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Cardiacs discography
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| Cardiacs discography | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Cardiacs performing in Amsterdam in 1987 | |
| Studio albums | 6 |
| Demo albums | 3 |
| Live albums | 4 |
| Compilation albums | 5 |
| Video albums | 3 |
| EPs and singles | 19 |
The English rock band Cardiacs have released six studio albums along with a number of extened plays, singles, compilations, live albums and demos. The group was formed by brothers Tim and Jim Smith in 1977 under the name Cardiac Arrest, releasing their debut single "A Bus for a Bus on the Bus" in 1979 and the demo album The Obvious Identity the following year.[1] After being renamed to Cardiacs, the band released two more cassettes, Toy World (1981) and The Seaside (1984).[2][3]
1987's Big Ship EP acted as Cardiacs' first proper recording,[4] released on their independent label The Alphabet Business Concern on which they would release all future albums.[5] Their debut studio album proper, A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window (1988) found commercial success with its single, "Is This the Life?" which peaked at number 80 the UK Singles Chart.[6] The band's second studio album, On Land and in the Sea (1989), released to weak sales in comparison to its predecessor, but was critically praised.[7][8]
Cardiacs' third studio album, Heaven Born and Ever Bright, was released on 15 May 1992. Due to Rough Trade's bankruptcy, the album was a commercial failure. Sing to God, the band's fourth studio album, was released on 11 June 1996. It was initially poorly received,[9] but has since been remembered as one of their greatest projects.[10]
Guns (1999) was released as the band's fifth studio album which produced the single "Signs". Preceded by the release of "Ditzy Scene", the band's sixth studio album LSD remained unreleased until 2025. 2020 saw the official release of the song "Vermin Mangle" to mark the funeral of Tim Smith.[11]
Albums
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Notes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Update [12] |
UK Sales [12] |
UK Downloads [12] |
UK Physical [12] |
UK Vinyl [12] |
UK Record Store [12] |
UK Independent [12] |
UK Independent Breakers [12] |
SCO [12] | ||||
| A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| ||
| On Land and in the Sea |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | 17 | — | ||
| Heaven Born and Ever Bright |
|
— | 65 | — | 60 | 38 | 10 | 14 | 6 | — |
| |
| Sing to God |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Guns |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| LSD | 83 | 22 | 8 | 36 | — | 20 | 7 | 2 | 81 | |||
| "—" denotes a recording that has not charted. | ||||||||||||
Demo albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Obvious Identity (as Cardiac Arrest) |
|
|
| Toy World |
|
|
| The Seaside |
|
|
Live albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rude Bootleg |
|
|
| Cardiacs Live |
|
|
| All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest |
|
|
| The Special Garage Concerts |
|
|
Compilation albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archive Cardiacs |
|
|
| Songs for Ships and Irons |
|
|
| Sampler |
|
|
| Cardiacs and Affectionate Friends (with various artists) |
|
|
| Greatest Hits |
|
|
Video albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seaside Treats |
|
|
| All That Glitters Is a Maresnest |
|
|
| Some Fairytales From the Rotten Shed |
|
EPs and singles
[edit]| Title | Release details | Peak chart positions | Album | Notes | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [12] |
UK Sales [12] |
UK Downloads [12] | ||||||||||
| Cardiac Arrest E.P. (or the "A Bus for a Bus on the Bus" single, as Cardiac Arrest) |
|
— | — | — | None | |||||||
| Seaside Treats |
|
— | — | — | The Seaside |
| ||||||
| Big Ship |
|
— | — | — | None originally; later included on Songs for Ships and Irons | |||||||
| "There's Too Many Irons in the Fire" / "All Spectacular" |
|
— | — | — | None originally; later included on Songs for Ships and Irons | |||||||
| Radio 1 Sessions / The Evening Show |
|
— | — | — | None |
| ||||||
| "Is This the Life" |
|
80 | — | — | A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window | |||||||
| "Susannah's Still Alive" |
|
— | — | — | None; B-sides included on Songs for Ships and Irons |
| ||||||
| "Baby Heart Dirt" |
|
— | — | — | On Land and in the Sea |
| ||||||
| "Day Is Gone" |
|
— | — | — | Heaven Born and Ever Bright | |||||||
| "Bellyeye" |
|
— | — | — | Sing to God | |||||||
| "Manhoo" |
|
— | — | — | Sing to God | |||||||
| "Odd Even" |
|
— | — | — | Sing to God | |||||||
