LSD (Cardiacs Album)
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''LSD'' is the upcoming sixth and final studio album by the English
rock Rock most often refers to: * Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids * Rock music, a genre of popular music Rock or Rocks may also refer to: Places United Kingdom * Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wale ...
band
Cardiacs Cardiacs are an English Rock music, rock band formed in Kingston upon Thames by Tim Smith (Cardiacs), Tim Smith (guitar and lead vocals) and his brother Jim Smith (bassist), Jim (bass, backing vocals) in 1977 under the name Cardiac Arrest. One ...
. Recording began following lineup changes, with the
lead single A lead single (or first single) is the first single to be released from a studio album by an artist or a band, usually before the album itself is released and also occasionally on the same day of the album's release date. A similar term, "debut ...
"
Ditzy Scene "Ditzy Scene" is a song by English rock band Cardiacs. It was planned as the opening track and lead single from the band's unfinished sixth album, ''LSD''. It was released on Org Records, and was the band's last single to be released in frontman ...
" released by
Org Records ''Organ'' is a British independent magazine covering music, art and underculture. Based in London, the magazine was founded in 1986 as a handmade fanzine and has evolved many times over the years. It has covered a variety of punk, alternative, ...
in 2007 to tease the upcoming
double album A double album (or double record) is an audio album that spans two units of the primary medium in which it is sold, typically either records or compact disc. A double album is usually, though not always, released as such because the recording ...
. It was due to be released in October 2008, promoted by singles in August and November, a fall tour, a radio session with
Marc Riley Marc Riley (born 10 July 1961) is an English radio DJ, alternative rock critic, musician, and former music businessman. He currently presents on BBC Radio 6 Music. Formerly a member of The Fall, he co-owned a record label, In-Tape, and also w ...
and a
reissue In the music industry, a reissue (also re-release, repackage or re-edition) is the release of an album or single which has been released at least once before, sometimes with alterations or additions. Reasons for reissue New audio formats Reco ...
of the
concert film A concert film or concert movie is a film that showcases a live performance from the perspective of a concert goer, the subject of which is an extended live performance or concert, by either a musician or a Stand-up comedy, stand-up comedian. Ea ...
'' All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest'' (1992). Production was indefinitely postponed after frontman Tim Smith had a
cardiac arrest Cardiac arrest (also known as sudden cardiac arrest CA is when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When the heart stops beating, blood cannot properly Circulatory system, circulate around the body and the blood flow to the ...
and
stroke Stroke is a medical condition in which poor cerebral circulation, blood flow to a part of the brain causes cell death. There are two main types of stroke: brain ischemia, ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and intracranial hemorrhage, hemor ...
on 25 June 2008 leaving him unable to play or provide vocals.
Fundraiser Fundraising or fund-raising is the process of seeking and gathering voluntary financial contributions by engaging individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies. Although fundraising typically refers to efforts to gathe ...
gigs, namely charity concerts entitled "The Alphabet Business Convention", were arranged and tribute albums were recorded to aid Smith in rehabilitation, and to help him to complete work on the album and other musical projects. He died on 21 July 2020 of what was deemed to be another
heart attack A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when Ischemia, blood flow decreases or stops in one of the coronary arteries of the heart, causing infarction (tissue death) to the heart muscle. The most common symptom ...
. The band released " Vermin Mangle", the final track of ''LSD'', on 1 September 2020 to mark his funeral. Originating from Smith's solo performances in 2000 and 2006, it was the first release of new Cardiacs material since "Ditzy Scene", and featured Smith on vocals. Because of its history, the album became the subject of speculation and many
apocryphal Apocrypha () are biblical or related writings not forming part of the accepted canon of scripture, some of which might be of doubtful authorship or authenticity. In Christianity, the word ''apocryphal'' (ἀπόκρυφος) was first applied to ...
stories. In 2024, Tim Smith's brother Jim revealed that work on ''LSD'' had continued during Tim's illness and after his death, reaching the mixing phase of recording.


