Day Is Gone

Last updated
"Day Is Gone"
Day Is Gone.png
Single by Cardiacs
from the album Heaven Born and Ever Bright
A-side
  • "No Bright Side"
B-side
  • "Ideal"
  • "Joining the Plankton"
Released28 October 1991
Studio
  • Boundary Row Studios (London)
  • Studio 811 (Cowfold)
Genre
Length3:19
Label Alphabet Business Concern
Songwriter(s) Tim Smith
Producer(s) Tim Smith
Cardiacs singles chronology
"Baby Heart Dirt"
(1989)		"Day Is Gone"
(1991)		"Bellyeye"
(1995)
"Appealing to Venus"
Appealing to Venus.png
Front sleeve of the original release
Single by the Sea Nymphs
from the album The Sea Nymphs
B-side
  • "Tree Tops High"
Released1 June 1998 (reissue)
Studio
  • Tree Tops High (Snakey Wood, Surrey)
  • Sea Views (Anglesey)
Length2:35
Label Alphabet Business Concern (original)
Org (reissue)
Songwriter(s) Tim Smith
Producer(s) The Sea Nymphs
Alternative cover
Appealing to Venus EP.png
Organ EP reissue

"Day Is Gone" is a song by English rock band Cardiacs from their third studio album, Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1992). It was released as a twelve-inch single preceding the album on 28 October 1991 alongside a free 7-inch titled "Appealing to Venus" (b/w "Tree Tops High") by side project the Sea Nymphs from their eponymous debut studio album (1992). Both tracks were written by Tim Smith who solely produced the former, while the Sea Nymphs produced the latter. Musically, "Day Is Gone" has been described as a power pop song with a 5
4 time signature and prominent guitars.

Contents

A low-budget music video for "Day Is Gone" was released on MTV, featuring various shots of the band in a forest. After being reissued by the Organ magazine's record label, Org Records, "Appealing to Venus" was made BBC Radio 1's daytime Single of the Week and led to the Sea Nymphs recording a Peel Session

Background and composition

The classic Cardiacs six-piece lineup dissipated following the release of On Land and in the Sea (1989), with William D. Drake, Tim Quy and Sarah Smith leaving the band. [1] Cardiacs slimmed down to a four piece on their third studio album Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1992), which displayed a harder edged, metal-leaning sound. [2] Tim Smith, Jim Smith and drummer Dominic Luckman remained, [1] joined by guitarist Christian "Bic" Hayes. [3] Hayes left the band before the song's release to commit to his other project Levitation and was replaced by Jon Poole. [3]

"Day Is Gone" was composed and written by Tim Smith, [4] utilising a 5
4 time signature. [3] It was recorded at Boundary Row Studios in London and Studio 811 in Cowfold, Sussex. [5] [lower-alpha 1] The song was also produced and mixed by Smith, with regular collaborator David Murder as the sound engineer. [3] Its guitars have been described as having a power pop element with spacious production. [3]

Release and promotion

"Day Is Gone" was released as a single preceding Heaven Born and Ever Bright on 28 October 1991. [7] [6] The EP includes the B-sides "No Bright Side", "Ideal" and "Joining the Plankton", a concert favourite. [8] Future Cardiacs guitarist Kavus Torabi mentions in his book Medical Grade Music that he got his nose pierced the same week as the EP's release. [9] The single's cover features a moth and a daisy montage, which was also used on a T-shirt. [10] A low-budget music video for the song was released on MTV. [8] [11] During the video, various shots of the band in a forest are shown. [11]

"Appealing to Venus"

The song "Appealing to Venus" by Cardiacs side project the Sea Nymphs was released for free as a 7-inch single with copies of the "Day Is Gone" twelve-inch, backed with the B-side "Tree Tops High". [12] The song was written by Smith and produced by the Sea Nymphs, comprising Tim, Sarah and Drake. [13] Org Records, the record label of the magazine Organ , reissued "Appealing to Venus" on 1 June 1998 as a CD-only EP. [14] [15] The label had previously released the Cardiacs single "Bellyeye" and featured both bands on various compilations and gigs. [14] As there was a dislike of Cardiacs in the mainstream music business, Org neglected to mention that the release was a reissue and that the Sea Nymphs members were in another band. They sent a pre-release tape to DJs including John Peel, who said he loved the single and asked if they could do a radio session. Mark Radcliffe and Mark Riley made "Appealing to Venus" their daytime Single of the Week on BBC Radio 1, which Organ says was "probably the most exposure since the days of 'Is This the Life?'." [14]