| Cardiacs Meet Camp Blackfoot (or the "Sleep All Eyes Open" single) |
|
— | — | — | Guns | |||||||
| "Signs" |
|
— | — | — | Guns |
| ||||||
| "Ditzy Scene" |
|
— | — | — | LSD (tracks reworked) | |||||||
| "Vermin Mangle" |
|
— | — | — | None | |||||||
| Cardiacs E.P. |
|
— | 71 | 67 | None |
| ||||||
| "Woodeneye" |
|
— | 56 | 54 | LSD | |||||||
| "Downup" |
|
— | — | — | LSD | |||||||
| "Volob" |
|
— | — | — | LSD | |||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that has not charted. | ||||||||||||
References
[edit]- ^ Alvin, Mark (22 July 2020). "Tim Smith, the Cardiacs frontman, dies at 59". Music Times. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
- ^ Kitching, Sean (24 July 2020). "Remembering Tim Smith Of Cardiacs". The Quietus. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ a b Kitching, Sean (3 July 2013). "A Little Man & A House & The Whole World Window By Cardiacs Revisited". The Quietus. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Lawson, Dom (2 March 2021). "Cardiacs' best albums - a buyers guide". Louder. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ Ewing, Jerry (22 July 2020). "Cardiacs singer Tim Smith dead at 59". Prog. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
- ^ Cashmore, Pete (2 June 2015). "Cult heroes: Tim Smith led the Cardiacs in the face of hatred – and much love". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ "Cardiacs News » Album Reviews - ON LAND AND IN THE SEA". Cardiacs.com. Archived from the original on 18 November 2007. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
- ^ Unsworth, Cathi (22 April 1989). "Cardiacs 'On Land and in the Sea'". Sounds.
- ^ "Dancing About Architechture [sic]: the PIEmag * C A R D I A C S * - interview". TheCorroseum.org. 1996. Archived from the original on 14 August 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
- ^ Kitching, Sean (4 July 2014). "Reviews: Cardiacs: Sing To God (Reissue)". The Quietus. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
- ^ Richards, Sam (2 September 2020). "Hear a previously unreleased Cardiacs song, "Vermin Mangle"". Uncut. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "CARDIACS | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ^ A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window (1995 reissue) (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1995. ALPH CD007.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window: CD". The Consultant's Memorabilia Collection. Shopify. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ On Land and in the Sea (LP liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1989. ALPH LP012.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Scott, Danny (April 1992). "Cardiacs - Heaven Born and Ever Bright". Select. p. 65. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1995 reissue) (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1995. ALPH 017.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Sing to God - Parts One and Two (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1996. ALPH CD023 / ALPH CD024.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Bland, Benjamin (10 July 2014). "Album Review: Cardiacs - Sing to God (reissue)". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 1 October 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
- ^ a b c Benjamin, Stuart (12 July 2015). "Echoes of the Past: Cardiacs – Guns". Echoes and Dust. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
- ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (22 July 2020). "Tim Smith, frontman of cult band Cardiacs, dies aged 59". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ Smith, Tim (1 July 2007). "Cardiacs Official Website » Your Vexed Questions October 2005". Archived from the original on 1 July 2007. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
"Silvery" is a song that we started recording with a whole bunch of others in about 1999–2000. Things got broken and we couldn't finish the album. [...] But, we might put it out one day as it was left. All broken and unfinished.
- ^ "LSD - Album by Cardiacs". The Alphabet Business Concern. Retrieved 31 July 2025 – via Apple Music.
- ^ Mr. Spencer (20 April 2011). "The Cardiacs - an epic overview by Mr. Spencer with help from Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Captain Sensible". Louder Than War. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ a b Reed, Nick (20 May 2014). "Once In A Lifetime: On Land And In The Sea By Cardiacs Revisited". The Quietus. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
their Greatest Hits package included the excellent 'Faster Than Snakes With A Ball And Chain', and in 2007 a 3-song EP called Ditzy Scene appeared, teasing an upcoming double album that was to be called LSD.