Initial background

In October 2005, Smith told questioner Rob Aird that the band had been working on a follow-up album to ''
Guns A gun is a device that propels a projectile using pressure or explosive force. The projectiles are typically solid, but can also be pressurized liquid (e.g. in water guns or cannons), or gas (e.g. light-gas gun). Solid projectiles may be ...
'' (1999) from "about 1999–2000". Smith also said that "things got broken and we couldn't finish the album", explaining: "I won't re-record things once they have been started because too much of the atmosphere and god knows what else is lost." Smith hinted that the band "might put it out one day as it was left" but confirmed they had moved on to new tracks. A track from the unreleased album called "Faster Than Snakes with a Ball and a Chain" appeared on ''
Greatest Hits A greatest hits album or best-of album is a type of compilation album that collects popular and commercially successful songs by a particular artist or band. While greatest hits albums are typically supported by the artist, they can also be creat ...
'' (2002). Following the release of ''Greatest Hits'', several changes occurred within the Cardiacs lineup. Guitarist
Jon Poole Jonathan Charles Poole (born 16 October 1969) is a British musician, singer, songwriter and producer. A multi-instrumentalist, he is best known for his work as guitarist for Cardiacs and as bass player for the Wildhearts and Lifesigns (band), Li ...
was replaced in 2003 by former
guitar technician A guitar technician (or guitar tech) is a member of a music ensemble's road crew who maintains and sets up the musical equipment for one or more guitarists. Depending on the type and size of band, the guitar tech may be responsible for stringing ...
Kavus Torabi Kavus Torabi (born 5 December 1971) is a British-Iranian musician, composer, record label owner and radio broadcaster. A multi-instrumentalist, he is known for his work in the psychedelic, avant-garde rock field (primarily as a guitarist). Tora ...
, previously known as a founding member of the Cardiacs-influenced
The Monsoon Bassoon The Monsoon Bassoon were an English independent rock band active between 1995 and 2001, notable for their exceptionally complex and energetic music. During their lifespan, the band won the NME's Single Of The Week award three times (for three c ...
. In 2004, the band's lineup expanded further to include vocalists Claire Lemmon and
Melanie Woods Melanie Woods (born 12 August 1994) is a Scottish teacher and wheelchair racer who competed at the postponed 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo. She was fifth in the 800m (T54). Life Woods was born in about 1994 and she was interested in cycling ...
of
Sidi Bou Said Sidi Bou Said ( ') is a town in northern Tunisia located about 20 km northeast from the capital, Tunis. Named after a religious figure who lived there, Abu Said al-Baji, it was previously called Jbel el-Menar. The town itself is a tourist ...
, Sharron Fortnam of the
North Sea Radio Orchestra The North Sea Radio Orchestra (NSRO) is an English contemporary music ensemble and cross-disciplinary chamber music, chamber orchestra (plus choir, chorus). Formed in 2002, the NSRO was set up mainly as a vehicle for the compositions of its mus ...
, and percussionists Cathy Harabaras and Dawn Staple. Smith, Lemmon and Woods had previously worked together when Smith had produced Sidi Bou Said's ''Bodies'' album, with Lemmon subsequently providing backing vocals for the song "Dog Like Sparky" on Cardiacs' album ''
Sing to God ''Sing to God'' is the fourth studio album by English rock band Cardiacs. Their first album with drummer Bob Leith and their second as a four-piece, it was recorded throughout 1995, breaking a hiatus by the band that had lasted since the band ...
'' (1996). Dawn Staple's story "Peril on the Sea" had previously been included on another ''Sing to God'' track, "Wireless", purportedly a prize for winning a competition set by Cardiacs' label Alphabet Business Concern.


