This Band Changed My Life! [Cardiacs] 

I'm on tour with The Darkness right now in the UK & Europe - if you fancy coming to see us live you can get tickets here: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/

The problem with Cardiacs is music will never be the same again once you've discovered them.

Thanks so much for this Justin. I saw them over 200 times. No exaggeration. John Eating In Bed and I travelled everywhere they played. That’s because once you get it, there’s nothing, nothing else you can do but continue to get it. Tim’s funeral was a very Cardiacs affair. Bill Drake played a tune, Sarah gave a beautiful eulogy and… well, there was punk love. It’s quite a phenomena to now have so many big names coming out and saying how much they respect the genius of Tim and Jim. Big love ❤️

One of the best bands that the UK has ever produced. The term 'musical genius' gets thrown around too much but with Tim it was absolutely true.

There is no way to describe Cardiacs, no words can make them justice and how brilliant they are and were. ”Nurses Whispering Verses”, ”Baby Heart Dirt”, ”Burn Your House Brown”, ”Stone Age Dinosaurs”, ”Gina Lollobrigida”, ”As Cold as Can Be in an English Sea”… Could go on for hours

The greatest band I've ever experienced and Tim Smith was one of the most beautiful people I've ever had the privilege to know. Thank you for this, Justin. It means a huge deal to all the fans who want his legacy to be remembered. PS - Dirty Boy is actual, real magic.

I met Kavus recently at a gig, we danced and had a beer and a chat afterwards. He's an imposing bloke but very warm and friendly, and a fantastic creative force. Top man.

Cardiacs are the most wonderful band the UK has ever had. Tim was our Frank Zappa. If he'd watched all the Monty Python shows and then had a bit of a cry while listening to Madness.

Cardiacs deserve so much more credit and recognition.

Cardiacs woke my musical brain aged 16. I was very lucky to work with the Alphabet Business Concern and saw them hundreds of times. Tim was genius personified. He finally is getting the recognition he always deserved, us fans adore and miss him like crazy. Thank you for this video, Cardiacs for life! X

Good for you! Now let's have someone post this to Rick Beato and tell him not to drink too much caffeine before he listens to Cardiacs!

Around 7'05". Re "Is This The Life" being a cover or a big inspiration from a high school Goth band: Cardiacs first released that tune in an embryonic form on their 1981 "Toy World" cassette demo, then it appeared shortly afterwards on the "The Snoopies Album" compilation. It would have predated anything that could be seriously considered as "Goth", although there are a few recorded versions of that tune, and by the time it was re-recorded for the 3rd time for the 1988 "A Little Man..." album, and an edited version released as a single (the version that most people are familiar with), it had gone through a few mutations and had morphed into something very "Gothy" so that does make your Brother's story very plausible, if untrue. Nonetheless, it is wonderful to hear your recollections and obvious love for the best band ever to walk the planet, so thank you so much for this video! X

Was lucky to have seen them 20 times. The greatest.

I just now listened to Cardiacs for the first time on your recommendation. Why did I not know of this band ? How could it be that I , A 53 yr old music lover who enjoys all genre of music and is constantly exploring trying to find something interesting , have not heard of this band ??? They are absolutely astonishing! Thank you for bringing them to my attention . I cant wait to show my brother and my friends!!

I was huge into prog for a very long time, and having just fell into my first Cardiacs rabbit hole (thanks to you), it's a fucking crime that this is the first I've heard of them. Clearly far ahead of their time, but that's no excuse. Their humor and attitude alone is worth my now being a diehard fan. I absolutely LOVE their "image"...which is more of a complete absence of image, instead embracing chaos and absurdity. God it's genius. Hopefully they get the recognition they deserve in the coming years.

Oh it makes me so happy to see awesome people praising Tim and Cardiacs.

Fantastic video, totally worthy of laudation. Thank you for sharing the snow of the pond with your friends and fans and followers. I can feel Tim's devious grin shining down from the starry skies upon us today. Ommmmm.

Thank you Justin. I was introduced to Cardiacs music in 1989, saw them live loads of times. And after the first concert I attended my views about music and talent were changed forever. Very few bands came even remotely close to Cardiacs.