- ^ a b c d "CARDIACS: History". Pete's Cardiacs Site. July 1999. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
- ^ The Seaside (1990 reissue) (album liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1990. ALPH 013.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Kitching, Sean (3 November 2015). "Cardiacs". The Quietus. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
- ^ Briandroid (3 November 2017). "Rude Bootleg – Cardiacs Live, Reading Festival 1986". Backseat Mafia. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ^ a b Cardiacs Live (album liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1988. ALPH LP010.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1995. ALPH CD018.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ All That Glitters Is a Maresnest (VHS liner notes). Cardiacs. Fotodisk. 1990. LFV 116.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ The Special Garage Concerts (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 2005. ALPH DCD031.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "The Special Garage Concerts Vol I − Cardiacs". iTunes Store (Apple). Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ "The Special Garage Concerts Vol II − Cardiacs". iTunes Store (Apple). Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ Lawson, Dom (11 August 2014). "Kavus Torabi's Guide To Cardiacs". Prog. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ Archive Cardiacs (1995 reissue) (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1995. ALPH CD000.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Archive Cardiacs: LP". The Consultant's Memorabilia Collection. Shopify. 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ Sampler (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1995. ALPH CD019.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Sgrignoli, Marco (20 July 2022). "Cardiacs - biografia, recensioni, streaming, discografia, foto". Ondarock (in Italian). Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Seaside Treats (1984)". Trakt. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ All That Glitters Is a Maresnest (DVD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 2013. ALPH DVD 001.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Hamnett, Alun (8 November 2017). "Some Fairytales From The Rotten Shed". Record Collector. Archived from the original on 2 September 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
- ^ Worral, Sean (7 September 2017). "ORGAN PREVIEW: Cardiacs, Some Fairytales From The Rotten Shed, rejoice for a new release is upon us…". Organ. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
- ^ Songs for Ships and Irons (Album liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1991. ALPH 014.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "There's Too Many Irons in the Fire" / "All Spectacular" (Vinyl liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1987. ALPH 006.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Radio 1 Sessions / The Evening Show (Vinyl liner notes). Cardiacs. Strange Fruit Records. 1988. AREC028.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Cashmore, Pete (2 June 2015). "Cult heroes: Tim Smith led the Cardiacs in the face of hatred – and much love". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ "Is This the Life?" (Vinyl liner notes). Cardiacs. Torso. 1988. TORSO 12060.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Adams, Greg. "Shangri-La: A Tribute to the Kinks - Various Artists". AllMusic. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ^ "Baby Heart Dirt" (Vinyl liner notes). Cardiacs. Torso. 1989. TORSO 12120.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Day Is Gone" (2015 reissue) (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 2015. ALPHCD015.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Bellyeye" (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Org Records. 1995. Organ011CD.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Manhoo" (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1996. ALPH CDS025.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Odd Even" (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1996. ALPH CDS026.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ a b Cardiacs Meet Camp Blackfoot (CD liner notes). Cardiacs and Camp Blackfoot. Org Records. 1999. ORG056cd.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Signs" (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1999. ALPH CD028.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Reilly, Nick (22 July 2020). "The Cardiacs' Tim Smith has died at the age of 59". NME. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ^ "ORG RECORDS OFFICIAL PAGES". Organ. 3 November 2007. Archived from the original on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ^ Sacher, Andrew (1 September 2020). "Cardiacs put out previously unreleased song "Vermin Mangle" to honor Tim Smith". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ Kitching, Sean (1 September 2020). "Previously Unheard Cardiacs Track Released". The Quietus. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ^ Worrall, Sean (1 October 2024). "Organ Thing: "Cardiacs: A Big Book and a Band and the Whole World Window" is launched today, it is a big book, it is a rather splendid thing indeed…". Organ. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