The Sea Nymphs snuck around the BBC Maida Vale studio attempting to not be recognised, and recorded the Peel Session with string machines and other equipment. John Peel, who wasn't there, called up the following day to say that he was pleased and mentioned that he knew who the band members were weeks later. [14] Because of the single's radio play, labels called wanting to sign the band and Org asked for more tracks to release, but Smith had moved on and had begun work on Cardiacs' Guns (1999). [14]

Critical reception

Dom Lawson of Classic Rock called the single "irresistibly melodic", including "Day Is Gone" in the playlist Cardiacs: The Essential Playlist. [7] Marco Sgrignoli of Ondarock  [ it ] commented that might contain "the most 'straight' 5
4 in history". [3] According to Organ, the reissue of "Appealing to Venus" received positive words in the press from the same people who never had a good printed word for Cardiacs. [14]

Cover versions

The Trudy covered the "Day Is Gone" on the tribute album Leader of the Starry Skies: A Tribute to Tim Smith, Songbook 1 (2010). In 3:AM Magazine , Cathi Unsworth wrote that the Trudy "spring through the [song's] cascading melodies." [16] Sam Sheppard of The Line of Best Fit said that "The Trudy bring their sunkissed pop to 'Day Is Gone', accentuating the fact that Cardiacs, despite all the fiddly bits are basically a damn fine pop band." [17]

Formats and track listings

All tracks are written by Tim Smith. All lyrics by Smith, except where noted.
Notes

Credits and personnel

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Erroneously written as "Cowfield" in the 2015 reissue liner notes. [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardiacs</span> English rock band

Cardiacs are an English rock band formed in Kingston upon Thames by Tim Smith and his brother Jim in 1977 under the name Cardiac Arrest. The band's sound fused circus, baroque pop and medieval music with progressive rock and post-punk, adding other elements like nursery rhymes and sea shanties. Tim Smith was the primary lyricist, noted for his complex and innovative compositional style. He and his brother were the only constant members in the band's regularly changing lineup.

<i>Archive Cardiacs</i> 1989 compilation album by Cardiacs

Archive Cardiacs is a compilation album by English rock band Cardiacs. The album is composed of early tracks by the band recorded from 1977 to 1979. The tracks were compiled from Cardiacs' demo albums The Obvious Identity (1980) and Toy World (1981), as well as three pieces recorded by Tim Smith and Dominic Luckman for a side project that never saw fruition.

<i>The Obvious Identity</i> 1980 demo album by Cardiac Arrest

The Obvious Identity is a self-released album by English rock group Cardiacs, their first album of any sort, released under the group's earlier name of Cardiac Arrest. The album format was cassette tape, and it was only sold at concerts. The album title came from a name which the band used for a short time prior to taking on the Cardiac Arrest name. Two songs featured the band's original lead singer, Michael Pugh.

<i>Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Drake</i> 1984 demo album by Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Drake

Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Drake is an album by English psychedelic folk band the Sea Nymphs. Recorded and released in 1984 under the name Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Drake, it was the band's only recording to be distributed prior to their 1991 reformation. The band is a side project of Cardiacs, composed of core members Tim Smith, Sarah Smith and William D. Drake.

<i>Big Ship</i> (EP) 1987 EP by Cardiacs

Big Ship is the second extended play (EP) by the English band Cardiacs, released in January 1987 by the Alphabet Business Concern. It is an album-sized vinyl record played at the speed of a single (45rpm) and was issued with a lyric insert. It was the first Cardiacs release to exclusively feature the so-called classic 1980s line-up of the band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Is This the Life</span> 1988 single by Cardiacs

"Is This the Life" is a song by English rock band Cardiacs from their debut studio album A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window (1988). The song was released on vinyl by the Alphabet Business Concern and Torso on 16 April 1988 as the only single from the album. The song was previously recorded for the demo albums Toy World (1981) and The Seaside (1984). It also briefly attained chart success after being played on various Radio 1 shows thanks to DJ Liz Kershaw. The Torso version of the 7" is exactly the same as the Alphabet release although it comes in a paper sleeve instead of a cardboard one. Only the Torso 12" differs in both track listing and cover design.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susannah's Still Alive</span>