No idea how I’ve got to 42 and never heard these guys. Thanks for enlightening me :)

Thanks for the great video about this truly wonderful and unique British musical treasure. I always thought they sounded like an early Genesis record being played in one speaker while the Sex Pistols or PiL were playing in the other! For some reason they were either ignored or ruthlessly torn to shreds by the sneering and self-righteous arbiters of taste at the NME and Melody Maker during the 80s and 90s. This is why the Cardiacs are such a secret and their music never got the attention or success it deserved. I interviewed Tim once when I wrote a piece for a tiny music industry mag in the early 90s. He was a lovely man and I think perhaps deeply wounded and incredulous at the degree of hatred his music received at the hands of the music press. Afterwards Sarah Smith sent me a cassette of the Sea Nymphs debut album and a T-shirt, with a lovely covering letter and I would urge everyone reading this to also investigate this record... it's spellbinding. My fave Cardiacs album was Heaven Born and Ever Bright. The track Goodbye Grace is such a blisteringly brilliant headrush it's like being shot out of a canon at a Victorian circus! RIP Tim.

Holy guacamole. I doubt I ever would have stumbled upon these guys if not for this video. I'm absolutely loving it and can't wait to dig deeper, so THANK YOU!

Yesss! So glad more and more people are singing Timmys praises. He was an absolute genius. In a rubbish year like 2020, the day Tim died was the darkest.

Bless you for doing this. Cardiacs completely changed my life back in 1987, and I couldn't listen to music the same way again.

The song 'Dirty Boy' by the Cardiacs changed my life. Much Love Justin.

I absolutely fell in love with Cardiacs the moment I heard Tarred and Feathered shortly after Tim passed away last year. It's bittersweet finding the band through the RU-vid algorithm due to Tim's death but it also introduced so many new people to the band. I think with that and the easier accessibility due to them now being on streaming services they'll be more popular than ever. Just proceed with caution before you listen to the playlist because they might completely consume your life for the next few months, but don't be too worried, it's a common side effect.

I saw The Cardiacs in the mid-nineties supporting Blur at Mile End Stadium. They went down surprisingly well with a Britpop crowd. I guess Damon Albarn was a big fan

Progressive but without the wizards. That, in itself, is wizardry. Maybe. Two songs in to your Playlist, really enjoying this discovery. So much magical music out there to discover really

I love finding out that people are Cardiacs fans! I first saw them supporting Here & Now in the mid 80s and was instantly captivated. Tim Smith certainly had the arse of genie!

YES!!!!!!!! Finding Cardiacs changed my life. Everyone says that about their favourite band but they actually really did. Music has never sounded the same since.

I have to thank you again for introducing me (us) to this band Justin. The Whole World Window is my go to when I'm in the mood to chill, while crafting.....or just want a break from the telly. That sounds superficial. It's not. This album takes me right back to my childhood. A safe, comfortable place. It's a whimsical, evocative, album that reminds me of childhood programmes, nursery rhymes, lonely times in night time streets, funfairs and certain 70s/80s music. It also portrays a deep understanding of human nature. Most of us have similar fears/concerns deep down and the way to deal with it, is by saying so what? That's life. That's the way we all go! Thank you so much Justin and thank you Cardiacs.💜

Thank you so much for this, Justin. Cardiacs were fearless & magnificent. Dr. Tim Smith was an authentic genius ( not a word I use lightly ).

Surprised and pleased to see you do a video on this brilliant band. Their influence is present in so many more well known musicians and acts across many genres ranging from pop to classical to metal, and yet in a way, this suits them and their whole concept. Quietly present just under the surface, and always authentic. Thanks for this

Didn't realise you were a fan, Justin, but that is so cool to find out. I've been pretty much obsessed with Cardiacs for at least the last four or five years and I am completely convinced that there has never been a greater band. Tim Smith was a true musical genius. For such an underappreciated cult band, the list of well-known musicians who cite them as a formative influence is staggering.

I found the RES video randomly one day and I was completely hooked for life. My wife looks at me so funny when I put them on and I just sing along louder. Love Cardiacs, Love Tim

Saw them live at the Marquee Club, Wardour Street, London, several times in the 80's and they were absolutely brilliant every time! I also saw Zappa in London (Them Or Us tour) around the same time and felt that there was some common ground between both acts/artists:- inventive, unpredictable, humourous, dark, manic, amazing musicianship etc...all one could ask for in class act performances. The Cardiacs had it all and their music is timeless.