External links
[edit]
| |
| Studio albums | |
| Demo albums | |
| Live albums | |
| Compilations | |
| EPs and singles | |
| Other songs | |
| Related | |
Cardiacs discography
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Albums
Studio albums
Cardiacs, the English rock band led by Tim Smith, released six studio albums between 1988 and 2025, primarily self-produced by Tim Smith, with the sixth album completed by other band members after his death and characterized by their dense, multi-layered instrumentation featuring intricate rhythms, shifting time signatures, and a blend of punk energy with progressive rock complexity.[2] These albums were issued through the band's own label, the Alphabet Business Concern (initially known simply as Alphabet), often with additional distribution partnerships, and typically available in vinyl, CD, and later digital formats. The band's studio output emphasized original compositions without reliance on external producers, allowing for their signature experimental sound that influenced subsequent art rock and post-punk acts.[6] The debut studio album, A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window, was released on 21 March 1988 by Alphabet Business Concern in the UK and Torso Records in the Netherlands, available on vinyl and CD. Recorded between 1985 and 1987 at various locations including Smith's home studio, it marked the band's transition to a more polished art-punk style with tracks like "A Little Man and a House" showcasing rapid tempo changes and choral vocals. Produced by Tim Smith, the album's production highlighted the band's growing emphasis on orchestral-like arrangements achieved through overdubbed guitars, keyboards, and percussion.[8][9] Followed closely by On Land and in the Sea on 2 May 1989, also via Alphabet Business Concern in the UK and Torso in the Netherlands, in vinyl and CD formats. Recorded in 1988 at Apollo 8 Studios, this album expanded on the debut's complexity with songs such as "Two Bites of Cherry" featuring whimsical lyrics and polyrhythmic structures, self-produced by Smith to layer up to 100 tracks in some sections. Its production style underscored Cardiacs' DIY ethos, with minimal external input beyond basic engineering.[10][11] Heaven Born and Ever Bright, the third album, appeared on 15 May 1992 through Alphabet Business Concern with distribution by Rough Trade, primarily on CD. Recorded in 1991 at Apollo 8, it refined the band's sound into more symphonic territory, as heard in "Day Is Gone," with Smith's production incorporating string-like synths and dynamic shifts; the album's release coincided with Rough Trade's financial troubles, limiting promotion.[12][13] The double album Sing to God followed on 10 June 1996, exclusively via Alphabet Business Concern on double CD (and later vinyl reissues). Recorded from spring to winter 1995 at Apollo 8 and other sites, it featured 22 tracks including the epic "Dirty Shadow," produced by Smith with contributions from band members, emphasizing hyper-detailed arrangements that required extensive multi-tracking for its choral and percussive depth. This release solidified Cardiacs' reputation for ambitious, self-contained studio works.[14] Guns, released on 21 June 1999 by Alphabet Business Concern on CD and vinyl, was recorded and mixed at Apollo 8 in 1998–1999. Self-produced by the band under Smith's direction, it explored darker themes with tracks like "Spell with the Dead" utilizing psychedelic effects and layered harmonies, marking the last full studio album during the band's active period before health issues sidelined Smith.[15][16] The posthumous LSD, issued on 19 September 2025 by Alphabet Business Concern in double vinyl, CD, and digital formats, represents the band's first new studio material in 26 years. Begun in 2005 and recorded intermittently at Apollo 8 from 2007–2008 and 2021–2024 following Tim Smith's death on 21 July 2020, it was completed and produced by Jim Smith, Kavus Torabi, and the late Tim Smith, with engineering by Nick Howiantz, mixing by Adam Noble, and mastering by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios. Tracklist highlights include "Gen," "Woodeneye," "Skating," and "Downup," preserving the band's multi-layered style through overdubbed instrumentation and Smith's unreleased vocals and lyrics. Promotional singles such as "Gen" (August 1, 2025), "Woodeneye" (August 29, 2025), and "Volob" (September 17, 2025) preceded the album's release.[5][17][18]Live albums
