Tim Smith (Cardiacs) : Best Moments From A Contemporary Genius

I know that for myself and many others, Tim’s genius spanned far beyond his musical ingenuity; that behind the complex intricacies of his music was an unwavering commitment to amplify and celebrate the uniqueness and individuality in each and every person, as well as a genuine awe of life in both its beauty and tragedy. He never lost his child-like sense of wonder, and as an adult let it manifest and express itself through his artistic work. In my view, this was perhaps, even more importantly than his razor sharp wit and musical prowess, the heart and source of Smith’s genius. This spilled into everything the man touched, reflected not just in his music, but also in his lyrics, stage presence, mythology, visual elements, and interviews.

My hope is that through the footage compiled in this video as well as the quotes by him and his friends, someone new to Cardiacs may feel as if they’ve penetrated another layer of its mystery, perhaps feeling as if they’ve “gotten to know” Tim better. Or they may just end up feeling even more confused, which would be an understandable reaction! To those who are already quite familiar with Tim-- I hope that I have included at least some content new to you, and that this collection of footage will remind us all how special of a guy Tim was.

Sources:
   • Cardiacs - A Poem & Gloomy News [live @ th...  
When Gloomy News was played live in the early days of the band, the song would always be prefaced by the poem at the beginning of the video. The version included in the video hasn’t been uploaded to YouTube, but here is another version that has.

   • Cardiacs - T.V.T.V.  
TVTV

   • Cardiacs Live at Surbiton Assembly Rooms 1...  
Surbiton Assembly Rooms 18/04/1985 (Clips in this video were from gehennathehorse, but a higher quality version of the full gig has been uploaded since)

   • Cardiacs interview @ Radio Rock - Feb 8, 1990  
Bill and Tim interview. The Piper Club in Rome. Feb 8, 1990.

   • All That Glitters is a Mare's Nest - CARDIACS  
All That Glitters is a Maresnest Concert

   • Blur backstage at Mile End 1995  
Blur backstage at Mile End 1995

   • Cardiacs - The Whole World Window   (Whole World Window)
   • Cardiacs - The Whole World Window   (Full Concert)
Brixton Fridge, 17th September 1989

   • Cardiacs - Baby Heart Dirt  
Baby Heart Dirt Music Video

   • Cardiacs - Day Is Gone (Music Video) [HQ]  
Day Is Gone Music Video

   • Cardiacs Special Garage Concert 19th Octob...  
Special Garage Concerts 19th October 2003 (The London Astoria)

Bull and Gate Concerts, Kentish Town, London on 21st & 22nd December 2005
(No official upload as of yet. Footage ripped from the 2020 Holiday Stream)

   • Cardiacs (feat. Oceansize) Live At The Lon...  
The London Astoria 2002

   • Cardiacs Manchester 2007  
Manchester, 2007

   • Cardiacs - Live @ Crown & Cushion, Bolton ...  
Crown & Cushion, Bolton 4th November 1996

   • Cardiacs filth-09-is this the life  
Brighton 2007

   • Savour by Tim Smith  
Savour (Piano Tribute By Alison Mathews)

   • Tim Smith 40th garden party  
40th Birthday Surprise Party

   • Beams all Hero !  
Tim's Eye

www.3ammagazine.com/3am/a-little-man-a-house-and-the-whole-world-window/
Jo Spratley and Christian Hayes Quotes

   • Dr Tim Smith (CARDIACS) receives his honor...  
William D. Drake Quote (Tim Smith’s Honorary Doctorate Celebration)

louderthanwar.com/the-cardiacs-an-epic-overview-by-mr-spencer-with-help-from-damon-albarn-graeme-coxon-and-captain-sensible/
Kavus Torabi Quote