Brilliant, loved all four tracks, especially R.E.S. They flew under the radar for me, so thank you, the weirder the better ❤

I THINK I may have had something to do with putting the idea in Justin's head to make this wonderful video*. I saw Cardiacs supporting Marillion in 84 and that was it. I saw Tim Smith in all his guises (Panixsphere, Cardiacs, Sea Nymphs) about 200 times. They named a song after my wife then changed it from 'Lucy' to 'Lassie'. They changed my life and I have made oodles of friends thanks to them.. Thank you for this wonderful tribute. * if not, ****** it

That first riff n yep I’m in. Never investigated the cardiacs, I’ll given a do

First time listening to them. They are bonkers and fantastic.

Thanks so much for this, Justin. The Cardiacs were simply unique in every way. Wonderful.

I was introduced to the Cardiacs on 'the tube'. Tarred and feathered. awesome. Even joined their fan club and bought plenty of their stuff. Utterly underrated and way ahead of their time. Loved them. such a crime about Tim. we were robbed (much like bowie) too soon.

"Is This The Life?" ALWAYS ignites my mitochondria and burns it up. Every time

Well, I've been listening to 'A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window' (album) these past few evenings now, while I crochet 🐑 🥃🕯️and I love it ❤️😁 It starts off very grand, I was waiting for someone to say "maestro" while tapping their baton! The words I would use to describe the album would be: other worldly, surreal, baroque, bizzare, theatrical, fairground/carnival, comedy/tragedy, sinister nursery rhyme! It sort of reminds me somewhat, of Jethro Tull's 'A Passion Play' in certain places. It's quite a dark feeling album too, which I also love, but in a good way. I love the signature changes (is that the right term?) Rush also do that. All in all, I like them very much and will be checking out more of their stuff. Thanks for the recommendation Justin. I'm always on the lookout for new music to discover x

Awesome! Saw The Cardiacs at The Venue in New Cross back in the day. Was too young to fully appreciate them. Wish I could’ve seen them again! Much respect for mentioning them 🙌🏼

Someone described Cardiacs' - RES, as "time signature soup". That someone, whomever they were, knew very much what they woz on about. It also plays major havoc with both my breathing and my heart-rate. Quite lovely really.

OmG, haven't listened to the Cardiacs in years. Was introduced to them by a friend's older brother when I was 14 or 15. Loved the changes of tempo, of rhythm, of key, of intent... Made me much more open minded about all types of music, encouraged me to really sit and listen to arrangements "there's nothing predictable about the arrangements" you state and you are dead right. Gradually lost touch of listening to them once I was gigging. Off to find those old cassettes now, little man and a house and the whole world window was my favourite as it's so manic. Thanks for the reminder 😊

Cardiacs are bonkers; love em. Tarred and Feathered was my 'in'. A song that really needs to be heard with the video to be fully appreciated.

Cardiacs are simply an amazing one off band and with one of the most obsessive yet lovely fanbases....it's snowy in the pond. All my friends as a youngster where musicians and all were obsessed with Dr.Tim Smith so they by accident where the first band ever saw live so many others have paled in comparison, such a shame they were so hated by the music press back in the day as having fun and progressive elements where deeply uncool in the early to mid eighties now they just still sound so original and unlike anything that it's cool they are getting some of the recognition they do richly deserve...as a side note would recommend that you all watch the live concert film all that glitters is a mares nest my favourite by any band and the one I watched the most throughout my life, there was a period of 3 or 4 years were our group would watch it every weekend after the pub still have the stretched VHS to prove it

I can't believe I've never heard of them. They sound like a band I would like. Looking forward to checking them out 👍🤘😁

I love the Cardiacs - XTC vs Zappa with added mental breakdowns. Fabulous.

Justin, ‘tis I. I watch all your videos simply for the pleasure of your company - but I’m also a Cardiacs obsessive, so can’t believe my luck with this one. It feels surreal, but actually, how could you be anything other than a Cardiacs appreciator? It all makes sense! Thanks so much.