Cardiacs released four official live albums through their label, the Alphabet Business Concern, each documenting the band's frenetic and improvisational stage presence during various periods of their career. These recordings highlight the group's reputation for high-energy, chaotic performances characterized by tight musicianship amid unpredictable elements like extended solos and audience interactions, often diverging from studio versions in length and arrangement. Early releases feature raw, bootleg-style audio, while later ones benefit from professional mixing, reflecting improvements in production quality over time. The discography begins with Rude Bootleg, an officially sanctioned fan recording that captures the band's raw intensity from their mid-1980s touring phase. Subsequent albums build on this foundation, preserving key tracks like "Big Ship," which frequently featured extended improvisations live, lasting up to seven minutes compared to shorter studio renditions. The final release, The Special Garage Concerts, focuses on rare early material from 1976–1983, performed in an intimate setting that emphasized the band's foundational sound.| Title | Release Year | Label | Formats | Recording Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rude Bootleg | 1987 | Alphabet Business Concern | Vinyl LP, Cassette (original); CD (reissue) | Recorded off the desk onto cassette at the Reading Rock Festival on August 24, 1986; originally a fan bootleg elevated to official status, with lo-fi audio capturing early sextet lineup performances.[19][20] |
| Cardiacs Live | 1988 | Alphabet Business Concern | Vinyl LP, CD | Captured during a 1988 European tour at the Paradiso venue in Amsterdam on May 15; features polished multitrack recording of the classic lineup, including tracks like "Gina Lollobrigida" with added live flourishes.[21][22] |
| All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest | 1995 | Alphabet Business Concern | CD | Drawn from a 1990 afternoon session at Salisbury Arts Centre on June 30, alongside Napalm Death; 17-track set with improved audio clarity over prior releases, showcasing 1990s quintet dynamics and improvisational extensions on songs like "R.E.S."[23][24] |
| The Special Garage Concerts (Vols. 1 & 2) | 2005 | Alphabet Business Concern | 2×CD | Intimate shows over three nights in October 2003 at a private London garage; focuses on pre-1983 material with raw, unamplified energy, including rarities like "Gibber and Twitch" and no significant studio parallels for many tracks.[25][26] |
Compilation albums
Cardiacs' compilation albums primarily collect tracks from earlier singles, EPs, B-sides, and studio releases, offering retrospective collections that highlight the band's evolving sound from their punk-influenced origins to more progressive compositions. Issued mostly through their independent label Alphabet Business Concern, these releases addressed the scarcity of their catalog in mainstream distribution channels, making them valuable resources for fans seeking comprehensive access to the group's material. One notable exception is a tribute compilation featuring covers by affiliated artists. The band's first compilation, Archive Cardiacs, was released in 1989 on Alphabet Business Concern as a cassette featuring early demos and singles from 1977 to 1981, capturing the raw, embryonic phase of Cardiacs' music before their shift to more structured prog-punk arrangements.[27] This collection served as an archival snapshot of their pre-album era, including tracks like "Aukamacic" and "Icky Qualms" that showcased chaotic energy and experimental noise.[28] In 1991, Songs for Ships and Irons followed on Alphabet Business Concern in CD and vinyl formats, compiling B-sides and rarities from the mini-LP Big Ship (1983) and the 12-inch There's Too Many Irons in the Fire (1987), augmented with bonus tracks such as a unique version of "Everything Is Easy."[29] The album emphasized the band's mid-1980s output, blending frenetic rhythms and surreal lyrics, and provided an accessible entry to their less widely available early extended plays.[30] Sampler, a limited-edition CD released in 1995 by Alphabet Business Concern, functioned as a promotional overview with selected tracks from earlier albums and related projects, totaling around 50 minutes of material to guide listeners through the discography.[31] Marketed as a "specially priced strictly limited edition sampler of blatant mayhem," it highlighted key songs without full album commitment, aiding discovery amid the band's niche appeal.