"Susannah's Still Alive" is a song by Dave Davies, released for his second solo single. The recording featured all of the Kinks' members as his backing band. It was a hit but it did not live up to the expectations of Davies' last single "Death of a Clown", which was a Top 5 hit. It failed to chart in the US, but was a significant success in Europe, reaching #10 in the Netherlands, #27 in Germany, #18 in Belgium and #18 in Sweden. Although it was never featured on an LP, its B-side "Funny Face" was included on the Kinks' 1967 album Something Else by the Kinks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Sea Nymphs (band)</span> English psychedelic folk band

The Sea Nymphs were an English psychedelic folk band from Kingston upon Thames, England. The group comprised Cardiacs' core members Tim Smith, William D. Drake and Sarah Smith. They are commonly regarded as the quieter side of the parent band. Rooted in folk and chamber music, their sound is much lighter than that of their parent outfit. The songs dispense with the use of loud guitars and drums, in favour of differing vocal rhythms, keyboards and brass instruments. However, the music still contains Cardiacs' trademark off-the-wall chord progressions and sudden time changes, albeit in a slightly gentler fashion.

<i>All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest</i> 1992 video / Live album by Cardiacs

All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest is a live album and concert film by the English rock band Cardiacs. It is their third live album, and was originally recorded in the afternoon in the Salisbury Arts Centre on 30 June 1990 with Napalm Death. It is the only Cardiacs album to feature guitarist Christian Hayes throughout. The album was released on VHS in 1992 and as a live album on 1 June 1995.

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (Cardiacs album) 2002 compilation album by Cardiacs

Greatest Hits is a compilation album by the English rock band Cardiacs, released on 22 February 2002.

<i>Cardiacs and Affectionate Friends</i> 2001 compilation album by Cardiacs and various artists

Cardiacs and Affectionate Friends is a compilation album published by Org Records, the record label associated with the Organ fanzine, and All My Eye and Betty Martin Music. It collects recent songs by Cardiacs and associated projects featuring Tim Smith, including Spratleys Japs, the Sea Nymphs and OceanLandWorld (1995). Other acts include Mikrokosmos, Catherine in a Cupboard, Lake of Puppies and solo tracks by Drake, Mark Cawthra and Jon Poole.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Bus for a Bus on the Bus</span> 1979 single by Cardiac Arrest

"A Bus for a Bus on the Bus" is the debut single by English rock band Cardiacs, then known as Cardiac Arrest, released in 1979 under Tortch Records. The song's title recalls "A Pound for a Brown on the Bus" from the Mothers of Invention album Uncle Meat (1969).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William D. Drake</span> Musical artist

William Derek Drake is an English musician, keyboardist, pianist, composer and singer-songwriter. He is best known as a former member of the cult English rock band Cardiacs, whom he played with for nine years between 1983 and 1992. He has also been a member of the Sea Nymphs, North Sea Radio Orchestra, Nervous, Wood, Lake of Puppies and The Grown-Ups, as well as pursuing a career as a solo artist. He is a distant cousin of the English singer-songwriter Nick Drake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardiacs discography</span> Band discography

The English rock band Cardiacs have released five studio albums and two extended plays along with a number of singles, compilations, live albums and demos. The group was formed by brothers Tim and Jim Smith in 1977 under the name Cardiac Arrest, releasing their debut single "A Bus for a Bus on the Bus" in 1979 and the demo album The Obvious Identity the following year. After being renamed to Cardiacs, the band released two more cassettes, Toy World (1981) and The Seaside (1984).

LSD is the unfinished seventh and final studio album by the English rock band Cardiacs. Recording began following lineup changes, with the lead single "Ditzy Scene" released by Org Records in 2007 to tease the upcoming double album. It was due to be released in October 2008, promoted by singles in August and November as well as a reissue of the concert film All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest (1992). Production was indefinitely postponed after frontman Tim Smith had a cardiac arrest and stroke on 25 June 2008 leaving him unable to play or provide vocals.

