I believe there are one or two folks on here who enjoy the delightful racket of Cardiacs, but who may not have heard that the mighty Tim Smith was recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Music by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. This news really made my week, particularly considering the dreadful ongoing health problems which Tim continues to experience following complications arising from his heart attack in 2008. Below is the YouTube video of the relevant part of the degree ceremony. It includes a terrific short film about Tim, and a beautiful heartfelt acceptance by his brother Jim. I think I felt something in my eye.
Tim Smith from Cardiacs – Appeal for help
Ironically a Cardiac arrest some ten years ago put Cardiacs frontman Tim Smith well and truly out of action. It’s a long and complicated story, and you can read the full details here: http://www.cardiacs.net/tim-smith-health-2018/ In short he has been left with a rare and little understood condition called Dystonia- he’s still mentally sharp, but his speech and movement is severely limited and he needs constant care. There is a glimmer of hope that he may be able to get some rehab which might make a real difference – but he’s a victim of our ever dwindling NHS -in short it’d be cheaper to give him minimal nursing care and not to let him have a chance of a better life.
Up until now money has been raised with gigs and archival releases but now they need to raise hard cash to fund the extra help he needs and convince the powers that be it’s worth investing in Tim and others in his predicament. Sharing this in case other Cardiacs fans on here aren’t aware and want to chip in. (It goes without saying i’d happily pay more taxes and fund better Health care for everyone – there » Continue Reading.
The Dowling Poole
Blimey this is good. If you don’t have Spotify seek out The Dowling Poole via other channels (I got the CD from HMV today so no excuses!) . They have a new record out called One Hyde Park – I’m a big Cardiacs fan so I was grabbed by the fact that the ‘Poole’ in this oufit is Jon Poole a former Cardiac – and this is wonderfully crafted, clever and imaginative guitar pop with crazy chord changes and psychedelic, soaring moments that Cardiacs fans will immediately feel at home with. Also if you like late period XTC there’s a huge dollop of Andy Patridge/Colin Moulding style wonderment in there too – only cranked up to 11. Going to see them live on Sunday – they’re also playing Huddersfield tonight and Glasgow on Saturday.
spotify:track:6pk5jlrJx4RnjEDo4FmpqV