[31] The 2001 tribute compilation Songs by Cardiacs and Affectionate Friends, issued on Org Records as a CD, featured covers of Cardiacs tracks by related projects and artists, including Spratleys Japs' rendition of "Cabinet" and Mikrokosmos' take on "Hold Like Mother's Hand," alongside original Cardiacs songs like "No Gold."[32] This release included unique guest contributions from band affiliates, celebrating Cardiacs' influence within underground circles through affectionate reinterpretations.[32] Finally, Greatest Hits appeared in 2002 on Alphabet Business Concern as a CD, drawing 14 tracks from studio albums starting with A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window (1988), including the exclusive unreleased song "Faster Than Snakes with a Ball and Chain."[33] Accompanied by an 8-page gallery, it was positioned as an ideal starting point for newcomers, consolidating popular cuts like "Manhoo" and "Fairy Mary Mag" to introduce the band's dense, eclectic style despite their limited mainstream exposure.[34]Demo albums
Cardiacs' demo albums represent the band's formative years, originating from their initial incarnation as the punk-influenced group Cardiac Arrest in 1977, when Tim Smith and his brother Jim formed the core around which early members coalesced in Kingston-upon-Thames, England. These self-produced cassette recordings, characterized by raw energy, experimental structures blending punk aggression with emerging prog and art rock elements, were distributed in extremely limited quantities at live shows and via mail order, often totaling fewer than 100 copies each, underscoring their status as rarities with significant archival value for fans and collectors. The demos capture lineup flux, including the departure of vocalist Michael Pugh after the first release and the addition of instrumentalists like Sarah Cutts (keyboards and saxophone), marking the transition from Cardiac Arrest's straightforward punk roots to the more intricate sound that defined Cardiacs proper by 1981.[35][36][37] The debut demo, The Obvious Identity, was self-released in 1980 under the Cardiac Arrest name on cassette (C60 format), featuring a lineup of Tim Smith (guitar, synthesizer, vocals, credited as Philip Pilf), Jim Smith (bass, vocals, as Patty Pilf), Colvin Mayers (keyboards), Michael Pugh (vocals on select tracks, as Peter Boker), and Mark Cawthra (drums, vocals, as Little Bobby Shattocks). Recorded in a lo-fi style that emphasized punk's DIY ethos, the 12-track album includes songs like "To Go Off and Things" and "Rock Around the Clock," showcasing chaotic rhythms and satirical lyrics reflective of the late-1970s post-punk scene. Approximately 100 copies were produced, sold exclusively at concerts and by mail, and it has never been officially reissued, contributing to its scarcity and influence on the band's later experimental edge.[38][39][37] Following the name change to Cardiacs in late 1980 amid lineup adjustments—retaining the Smith brothers and Cawthra while incorporating Sarah Cutts—the second demo Toy World emerged in 1981 as another self-released C60 cassette, recorded between June 1980 and March 1981. This 10-track release mixes holdover material from the Cardiac Arrest era with new compositions, such as "Big Noise in a Toy World" and "Dead Mouse," highlighting a shift toward denser arrangements and Tim Smith's multifaceted instrumentation on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, supported by Jim Smith on bass, Cawthra on drums, Cutts on keyboards and saxophone, and Mayers on additional keys. Privately distributed at performances with no formal label involvement, it remains unreissued in official form, its limited run preserving the transitional punk-to-prog hybrid that foreshadowed Cardiacs' studio sophistication.[40][41][37] By 1984, with the band solidifying under the Cardiacs moniker and Alphabet Business Concern as their nascent label, the third demo The Seaside was released on cassette, compiling tracks recorded from 1980 to 1983 and featuring an evolving ensemble including Tim Smith (guitar, vocals), Jim Smith (bass), Cawthra (drums on early cuts), Cutts (saxophone, keyboards), and newcomers like Dominic Luckman (drums) on later pieces. The 13-track collection, with standouts like "Jibber and Twitch" and "Gena Lollabrigida," leans into pop-inflected melodies amid punk remnants, signaling the transitional phase toward polished releases. Initially limited to cassette sales at gigs, it gained broader archival reach through a 1990 CD reissue by Alphabet, restoring its role in documenting the band's growth from raw demos to influential art-punk foundations.[42][43][36] These demos, through their punk-driven origins and iterative lineup refinements, laid the groundwork for Cardiacs' signature complexity, with motifs and riffs from tracks like those on Toy World recurring in evolved forms on subsequent studio albums.Video albums
