Foundling (Cardiacs song)

Last updated
"Foundling"
Song by Cardiacs
from the album Sing to God
Released10 June 1996 (1996-06-10)
Recorded1995
Length5:27
Label Alphabet Business Concern
Songwriter(s) Tim Smith
Producer(s) Tim Smith

"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.

Contents

Background and release

Tim Smith wrote songs when he could over 1994 and laid down piano and drum demos of them all, sticking to a simple approach to focus on intricate and engaging song structures. This approach differed from the past, as he had always arranged the parts as he went. [1] The recording of Sing to God , a double album of 22 tracks, took place during the breaks of 1995, a particularly active year on the live front. [2] Jon Poole played the majority of the bass parts as Jim Smith, Tim's brother, took less of a musical role, focusing more on engineering and editing. [3] The album was produced by Tim Smith, who wrote the music and words of "Foundling". [4]

"Foundling" was included as the 12th and final track on Part Two of Sing to God, [4] released on 10 June 1996 by the Alphabet Business Concern. [5] The song also appeared on the split EP or single Cardiacs/Camp Blackfoot (1999) and the compilation album Cardiacs and Affectionate Friends (2001), both released by Org Records, the label associated with the Organ fanzine. [6] [7] [2] It was covered by the duo Stars in Battledress for the 2010 tribute album Leader of the Starry Skies . [8]

Music and lyrics

"Foundling" is a ballad. [9] Its instrumentation includes a "searing synth", [10] and is built on "dense keyboards". [11] The song uses two "prolonged" versions of what blogger Dan Schmidt calls the "Tim Smith cadence": ♭III-♭VII-IV-vI and ♭III-♭VI-♭VII -♭VI-vi. [2] On Sing to God, "Foundling" fades in from the keyboard lines of the previous track "Nurses Whispering Verses". [12] Writer Eric Benac said the song "produces a satisfying symmetry with 'Eden on the Air'". [11] In The Quietus , Sean Kitching compared the song to the gentler territory of Smith's Sea Nymphs project. [13] According to Benac, its lyrics "weave a spooky ghost story" which plays with the ideas of the afterlife throughout the album—the bride, who comes from nowhere, haunts the "big dead boy" and stays in bed with him; he is not appreciative as he's giving himself "ten showers a day" in ponds and rivers, yet he cannot escape her and together they walk in the afterlife, as angels of a sort. [11] Benac noted that the music mirrors the "ghostly lady" and "walking with angels", highlighting the line "I could walk with angels, but I'd rather walk with you" as working especially well. [11]

Reception

In a review of Sing to God, the Organ described "Foundling" as "soul-wrenching". [10] In 2012, Punknews.org reviewer Skibz777 called "Foundling" a "spacey Floyd-ish song" and a "gorgeous closer" which "ties everything together on an impossibly sublime note". [12] Nick Reed from The Quietus selected the song for its emotional resonance as one which makes him cry, calling it a "gorgeous ballad with this absolutely wrenching noise that I can't even describe." [9] On the 2014 reissue of Sing to God, Kitching described "Foundling" as "tremulously lovely" alongside the track "No Gold", [13] and Drowned in Sound 's Benjamin Bland described the song as having "subdued beauty". [14] Benac opined that Sing to God could've ended with the ambience of "Nurses Whispering Verses", but instead ended with the mysterious "Foundling". He considered the music "simple but effective, with Tim's voice as gentle as possible" and the love story a "creepy but affecting one." [11]

Spiritwo version

"Foundling"
Spiritwo - Foundling.png
Single by Spiritwo
B-side
  • "Inner Self" (Sepultura cover)
  • "No Such Thing"
  • "Video Store"
Released19 February 2007 (2007-02-19)
Length4:10
Label Org
Songwriter(s) Tim Smith
Spiritwo singles chronology
"Foundling"
(2007)
"Bee/Alchemy"
(2009)

The London-based pop project Spiritwo, fronted by a female singer of Israeli descent, recorded a version of "Foundling" as her debut single. [lower-alpha 1] It was released as a four-track CD single on 19 February 2007 via Org Records as Part 29 of their monthly "Org-An-Ised" singles series. [16] [17] A studio version of Spiritwo's dance cover of Sepultura's "Inner Self" also appears on the single, [16] as well as two original tracks. [17] Spiritwo originally recorded "Foundling" for an eight song demo which was made Organ Demo of the Week on 4 August 2005. [15]

Track listing

All songs by Spiritwo except "Foundling" by T. Smith and "Inner Self" by M. Cavalera/Kisser. [18]

CD single

  1. "Foundling" (Cardiacs cover) – 4:10
  2. "Inner Self" (Sepultura cover) – 3:42
  3. "No Such Thing" – 4:28
  4. "Video Store" – 3:42

Personnel

Credits adapted form the liner notes of "Foundling". [18]

Publishing

Notes

  1. Org Records also refers to the release as an EP. [15]

Related Research Articles

<i>Sing to God</i> 1996 studio album by Cardiacs

Sing to God is the fourth studio album by English rock band Cardiacs. Their first album with drummer Bob Leith and their second as a four-piece, it was recorded throughout 1995, breaking a hiatus by the band that had lasted since the band's previous album Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1992). During writing and recording, Jon Poole took a greater role than before, contributing to many songs written by band leader Tim Smith, and writing some of his own. The band decided to create a double album to encompass the great wealth of material written after their previous album. As with the band's previous albums, it presents a unique sound, and is seen as more eclectic than the band's previous albums, with one reviewer describing the record as "essentially [taking] everything Cardiacs had always been and [ramping] it up to maximum," and another saying the album was where "Smith's ability to express the music inside his head really began to transcend any sort of identifiable genre and turned Cardiacs into something truly unique."