Thanks for reminding me of Tim and this band's genius. Roll back to age 19, 1st year of art school and I thought I was pretty left field with my music taste. My mate Doug says lets go and see this band my uncles in called the Cardiacs. This is pre internet so you turn up, excited and completely in the dark as to where things might go. No-one could prepare me for this, insane, mesmerising, exhilarating and a bit terrifying. The Fans where running round and round in small circles in time to the music, which constantly changed tempo, every time it stopped (which was often, everyone froze), Tim beat Jim and the band squawked and honked and tore through their set list in a perfectly rehearsed pantomime stage show. I was instantly hooked. A little man and a house and the whole world window tour, together with Big Ship these songs have burrowed into my D.N.A . Thanks for reminding me how awesome and utterly unique this band were Justin. P.S love the channel and your filter free perspective on music. I'm a big fan of the channel.

I remember hearing 'Is this the life?' on the radio and it just blew me away...

I'd never heard of them, paused the video about 2 mins in to check out the playlist and loved it. I'll definitely be sticking them into my rotation! These videos are great, thanks for making them!

I don't know how this happened, as I like to think I've lived a well informed life musically, but in my 49 years Cardiacs have passed me by. Now I'm in after your recommendations Justin. Having looked through the comments there are lots of fans here. This seems like as good a place as any, please Cardiacs fans, recommend me some starter albums to buy, I'm going to immerse myself in this.

Ooh - I didn't realise Justin had done a Cardiacs one. Superb band!! RIP Tim x.

So happy to see someone else on this planet praising the genius psychedelic splendor that is Tim Smith and Cardiacs. Please share any other bands that share a musical thread. Here I'll start: Mr Bungle, The Residents, Voivod, Zappa...what's next for you?????

I love Cardiacs. Nice one for for showing people it.

There are two versions of R.E.S. I prefer the earlier (as in the video clip) from "The Seaside" album rather than the remake.

This is so great to see, followed The Cardiacs around a lot as they were a local band and its heartwarming to see you giving them some love. ❤️

I saw the Cardiacs by accident sometime around 81/82 I think. They were playing in a local place to me in Surrey and I thought they were fantastic! Full of surprise and delight! I had thought they were just an unknown local band and hadn’t realised the small amount of fame they had achieved since.

First song of their that I heard was Tarred and feathered and now I have all the albums and lots of their singles. The most amazing band ever.

when you mentioned the last song and that it was also on that album and you were saying it was one of your favorites i was like "pLEASE SAY R.E.S." and i cheered out loud when you said it hahahahaha. To Go Off and Things was the first song I heard and R.E.S. was the second. I was hooked immediately. I was about 15 years old myself, ironically enough.

Cardiacs have been my favourite ever since i first came across them 10 years ago when i was in college - I genuinely regret that it took so long, magical band 🙂

I fell into the Cardiacs rabbit hole with Tarred and Feathered in 2019 and continue to enjoy them! Visiting Hours is probably my most played track.

Dude! Your channel is becoming one of my favorite on RU-vid! Keep up the amazing work!

So happy to see Cardiacs fans finding eachother

Just checked Cardiacs out... Absolutely incredible band, my mind is blown. Thanks a lot! 🤘

Your channel has guided me through this hungover Sunday, much love ❤️

thanks for doing this! Tim told me several stories about the origin of Is this the Life and I dont believe any of them! He was a tremendously lovely guy and really nurturing when my band was starting out. I reckon you could do a cover?...

I remember being younger and seeing the darkness on tv during mid 2000 and thinking I should live life like these guys, they’ve got the balls to do what they want and they don’t give a fuck what anyone else thinks. Plus your voice is awesome.

Great to hear you talking about this Justin, what a band, what music and what a genius Tim was. Such a sad loss and a massive influence on me. Think we played ‘Is this the life’ together at some point didn’t we?

Listening to Cardiacs (again). This has to be one of the best lines in a song...ever. From Goosegash: "My dying's your living, my living's your death!" Brilliant, love it 😁❤️

I really got get out from under my rock, I've never heard of them but I'll give them a listen to.....it's always good to have some fresh music on my playlist..👍

Great band. I’ve had a few pints with Bob Leith over the years and naturally he brought me up to speed as to all things Cardiacs (I’d never heard of them) their ouvre and mystique. Always a good listen.