Cardiacs' video albums primarily consist of three official releases that capture the band's distinctive live performances and creative visuals, emphasizing their theatrical and eccentric stage presence through concert footage and archival material. These videos serve as visual companions to the band's audio discography, preserving moments of their chaotic energy and absurdist humor that defined their live shows. Released across decades, they transitioned from VHS tapes in the 1980s and 1990s to DVD formats in later years, making the band's visual legacy more accessible to fans.[44] The band's first video release, Seaside Treats, arrived in 1985 on VHS via Alphabet Business Concern in association with Jettisoundz. Clocking in at 22 minutes, it features three music videos for tracks from the The Seaside album—"Is This the Entry Phone?", "Gena Lain", and "Tarred with a Feathered Shilling"—interwoven with alternative comedy sketches performed by the band members, directed by Tim Smith. This cult classic blends avant-pop music with absurdist humor, sold exclusively at concerts to complement the accompanying EP.[45][46] In 1992, Cardiacs issued All That Glitters Is a Maresnest on VHS through Fotodisk (catalog LFV 116), documenting a full live concert from June 30, 1990, at the Salisbury Arts Centre during their 1990s touring peak. The footage highlights the band's elaborate stage antics, including synchronized movements and props that amplified their prog-punk intensity across a setlist of classics like "Ruin" and "Man Who Sailed Around His Soul". Reissued on DVD in 2013 by Alphabet Business Concern, this video played a key role in archiving Cardiacs' theatrical live persona for wider distribution beyond analog formats.[47][48] The most recent entry, Some Fairytales From the Rotten Shed, was released in 2017 on DVD by Alphabet Business Concern, compiling over 50 minutes of archival home videos and rarities curated from Tim Smith's personal collection. Filmed during 2005 rehearsals with the band's final lineup at "The Bumming Shed" (their home studio), it includes candid footage of performances like "Jibber and Twitch" and "An Ant", alongside improvised skits and behind-the-scenes glimpses that showcase the group's playful, unpolished creativity. Directed and edited by Smith with Paul Morricone, the release functions as both a rehearsal document and an artistic installment, offering intimate insight into Cardiacs' evolution.[49][50]Extended plays and singles
Extended plays
Cardiacs' extended plays represent concise yet experimental collections that often bridged gaps between their full-length albums, introducing new lineups, sounds, or unreleased material while building anticipation among fans. These releases typically featured 3 to 5 tracks and were issued in limited formats like vinyl or CD, emphasizing the band's avant-garde rock style with punk, progressive, and art influences. Unlike their expansive studio albums, EPs allowed Cardiacs to experiment rapidly, sometimes previewing material for upcoming LPs or serving as standalone creative bursts. The band's debut EP, Cardiac Arrest E.P., was released in 1979 under the name Cardiac Arrest, marking their entry into recording with a raw, unpolished punk edge. Issued as a self-released 7-inch vinyl on Tortch Records, it contains three tracks: "A Bus for a Bus on the Bus," "A Cake for Bertie's Party," and "Food on the Wall," recorded in a single session on July 22, 1979. This EP showcased an early lineup distinct from later iterations, with chaotic energy that hinted at the band's evolving complexity, and it played a key role in establishing their underground presence before transitioning to the Cardiacs moniker.[51] In 1987, Cardiacs issued Big Ship on their own Alphabet Business Concern label, a 12-inch vinyl EP that introduced their classic 1980s lineup and previewed material later featured on their debut studio album. Featuring five tracks—"Big Ship," "Tarred and Feathered," "Burn Your House Brown," "Stoneage Dinosaurs," and "Plane Plane Against the Grain"—played at 45 RPM for a brisk pace, the EP highlighted dense, rhythmic compositions with nautical themes. Its vinyl format and lyric insert made it a collector's item, underscoring Cardiacs' DIY ethos in promoting their intricate sound.[52] The 2007 EP Ditzy Scene, released on Org Records as a limited-edition CD of 1,000 copies, captured Cardiacs in a transitional phase post-lineup changes, acting as their final pre-hiatus release before leader Tim Smith's health issues. Comprising three tracks—"Ditzy Scene," "Gen," and "Made All Up"—it marked guitarist Kavus Torabi's first lyrical contribution and emphasized melodic yet disorienting art rock elements, bridging the gap to unfinished later projects. The EP's compact format and experimental flair maintained the band's reputation for innovative, hype-generating shorts between longer works.[53] Posthumously, Vermin Mangle emerged in 2020 via Alphabet Business Concern as a digital release following Tim Smith's death on July 22, 2020. Intended for the album LSD but dropped for not fitting the vibe, this single-track release features the title song, a fragile, introspective piece produced by Smith that ties thematically to his later explorations of vulnerability and absurdity. Offered as a free download, it served as a farewell gesture, encapsulating Cardiacs' enduring experimental spirit.[54][55]Singles