Recording

"
Ditzy Scene "Ditzy Scene" is a song by English rock band Cardiacs. It was planned as the opening track and lead single from the band's unfinished sixth album, ''LSD''. It was released on Org Records, and was the band's last single to be released in frontman ...
" was the first song written and recorded by the band's new lineup at Smith's own
recording studio A recording studio is a specialized facility for Sound recording and reproduction, recording and Audio mixing, mixing of instrumental or vocal musical performances, spoken words, and other sounds. They range in size from a small in-home proje ...
Apollo 8—located at Tim and Jim Smith's childhood home in Chessington—in Autumn 2007, shortly before the last Cardiacs tour. Because it was recorded quickly, Torabi had less involvement in the
arrangements In music, an arrangement is a musical adaptation of an existing Composition (music), composition. Differences from the original composition may include Harmony (music), reharmonization, Musical phrasing, melodic paraphrasing, orchestration, or M ...
than for other tracks, although he did write most of the lyrics. Cardiacs began further work on ''LSD'' following the 2007 tour. Torabi had "never known mithto be as productive as the time ardiacswere making 'LSD''" According to Torabi in 2009, the band "came pretty close to completing the recording" and "were so busy on it at the time of Tim's heart attack and subsequent stroke that orabinever bothered to get desk mixes."


Initial promotion

By 24 October 2007, Cardiacs were set to release the single "Ditzy Scene" on 5 November and their first studio album since ''Guns'' early the following year. On 3 November 2007, it was announced by ''
Organ Organ and organs may refer to: Biology * Organ (biology), a group of tissues organized to serve a common function * Organ system, a collection of organs that function together to carry out specific functions within the body. Musical instruments ...
'' that "Ditzy Scene" would be made available as a limited edition single, two days before it was released by Org Records, the
record label "Big Three" music labels A record label or record company is a brand or trademark of Sound recording and reproduction, music recordings and music videos, or the company that owns it. Sometimes, a record label is also a Music publisher, ...
associated with the
fanzine A fanzine (blend word, blend of ''fan (person), fan'' and ''magazine'' or ''zine'') is a non-professional and non-official publication produced by enthusiasts of a particular cultural phenomenon (such as a literary or musical genre) for the pleas ...
. The single was heavily pre-ordered, featuring two other new tracks "Gen" and "Made All Up" teasing the ''LSD''
double album A double album (or double record) is an audio album that spans two units of the primary medium in which it is sold, typically either records or compact disc. A double album is usually, though not always, released as such because the recording ...
—their second following ''Sing to God''. The single coincided with a tour. On the tour, Torabi recalled that "The crowds were getting bigger and younger and something was definitely happening", adding that Tim's brother and bass player Jim Smith said "something was in the air, that this might be our time." Cardiacs toured until the winter of 2007. In summer 2008, ''LSD'' was almost ready and due to be released in October. On 23 June, Cardiacs performed three songs live on
Marc Riley Marc Riley (born 10 July 1961) is an English radio DJ, alternative rock critic, musician, and former music businessman. He currently presents on BBC Radio 6 Music. Formerly a member of The Fall, he co-owned a record label, In-Tape, and also w ...
's
BBC 6 Music BBC Radio 6 Music is a British digital radio station owned and operated by the BBC. It primarily plays a wide range of alternative music, from established and emerging artists and bands. In 2002 it was the first national music radio station t ...
radio show. Riley, who confessed a predilection for the band, opined that it was "probably the last time Cardiacs will ever perform." Lemmon, Staple and Sharron Fortnam were no longer in the Cardiacs lineup by then. There were plans for another session, two new singles and a ten-date November tour. On 6 Music, Tim Smith elaborated that the singles would release in August and November along with a
DVD The DVD (common abbreviation for digital video disc or digital versatile disc) is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 1995 and first released on November 1, 1996, in Japan. The medium can store any ki ...
reissue In the music industry, a reissue (also re-release, repackage or re-edition) is the release of an album or single which has been released at least once before, sometimes with alterations or additions. Reasons for reissue New audio formats Reco ...
of the
concert film A concert film or concert movie is a film that showcases a live performance from the perspective of a concert goer, the subject of which is an extended live performance or concert, by either a musician or a Stand-up comedy, stand-up comedian. Ea ...
'' All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest'' (1992) in September.


