Cardiacs - Songs For Ships And Irons

Had a mate in the eighties who was really into Cardiacs and was always trying to get me to come and see them with him. He had described them as an old 2-Tone-style ska band who had gone prog. This really didn't tickle my fancy at the time. Being a Cardiacs-pusher, he included them on compilation tapes for me. Didn't mind them, but still couldn't relate to the unusual sounding production and odd instrumentation.

Then, one evening I was listening to one of the tapes and bang. I got it. I have mourned my tardy taste buds every day since.

Got to see them a couple of times. They were fucking great. I've never seen a band so connected to their audience. Everyone there knows that everyone else there gets it and can sing along with all the wonky hooks.

I knew someone who saw them play the Mermaid in Stratford Road, Sparkhill once, to a room full of bewildered skinheads. They had been subbed in at the last minute after Conflict or someone had cancelled.

I know every note of this album. Every tune is wonderful.

Tim Smith died too young.

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