Album of the Week: Cardiacs’ Posthumous LP “LSD”
Cardiacs’ LSD is a remarkable posthumous project that speaks volumes about the enduring creativity and camaraderie that defined the band. Led by the late frontman Tim Smith’s closest friends, the album stands as a testament to Smith’s unparalleled artistic vision and the unwavering dedication of those who brought his final work to life.
After a hiatus of 26 years since Cardiacs’ last studio album and following Tim Smith’s passing five years ago, the completion of LSD is a unique endeavor that sets it apart from other posthumous releases. The album’s creation draws parallels to Leonard Cohen’s final album, Thanks For The Dance, and the artful masterpiece that David Bowie crafted on his last days with Blackstar. However, the detailed nature of the album’s completion, coupled with Smith’s prolonged period of ill health, paints a truly distinctive picture of the posthumous release.
The completion of LSD not only tells a compelling story of overcoming obstacles in the face of adversity but also delivers on the musical front with a rich array of tracks that showcase Cardiacs’ signature sound. The painstaking effort to interpret Smith’s incomplete works and the approval process that took place just before his passing add a layer of poignancy to the album’s creation. Featuring 17 tracks, the album blends unfinished pieces with fully realized gems, each meticulously reviewed and brought to life with the help of North Sea Radio Orchestra’s Craig Fortnam.
The completion of LSD faced its biggest challenges in finding a lead singer for many of the tracks and selecting a mix engineer. While Smith lends his vocals to a select few tracks, Mike Vennart and Rose-Ellen Kemp play a crucial role in bringing the rest of the album to life with their stellar performances. The production by Adam Noble strikes a perfect balance, maintaining Cardiacs’ trademark intensity while adding a new level of clarity and warmth.
With the vocalists and mix engineer in place, the finishing obstacles were conquered, resulting in a cohesive album that showcases Smith’s unmistakable genius. Despite years passing since the album’s conceptualization, the songs sound fresh and vibrant, a fitting continuation of Cardiacs’ legacy. Featuring Kavus Torabi on arrangements and guitar work, along with Craig Fortnam’s string and brass arrangements, LSD stands out as a testament to Cardiacs’ musical prowess and creativity.
From the powerful hymn-like opener ‘Men In Bed’ to the whimsical ‘Pet Fezant’, LSD offers a diverse range of musical delights. Each track, from the energetic ‘The May’ to the off-kilter pop of ‘The Blue And Buff’, showcases Cardiacs’ ability to craft intricate and captivating music that leaves a lasting impact on listeners. Bookended by poignant and melodic masterpieces, LSD serves as a fitting tribute to Tim Smith’s artistic legacy and a remarkable achievement in the realm of posthumous releases.