Tim Smith's paralysis

All work on ''LSD'' abruptly stopped when Tim Smith was hospitalised on 25 June 2008. Having attended the last night of My Bloody Valentine's comeback residency at the Roundhouse in London, Smith had gone for a drink with former Cardiacs guitarist
Bic Hayes Christian David "Bic" Hayes (born 10 June 1964) is an English rock guitarist, singer and songwriter. Best known as the frontman of Dark Star and guitarist with Levitation, he has also released solo material as Mikrokosmos (stylised in all lowe ...
before heading off in the early hours to meet friends, subsequently suffering a heart attack and an episode of
cerebral anoxia Cerebral hypoxia is a form of hypoxia (reduced supply of oxygen), specifically involving the brain; when the brain is completely deprived of oxygen, it is called ''cerebral anoxia''. There are four categories of cerebral hypoxia; they are, in o ...
in a
north London North London is the northern part of London, England, north of the River Thames and the City of London. It extends from Clerkenwell and Finsbury, on the edge of the City of London financial district, to Greater London's boundary with Hertfordshi ...
street, which in turn triggered a major stroke. Smith was treated in intensive care at
University College Hospital University College Hospital (UCH) is a teaching hospital in the Fitzrovia area of the London Borough of Camden, England. The hospital, which was founded as the North London Hospital in 1834, is closely associated with University College Lo ...
, but was thought to have had a second stroke in hospital a few days later as he recuperated. He was eventually diagnosed with the rare neurological condition
dystonia Dystonia is a neurology, neurological Hyperkinesia, hyperkinetic Movement disorders, movement disorder in which sustained or repetitive muscle contractions occur involuntarily, resulting in twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal fixed po ...
, which causes muscles to contract uncontrollably, and was left both paralysed down one side of the body and unable to speak. Denied movement and speech, Smith was forced to retire from live performances and ''LSD'' remained unfinished.