"Stoneage Dinosaurs" is a song by English rock band Cardiacs from their EP Big Ship (1987). The song was written by frontman Tim Smith and produced by Smith alongside Graham Simmonds. Musically, the song is a melancholy track with violins, saxophones and funeral paced drums. Its lyrics reference family, contemporary celebrities and the First World War. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who noted its stark difference to the other tracks on the EP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shrubbies</span> English pop group

The Shrubbies were an English pop group from Wallington, London, active from 1996 to 1998. The band was formed as Shrubby Veronica by Craig Fortnam, Sharron Saddington and the former Cardiacs members Sarah Smith and Dominic Luckman (drums). They gigged enthusiastically in London for several years and then split up as Fortnam was disillusioned with playing the traditional indie rock toilet circuit.

<i>The Sea Nymphs</i> (album) 1992 studio album by the Sea Nymphs

The Sea Nymphs is the self-titled debut studio album by the English psychedelic folk band the Sea Nymphs, an offshoot of the rock band Cardiacs featuring Tim Smith, Sarah Smith and William D. Drake. It was originally released as a limited edition promotional cassette by All My Eye and Betty Martin Music in 1992 and was reissued on CD via Cardiacs' label the Alphabet Business Concern in 1995.

"Foundling" is a song by the English rock band Cardiacs from their fourth studio album, Sing to God (1996). Written and produced by Tim Smith, it is a ballad built on dense keyboards and searing synth with gentle vocals and lyrical ideas about the afterlife. Reviewers considered the song an effective album closer, noting its beauty and emotional resonance. The song was included on compilations released by Org Records; a cover version by Spiritwo was released as a single by Org in 2007.

References

  1. 1 2 Reed, Nick (20 May 2014). "Once In A Lifetime: On Land And In The Sea By Cardiacs Revisited". The Quietus . Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  2. ↑ Rowlands, Marc (10 January 2018). "Members Of Faith No More, Voivod And Napalm Death Join Fundraiser For Cardiacs Vocalist". Kerrang! . Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sgrignoli, Marco (20 July 2022). "Cardiacs - biografia, recensioni, streaming, discografia, foto". Ondarock  [ it ] (in Italian). Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  4. ↑ "Credits / Heaven Born And Ever Bright / Cardiacs". Tidal. 22 January 2021. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  5. 1 2 "Day Is Gone" (vinyl liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1991. ALPH 015T – via Totally Vinyl Records.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Day Is Gone" (2015 reissue) (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1991. ALPH CD 015 – via Discogs.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. 1 2 Lawson, Dom (2 March 2021). "Cardiacs' best albums - a buyers guide". Classic Rock . Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  8. 1 2 "free single/upcoming crowdfunder from The Duke Of Norfolk; Cardiacs and Knifeworld reissues; a new Tim Bowness album; disinterring lost Levitation". Misfit City. 21 May 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  9. ↑ Davis, Steve; Torabi, Kavus (15 April 2021). Medical Grade Music. London: Orion Publishing Group. Search "Day Is Gone". ISBN   9781474619509 . Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  10. ↑ Kitching, Sean (24 July 2020). "Remembering Tim Smith Of Cardiacs". The Quietus . Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  11. 1 2 "Cardiacs - Day is Gone". MTV. 20 January 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2022– via YouTube.
  12. ↑ Bell, Adrian (2011). Aylesbury Bolton Wolverhampton Hove: A Little Man and 101 Cardiacs Gigs. Sullivan County, New York: Iron Bell Publishing. p. 128. ISBN   978-0-95-687950-9.
  13. 1 2 3 The Sea Nymphs (liner notes). The Sea Nymphs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1995. ALPH CD021.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Worral, Sean (18 August 2016). "ORGAN THING: The reedy waters have been stirred, Appealing to Venus and the tale of that John Peel session…". Organ . Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  15. 1 2 3 "The Sea Nymphs' 'Appealing to Venus' ("quivering, shipwrecked dreams and prayers")". Misfit City. 3 June 1998. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  16. ↑ Unsworth, Cathi (21 January 2011). "A Little Man, a House and the Whole World Window". 3:AM Magazine . Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  17. ↑ Shepherd, Sam (26 November 2010). "Various Artists – Leader Of The Starry Skies: A Tribute To Tim Smith. Songbook 1". The Line of Best Fit . Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  18. ↑ "Day Is Gone (EP)". Bandcamp. 25 March 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  19. ↑ "Appealing To Venus" (vinyl liner notes). The Sea Nymphs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1991. ALPH 016SP – via Discogs.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ↑ Appealing To Venus EP (CD liner notes). The Sea Nymphs. Org Records. 1998. organ044cd – via Discogs.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.