Sing to God
Encyclopedia
Sing to God is the seventh album by Cardiacs
and their first with drummer Bob Leith.
Sing to God was also the band's first double album, due to the sheer amount of material that group leader Tim Smith
had written over a number of years with little or no Cardiacs live performances. The album was initially released as a limited run of 3000 double album sets, and later as two separate CDs. It is named after a children's hymn book owned by former Cardiacs
keyboardist William D. Drake, although Tim
has stressed the album is not a religious work.
The album was preceded by the release of the Bellyeye single on Org Records (the record-releasing wing of long-term Cardiacs’ supporters Organ Magazine
). The album featured two further singles, Manhoo and Odd Even, both released (like the album) on the band's own Alphabet Business Concern label. None of the three singles charted.
The album was notable for a change in Cardiacs' working methods. Whereas most previous material had been written and arranged by Tim Smith, the Sing to God sessions saw extensive contributions from Jon Poole
who played a strong role in orchestrating Smith's basic material with detailed riffs and keyboard parts (and contributed several songs entirely written by himself). Drummer Bob Leith also made significant contributions to the album's lyrics.
The album also features material from various Cardiacs related projects. The track "Nurses Whispering Verses" had been recorded twice before, once on the band's 1981 cassette album Toy World
and once on the original cassette release of the band's 1984 album The Seaside
(it was removed from the 1995 CD reissue). "Bell Stinks", "Bell Clinks" and "Angleworm Angel" were all taken from the repertoire of the thrash band Panixsphere (which featured Tim Smith and Jon Poole alongside Christian Hayes
and David Francolini
of Levitation
). "Billion" is allegedly the first song which Tim Smith ever wrote, resurrected and recorded many years after its composition. The song "Wireless" features Tim Smith reading from a children's story called "Peril on the Sea" written by Dawn Staple (who would join the band in 2004 as a percussionist and backing singer).
Cardiacs
Cardiacs are an English alternative rock/psychedelic pop band formed in 1977 and led by Tim Smith. Noted for their complex, varied and intense compositional style and for their eccentric, theatrical stage shows, they have been hailed as an influence by bands as diverse as Blur, Faith No More and...
and their first with drummer Bob Leith.
Sing to God was also the band's first double album, due to the sheer amount of material that group leader Tim Smith
Tim Smith (Cardiacs)
Tim Smith is an English singer-songwriter, composer, poet, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and music video director....
had written over a number of years with little or no Cardiacs live performances. The album was initially released as a limited run of 3000 double album sets, and later as two separate CDs. It is named after a children's hymn book owned by former Cardiacs
Cardiacs
Cardiacs are an English alternative rock/psychedelic pop band formed in 1977 and led by Tim Smith. Noted for their complex, varied and intense compositional style and for their eccentric, theatrical stage shows, they have been hailed as an influence by bands as diverse as Blur, Faith No More and...
keyboardist William D. Drake, although Tim
Tim Smith (Cardiacs)
Tim Smith is an English singer-songwriter, composer, poet, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and music video director....
has stressed the album is not a religious work.
The album was preceded by the release of the Bellyeye single on Org Records (the record-releasing wing of long-term Cardiacs’ supporters Organ Magazine
Organ (magazine)
Organ is an independent music magazine based in London, covering a variety of rock, alternative, punk, progressive, metal and experimental music. The magazine was founded in 1986 as a handmade fanzine and has evolved many times over the last 20 years...
). The album featured two further singles, Manhoo and Odd Even, both released (like the album) on the band's own Alphabet Business Concern label. None of the three singles charted.
The album was notable for a change in Cardiacs' working methods. Whereas most previous material had been written and arranged by Tim Smith, the Sing to God sessions saw extensive contributions from Jon Poole
Jon Poole
Jon Poole is a British multi-instrumentalist singer and songwriter best known for his work as guitarist for Cardiacs and as bass player for The Wildhearts .Poole is the frontman and main performer of God Damn Whores, and has also worked with the...
who played a strong role in orchestrating Smith's basic material with detailed riffs and keyboard parts (and contributed several songs entirely written by himself). Drummer Bob Leith also made significant contributions to the album's lyrics.