<i>On Land and in the Sea</i> 1989 studio album by Cardiacs

On Land and in the Sea is the second studio album proper by the English rock band Cardiacs. Produced by band leader Tim Smith, it was recorded and mixed in 1988 at The Slaughterhouse studios in Yorkshire and released in May 1989 by the band's label Alphabet Business Concern. The record features a complex sound, with songs moving through rapid shifts in tempo and key, as well as more experimentation with song structures than the group's previous album. Critics have described the record as art rock and pop in style. It was their final album with their "classic" six-piece line-up.

<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">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">Spratleys Japs</span> English psychedelic rock band

Spratleys Japs are an English psychedelic rock band formed by Cardiacs leader Tim Smith and Joanne Spratley in 1998. The band changed their name to Tim Smith's Spratleys Rats in 2021 to distance themselves from the negative connotations of the derogatory term Jap.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ditzy Scene</span> 2007 single by Cardiacs

"Ditzy Scene" is a song by English rock band Cardiacs. It was planned as the opening track and lead single from the band's unfinished sixth album, LSD. It was released on Org Records, and was the band's last single to be released in frontman Tim Smith's lifetime, as well as their most recent to be composed of entirely new material.

<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).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Day Is Gone</span> 1991 single by Cardiacs

"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" 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. Musicially, "Day Is Gone" has been described as a power pop song with a 5
4
time signature and prominent guitars.

LSD is the unfinished seventh and final studio album by the English rock band Cardiacs. Recording began in 2005 following several 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Smith (bassist)</span> English musician

James A. Smith is an English musician, best known as the bass guitarist for the rock band Cardiacs which he formed with his brother Tim Smith. Along with performing backing vocals for the group, he co-wrote the hymn "The Alphabet Business Concern ", sang lead vocals on "Food on the Wall" live, and his girlfriend ran the band's merch stall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vermin Mangle</span> 2020 single by Cardiacs

"Vermin Mangle" is a song by English rock band Cardiacs from their unfinished album LSD, intended as the album's final track. The song was written by Tim Smith, who played it live during solo performances in 2000 and 2006. Following Smith's death, it was released as a free download on 1 September 2020 through the band's Bandcamp page as the second single from the album, to mark his funeral that same day. Intended as a thank you to the group's fans, the song features the circus, progressive rock and psychedelic instrumentation that drove much of the band's work.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim Quy</span> British percussionist (1961–2023)

Timothy Graham Quy was a British musician, best known as the percussionist for the rock band Cardiacs from 1981 to 1990. Initially the band's sound engineer, Quy first gigged as reserve bass player in 1980 and joined full-time on percussion in 1981. He became a key part of the band's classic six-piece lineup, performing on all their releases from The Seaside (1983) to On Land and in the Sea (1989), and was a popular face in the UK underground. Quy's last performance with Cardiacs was documented in the live video All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest (1992), where his marimba figures particularly high in the mix.

References

  1. Benac 2021, p. 95.
  2. 1 2 3 Sgrignoli, Marco (20 July 2022). "Cardiacs - biografia, recensioni, streaming, discografia, foto". Ondarock  [ it ] (in Italian). Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  3. Benac 2021, p. 96.
  4. 1 2 Sing to God (liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1996.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. "Cardiacs". Melody Maker . 5 June 1996. p. 25. Not just one, but two brand new albums released 10th June
  6. Benac 2021, p. 165.
  7. "Org: Cardiacs". Organ . 22 July 2001. Archived from the original on 6 October 2001. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  8. Leader of the Starry Skies: A Tribute to Tim Smith, Songbook 1 (liner notes). Believers Roast. 2010.
  9. 1 2 "Features | Tracks Of Our Tears: 50 Songs That Make Quietus Writers & Artists Cry". The Quietus . 7 March 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  10. 1 2 "Album Reviews - Sing to God". Organ . No. 47. UK. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013 via Cardiacs Official Website.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Benac 2021, p. 113.
  12. 1 2 Skibz777 (24 April 2012). "Cardiacs - Sing to God". Punknews.org. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  13. 1 2 Kitching, Sean (4 July 2014). "Reviews | Cardiacs". The Quietus . Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  14. Bland, Benjamin (10 July 2014). "Album Review: Cardiacs - Sing to God (reissue)". Drowned in Sound . Archived from the original on 1 October 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  15. 1 2 "Org: Spiritwo". Organ . 9 April 2007. Archived from the original on 15 October 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  16. 1 2 "Sepultura's 'Inner Self' Gets The Dance Treatment Courtesy Of Spiritwo". Blabbermouth.net . 7 September 2008. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  17. 1 2 "Org Records Official Pages". Organ . 15 January 2007. Archived from the original on 12 February 2007. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  18. 1 2 "Foundling" (CD liner notes). Spiritwo. Org Records. 2007.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)

Sources