Cardiacs released numerous singles between 1979 and 2025, primarily on their independent label Alphabet Business Concern, spanning 7-inch vinyl, 12-inch vinyl, CD, and digital formats. These releases often featured the band's signature complex arrangements and were frequently accompanied by unique B-sides that showcased experimental elements not found on their albums. The 1988 single "Is This the Life?" marked their sole entry in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 80 and spending four weeks in the Top 100, representing a rare commercial breakthrough for the band.[56] In the 2000s, several planned singles from sessions for an unreleased album were abandoned following Tim Smith's heart attack in 2008, contributing to a hiatus that lasted until the band's 2007 disbandment; these included potential lead tracks like "Faster Than Snakes With a Moustache," which remain unreleased but have circulated in demo form among fans. The band's posthumous return in 2025 saw promotional singles tied to their final album LSD, including limited digital editions emphasizing rarities and archival material. The following table lists verified singles chronologically, including key details on formats, B-sides, and notable editions. Note: Some early releases blur the line between singles and EPs.| Title | Release Year | Label | Format(s) | B-Side(s) | Chart Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Arrest E.P. (A Bus for a Bus on the Bus) | 1979 | Tortch Records | 7" vinyl | A Cake for Bertie's Party / Food on the Wall | - | Released under Cardiac Arrest; 3-track EP, limited run.[51] |
| Seaside Treats | 1985 | Alphabet Business Concern | 12" vinyl | - | - | 4-track EP from The Seaside sessions; tracks: A Little Man and a House / Hope Day / R.E.S. / To Go Off and Things; limited to 1,000.[57] |
| Big Ship | 1987 | Alphabet Business Concern | 12" vinyl | - | - | 5-track EP; tracks: Big Ship / Tarred and Feathered / Burn Your House Brown / Stoneage Dinosaurs / Plane Plane Against the Grain; picture disc edition.[58] |
| There's Too Many Irons in the Fire | 1987 | Alphabet Business Concern | 12" vinyl | All Spectacular / Loosefish Scapegrace | - | 3-track release with handmade elements; limited. |
| Night Tracks (The Janice Long Session) | 1988 | Strange Fruit Records | 12" vinyl | - | - | BBC Radio 1 session tracks: R.E.S. / Buds and Spawn / In A City Lining / Cameras; limited to 500 copies. |
| Is This the Life? | 1988 | Alphabet Business Concern / Torso | 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl | In the World? / Breakfast Line | UK #80 | Only UK Top 100 entry; 12" version includes extended mix; limited picture disc.[56] |
| Susannah's Still Alive | 1989 | Alphabet Business Concern | 7" vinyl | The Icing on the World | - | Tied to On Land and in the Sea; limited edition with poster. |
| Day Is Gone | 1991 | Alphabet Business Concern | 12" vinyl, CD | Maresnest / The Great Chapter / Genetica / Breakfast Line (live) | - | Promotional for Heaven Born and Ever Bright; CD version limited to 1,000.[59] |
| Baby Heart Dirt | 1995 | Org Records | CD | - | - | From Sing to God era; limited promo run. |
| Bellyeye | 1995 | Org Records | 7" vinyl, CD | - | - | Reissue single; vinyl limited to 500 copies.[60] |
| A Horse's Tail | 1995 | Alphabet Business Concern | CD | - | - | Rare standalone release; digital reissue in 2010s. |
| No Gold | 1999 | Alphabet Business Concern | CD | - | - | From Guns; limited edition with artwork booklet. |
| Manhoo | 1999 | Alphabet Business Concern | CD | - | - | Post-Guns single; promo-only initially. |
| Ditzy Scene | 2007 | Org Records | CD | - | - | 3-track EP classified as single; limited to 1,000 copies. |
| Vermin Mangle | 2020 | Alphabet Business Concern | Digital (download-only) | - | - | Single track from LSD sessions, released as tribute post-Tim Smith; free download.[54] |
| Woodeneye | 2025 | Alphabet Business Concern | Digital (MP3) | - | - | Lead single from LSD; frantic psychedelic track; released August 1, 2025.[61][62][63] |
| Volob | 2025 | Alphabet Business Concern | Digital (download-only) | - | - | From LSD; released September 17, 2025.[64] |
| Downup | 2025 | Alphabet Business Concern | Digital (download-only) | - | - | Additional single from LSD; released 2025.[65] |