The album also features material from various Cardiacs related projects. The track "Nurses Whispering Verses" had been recorded twice before, once on the band's 1981 cassette album Toy World
Toy World
Toy World is the second album released by Cardiacs . The cassette is a mixture of older songs by the earlier Cardiac Arrest lineup and newer songs by the then-current Cardiacs lineup...
and once on the original cassette release of the band's 1984 album The Seaside
The Seaside (Cardiacs album)
The Seaside is the third album from English rock group Cardiacs. The album originally featured the second recording of what would become the band's only hit single, "Is This the Life?". It is the last of the band's releases to feature keyboard player/drummer/singer Mark Cawthra and the first to...
(it was removed from the 1995 CD reissue). "Bell Stinks", "Bell Clinks" and "Angleworm Angel" were all taken from the repertoire of the thrash band Panixsphere (which featured Tim Smith and Jon Poole alongside Christian Hayes
Christian Hayes
Christian Hayes , also known as Bic Hayes, is an English rock guitarist, singer and songwriter. His highest profile musical role has been fronting the band Dark Star between 1998 and 2001, whom he formed with fellow ex-Levitation members David Francolini and Laurence O'Keefe.He has also played in a...
and David Francolini
David Francolini
David Francolini also known as "Mitch Razor" is an English rock drummer, and has previously played in a number of bands, most notably Strangelove, Levitation, and Dark Star....
of Levitation
Levitation (band)
Levitation were an English rock band fronted by ex-House of Love guitarist Terry Bickers. Levitation's music and attitude challenged an early 1990s UK alternative music scene dominated by shoegazing and Madchester....
). "Billion" is allegedly the first song which Tim Smith ever wrote, resurrected and recorded many years after its composition. The song "Wireless" features Tim Smith reading from a children's story called "Peril on the Sea" written by Dawn Staple (who would join the band in 2004 as a percussionist and backing singer).
Part One
- "Eden on the Air" – 2:21
- "Eat It Up Worms Hero" (Tim Smith, Bob Leith) – 2:33
- "Dog-Like Sparky" – 4:53
- "Fiery Gun Hand" – 5:13
- "Insect Hoofs on Lassie" – 3:00
- "Fairy Mary Mag" – 3:44
- "BellyeyeBellyeye"Bellyeye" is the seventh single from the pronk band, Cardiacs, and features tracks that are on Sing to God. Only 1000 copies of the CD single were produced, and it has long since been out of print....
" – 4:09 - "A Horse's Tail" (Jon Poole) – 3:47
- "ManhooManhoo"Manhoo" is the eighth single from Cardiacs and the first taken from Sing to God. Only 1000 copies of the CD were produced and it has long since been out of print....
" – 4:59 - "Wireless" – 8:22
Part Two
- "Dirty Boy" – 8:54
- "Billion" – 0:41
- "Odd EvenOdd Even"Odd Even" is the ninth single from Cardiacs and the second taken from Sing to God. Only 1000 copies of the CD were produced and it has long since been out of print....
" – 3:18 - "Bell Stinks" (Jon Poole) – 1:19
- "Bell Clinks" (Jon Poole) – 2:54
- "Flap Off You Beak" – 3:44
- "Quiet as a Mouse" – 1:28
- "Angleworm Angel" (Jon Poole) – 2:24
- "Red Fire Coming Out From His Gills" – 2:14
- "No Gold" – 3:31
- "Nurses Whispering Verses" (Tim Smith, Bob Leith) – 9:53
- "Foundling" – 5:27
Personnel
- Tim SmithTim Smith (Cardiacs)Tim Smith is an English singer-songwriter, composer, poet, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and music video director....
– Vocals, Guitar and Keyboard - Jim Smith – Bass and Vocals
- Jon PooleJon PooleJon Poole is a British multi-instrumentalist singer and songwriter best known for his work as guitarist for Cardiacs and as bass player for The Wildhearts .Poole is the frontman and main performer of God Damn Whores, and has also worked with the...
– Guitar, Keyboard and Vocals - Bob Leith – Drums and Vocals
Additional personnel
- Sarah Smith – Vocals and Saxophone
- Claire LemmonSidi Bou Said (band)Sidi Bou Said were a London based rock band, who existed during the 1990s. Their music combined an indie rock/folk sound with complex arrangements and literate lyrics. They were often compared to Throwing Muses and the Pixies, with whom they shared a taste for sometimes uncomfortable lyrical themes...
– Vocals - Natalie Box – Violin
- Jane Kypriandis – Scissors
- Mark Barratt – Trumpets
- David Murder – Orchestral Arrangements