Watched Cardiacs many many times over the years, top band, Tim is sadly missed.

Often stories ‘behind songs’ can detract from them. But that one about the origins of Is This The Life made me cry it’s so perfect, true or not

Never though I’d find a connection between Cardiacs and the Darkness. Wow.

I saw #Cardiacs support prog legends Marillion a few times across the country (6 dates I think) in the mid 80's and honestly I have never seen a support band get as much hate as this band did at all the gigs, undeservedly so, I thought they were bonkers, I labelled them progressive punk at the time. I think the world took too long to fathom the genius of Tim Smith. May he rest in peace. Thanks for the video Mr H. #Cardiacs

I'm just watching videos of this band thanks to your recommendation, Justin. They seem like the perfect marriage between Frank Zappa, Gentle Giant, Tiny Tim, and the bride of Chucky. With a little bit of post punk. Damn, the first impression was a bit of a shock but the music is enticing, as a prog rock lover that's right my alley. Thanks, Justin! 🤟

Just been looking back through your archive and found you posted this. Saw them during the world window tour (88 I think) and they totally blew my head off. RIP Tim!

I fucken love you man. It's awesome to hear such a well known musician as you acknowledge such a sadly underrated band.

About month ago i send Cardiacs Tarred and feathered to my brother, who never hear them before. "Think i got a new favorite band" was his response minutes after))).

Wow!! I'd forgotten all about these! Myself and my now dead best friend were really into these in the early to mid 90's. Absolutely mental live!!! Thanks for the memories Justin. Amazing

That's interesting as fuck, very reminiscent of the sparks except much more interesting, thanks for introducing me to the cardiacs, I will definitely be delving deeper.

You Sir, are a legend and have great taste. Thanks for the video and appreciating Cardiacs

Good Day Justin 👋 Never heard of them. I will check them out💯🥰 Love your podcast and can't wait to see and meet you 2022 🥰

Is This The Life is by far their most accessible 4 to the floor rock song. It's absolutely awesome. I first blundered into them at Stonehenge festival in 1980 when they were called Cardiac Arrest. I thought they were awful. I couldn't believe it was the same band when I first heard the Tarred and Feathered ep.

Thank you for doing this for the Cardiacs, its a tough challenge to take on talking about them and coming out feeling you did them credit - which I think you did. They were so complicated. And don't forget "The Whole World Window" - a truly world class Anthem. Tim you will forever be missed

I got in from an interview with with Mike Vennart from Oceansize, I'm deeply glad I did. Cool to see how many huge musicians really appreciated them, even if they've remained largely underground.

"Cardiacs for life" indeed. Others have also said it, but I always think of Tim Smith as our Frank Zappa. There are so many parallels. Both equally brilliant.

I had never heard of them . Thanks for the heads up , very enjoyable . By some kind of synchronicity I have been so bored looking for albums I have not heard before in my local second hand record shop , I have been mining a lot of post punk art rock type stuff and taking it home for a listen. Snappy , clever bands from both sides of the Atlantic like Perfect Zebras , New Musik , Moev , Polyrock , Legendary Pink Dots etc. Tomorrow , I'm going to go the the Record shop and have a look for the Cardiacs , thank you .

Thanks for the tip. Following them on Spotify now. Steven Wilson "Hand Cannot Erase" album is more prog that doesn't sound like wizards and math.

I believe this video to best demonstrate Justin's ability to convey musical depth poetically, efficiently and with style. Cardiacs is a tall order band to describe and delve into in 10 minutes time. Réalisé, and he's done so with genuine aplumb.

Im even more a fan 😎 was searching for the cardiacs and the fact you have always been a fan , is great ,, it makes perfect sense why you became a great musician sir justin hawkins , your Inspirations 🙏🤘😎

Jim! Well played Hawkins, well played. Keep it up.

Thank you for showing me this band, been listening nonstop :)

Great work Justin, they are simply the most amazing band ever and the more people know that the better!

Yoo thats so cool. I discovered the darkness once the single dropped back in the day. Been listening to the cardiacs too and its really cool to hear this from you

People are generally unaware of how funny many musicians and rock stars are. That's why this channel is great.