - get the Greatest Hits album instead. This album features a few 
songs released under the Cardiacs moniker but mostly it's loaded with side 
projects from people who have been members at one point or another over the 
two & ˝ decades of the band, and many include Cardiacs mainstay Tim Smith. 

The list includes Mikrokosmos, Spratleys Japs, William D. Drake, The Sea 
Nymphs, Tim Smith's Extra Special Oceanland World, Catherine In A Cupboard, 
Mark Cawthra, Jon Poole, and The Lake Of Puppies. The Lake Of Puppies song
is one of the most beautiful lullabies I have ever heard. Long-time keyboard 
player William D Drake heads the project and features vocals by Sharron 
Saddington that are as gorgeous as anything Liz from Cocteau Twins has EVER 
done. I just listened to the song approximately 6 times in a row and I am going to 
listen to it again right now. The Cardiacs are truly a shoe you have to wear for a 
while to feel comfortable in, but once you are in there you'll jog away. Their 
attention to minute detail in song construction is far beyond most musical ven-
tures. Fans of prog rock could say they sound like Genesis & Yes, fans of 
Radiohead could make a little connection between them (if only with the mel-
lower stuff like what is featured on this cd), fans of Zappa, Cocteau Twins & 
Dead Can Dance will sympathize and/or adore songs on this album, fans of 
Mr. Bungle will get it but think it isn't silly enough… The Cardiacs are the needle 
in the haystack, ladies & gentlemen, Radiohead should fucking bring these guys 
on tour with them so that people will finally pay attention!

(Org Records, www.cardiacs.com, www.organart.com) -GY