Aftermath

In a 2009 interview, Torabi said that ''LSD'' would eventually release, but it was "the last thing on
heir Inheritance is the practice of receiving private property, titles, debts, entitlements, privileges, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual. The rules of inheritance differ among societies and have changed over time. Offi ...
minds". On 13 December 2010, the tribute album '' Leader of the Starry Skies: A Tribute to Tim Smith, Songbook 1'' was released, compiling covers made by artists close to Smith, members of Cardiacs, and those inspired by the band. Other
fundraising Fundraising or fund-raising is the process of seeking and gathering voluntary financial contributions by engaging individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies. Although fundraising typically refers to efforts to gathe ...
initiatives were formed, including gigs—above all the
charity concert A benefit concert or charity concert is a type of musical benefit performance (e.g., concert, show, or gala) featuring musicians, comedians, or other performers that is held for a charitable purpose, often directed at a specific and immediate hu ...
"The Alphabet Business Convention" held on three occasions between 2013 and 2017. Proceeds from reprints and special editions went towards Smith's rehabilitation, including the 2015
box set A boxed set or (its US name) box set is a set of items (for example, a compilation of books, musical recordings, films or television programs) traditionally packaged in a box, hence 'boxed', and offered for sale as a single unit. Music Artists ...
'' The Seaside: Original Edition''. Due to Smith's illness, it was thought that ''LSD'' would remain a famous lost album. However, Smith was able to oversee the completion of another of his musical projects, the Sea Nymphs' second album, ''On the Dry Land'' (2016), after significant progress with recovery. Torabi stated in an interview that ''LSD'' was "nearly done but needs vocals and eyebrows", adding that there were talks of people who Smith would approve of adding vocals under his direction. In January 2018, a fundraising drive was launched to help fund Smith's medical bills, initially set at £40,000. The effort was supported by
Faith No More Faith No More is an American Rock music, rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. Before September 1983, the band performed under the names Sharp Young Men and later Faith No Man. Bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist/rhythm guitarist ...
founder and bassist
Billy Gould William David Gould (born April 24, 1963) is an American musician and producer. He is best known as the bassist of Faith No More. Biography Early years Gould was born on April 24, 1963, in Los Angeles, and he is of Scottish and Hungarian desce ...
,
Shane Embury Shane Thomas Embury (born 27 November 1967) is a British musician, who is primarily known as the bassist of the grindcore and death metal band Napalm Death since 1987—the longest-serving member of the band. Career Napalm Death While not ...
of
Napalm Death Napalm Death are an English grindcore band formed in Meriden, West Midlands, in 1981. None of the band's original members have been in the group since 1986, but since ''Utopia Banished'' (1992), the lineup of bassist Shane Embury, guitarist Mi ...
, Voivod guitarist
Dan Mongrain Daniel Mongrain (born July 4, 1976) (also known as Dan Mongrain and Chewy) is a Canadian musician, known as a co-founder of the Quebec technical death metal band Martyr, in which he composes, sings and plays guitar. Mongrain is also currently gu ...
, and
Ginger Wildheart Ginger Wildheart (born David Leslie Walls; 17 December 1964), sometimes known simply as Ginger, is an English rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He began his professional career as a guitarist in the Quireboys, but is best known as the fo ...
. Quickly exceeding the original goal, the
JustGiving JustGiving is a global online social platform for giving. The firm's headquarters are located in Bankside, London, England. History In 2000, Zarine Kharas and Anne-Marie Huby founded JustGiving (initially clickforaction.com), a company to ...
campaign updated to raise £100,000—enough to provide Smith a year of
home care Homecare (home care, in-home care, care at home), also known as domiciliary care, personal care, community care, or social care, is health care or supportive care provided in the individual home where the patient or client is living, generally focu ...
and a chance of recuperation. Later that year, Smith was awarded an honorary degree as
Doctor of Music The Doctor of Music degree (DMus, DM, MusD or occasionally MusDoc) is a doctorate awarded on the basis of a substantial portfolio of compositions, musical performances, and/or scholarly publications on music. In some institutions, the award is a ...
from the
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (), formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama () is a conservatoire of dance, drama, music, production, and film in Glasgow, Scotland. It is a member of the Federation of Drama Schools. Founde ...
. There was talk of him moving back to his home full-time and being able to oversee the completion of ''LSD''. On 22 July 2020, Jim Smith announced in a statement on Cardiacs' website that Tim had died the previous night. The news was confirmed by Torabi, Mary Wren from the Alphabet Business Concern, and another band representative. His exact cause of death was initially unconfirmed, but was deemed to be another heart attack. Tim Smith's funeral was held on 1 September 2020. The same day, the song " Vermin Mangle"—planned as the final track on ''LSD''—was released as a free download on the band's
Bandcamp Bandcamp is an American online music distribution platform founded in 2008 by Oddpost co-founder Ethan Diamond and programmers Shawn Grunberger, Joe Holt and Neal Tucker, with an office and record store in Oakland, California. Acquired by Epic ...
page. It was only played live a few times during Smith's solo performances in 2000 and 2006, with the studio version first shared publicly during
Steve Davis Steve Davis (born 22 August 1957) is an English retired professional snooker player who is currently a Sports commentator, commentator, DJ, electronic musician and author. He dominated professional snooker in the 1980s, when he reached eight ...
' tribute show on
Phoenix FM Phoenix FM is a community radio station serving the areas of Brentwood and Billericay, United Kingdom on 98.0FM and online, covering an area of over 140,000 people. History The station was formed in 1996 and has been broadcasting full-time on ...
on 30 July. It was their first single and release of new material since "Ditzy Scene" in 2007, featuring the
circus A circus is a company of performers who put on diverse entertainment shows that may include clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, dancers, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists, and unicy ...
, prog and
psychedelic Psychedelics are a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary mental states (known as psychedelic experiences or "trips") and a perceived "expansion of consciousness". Also referred to as classic halluci ...
instrumentation that drove the band's most classic work. Vermin Mangle features Tim Smith on vocals. Members of the band "past, present, and future" played sold-out shows as part of the tour Sing to Tim in 2024. In a tour interview, Jim Smith confirmed that ''LSD'' was in mixing phase and on
BBC Radio 6 Music BBC Radio 6 Music is a British digital radio station owned and operated by the BBC. It primarily plays a wide range of alternative music, from established and emerging artists and bands. In 2002 it was the first national music radio station t ...
mentioned a tentative release date of April 2025. Smith elaborated that the album had been worked on before and during Tim Smith's illness and after his death, with contributions from many Cardiacs members and associates. Jon Poole explained that Jim Smith had been "the key element" in pushing the album toward completion.


Notes


References


Sources

* * {{Cardiacs 2008 albums Cardiacs albums Unreleased albums Unfinished albums Albums published posthumously