Composer Reacts to Cardiacs - A Little Man And A House (REACTION & ANALYSIS)

Bryan reacts to and talks about his thoughts on
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00:00 Intro
01:11 Reaction
06:39 Analysis - Themes / Music / DNA
19:43 Analysis - Lyrics
36:16 Outro

[@jcfarnham4634]

Something I've noticed about this song is that when he's talking about getting off work early, or not wanting to go in in the morning, you get those very industrial percussion sounds, hissing, clanking, metal. It always puts me in the mindset that the protagonist of this song works in a factory setting. That to me is perfect for this song in context with 80s Britain. You had the old ways and traditions, your factory workers and your miners, for example, giving way to modern ideas of pursuing dreams, being something more, of society becoming more about the service industry than manufacturing or agriculture. In art and fashion and music you had people pushing their individuality. There's just something equally very 80s AND very 2022 about this song. Timeless even.

[@CriticalReactions]

Great catch on those sounds and tying them into the themes. And you're spot on, the idea of grinding away your time at a desk job in hopes to support your hobbies and/or career goals is very much still a relevant topic.

[@howardgaskin6117]

Sorry I'm a year late however, like the 'trying to find significance', very deep, excellent review entirely. Cardiacs... simply brilliant.

[@PuzzledlifeTV]

So glad you finally started looking at the lyrical value of cardiacs rather than just their music virtuosity. I knew Tim back in the day in Deptford London in the 80s, we'd bump into each other as I was writing plays and putting them on in the same places that Cardiacs were playing (The Venue, Birds Nest, etc). We talked about his lyrics as much as we talked about the philosophies behind my plays. I chose actors and directors in the same way he choose his instruments and his beats/ You have to listen to the lyrics as the music and listen to the music as lyrics. They're a hard band to understand if you don't comprehend that, but you're now listening more completely, kudos - oh, give a listen to everso closely guarded line. Dell

[@cardiac777]

One of the best bands ever, musical genuis in my opinion, in my head in my thoughts which is all here on earth inside the universe which was all inside my mums womb, changed my life and has given me something special.

[@runciblemoon1194]

Impressive analysis (especially on a first listen). Thanks to the person who selected this track to give you a sense of Cardiacs' more thoughtful side - it was an excellent choice! It is so tempting when introducing people to Tim's music to always reach straight for the most bonkers stuff because it's so technically impressive and a key piece of what makes them unique and fun and exciting to listen to, but it just isn't the whole picture. It's songs like these that make you appreciate how seriously Tim took his work - composition, lyrics, production... the whole thing. Yes, it's set off with a manic grin and a playful twinkle in the eye, but Tim was inviting us into his mind - to share in his worries, his memories, his hopes and loves, and perhaps find our own refracted back at us as though viewed in a funhouse mirror. Underneath the smeared clown makeup and confetti there were real hearts beating, and THAT is the real reason why Cardiacs have such a uniquely warm, welcoming and loyal fanbase to this day.

[@-100-percent]

Lovely analysis as always Bryan! I feel this more as 6/8 than 3/4, but it definitely could go either way. Thinking back, they do have quite a few waltzes, don't they... Lyrically I think you're spot on. Even though you kinda danced around some of the political themes I can tell you got it. That last line really does a lot to contextualize the whole thing, and it's easily one of my favorite Cardiacs lyrics. I'm glad to hear you got something much more out of this one. There is one thing you missed that I'd like to call out. The lyrical/melodic motif of "that's the way we all go" also appeared in RES. (Don't blame you for that one bit though, it's been quite a few weeks since you heard RES.) Musical motifs are a bit rare in their work, but Tim had several lyrical motifs like that that he would incorporate between songs and sometimes even between albums. Oh man, we're in for a treat if you try to analyze Odd Even's lyrics though haha! Tim's lyrics kinda went off the deep end in his later stuff, though there are definitely some gems in there too. Since you asked about where the other songs you've heard fit into their discography, here's a quick breakdown. RES and A Little Man were both originally recorded for 1983's The Seaside, but the versions you've heard were rerecordings done for 1988's A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window (long album title I know). Tarred and Feathered + Loosefish Scapegrace were on EPs and singles both released in 1987. The other three you've heard, Dog-Like Sparky, Manhoo, and soon, Odd Even, all came from their 1996 double album Sing to God. Tim Smith was intensely prolific, and there's plenty more Cardiacs+friends that you haven't heard, but I think I'll request someone else before bringing you deeper into the Pond. Thanks again!

[@CriticalReactions]

Thanks for all of that great information. It's quite interesting to hear that they re-used lyrical ideas across albums, even if it is a rarer occurrence.

[@DJNE1-RebelliousSounds]

Hi Bryan, only just stumbled onto your channel and absolutely loving it. I saw Cardiacs 40 - 50 times from 1985 onwards. Tim painted many pictures of childish fears (war, religion, school etc,) and used Three Four, Six Eight a lot to possibly envoke Nursery Rhymes, Circus and Carousel images to tap into our childhoods. There's a much older, much more stripped down version of this on The Seaside album which was a re-release of a demo tape they released in '85ish - this version was recorded in '88. I've not seen anyone else mention it but if you want the best of harmonic layering from Tim's mind I think you should listen to Stoneage Dinosaurs from the Songs for Ships and Irons album - absolutely beautiful.

[@jaimaaguru23]

The early bird catches the worm, does the worm think that's the way we all go.

[@craigroaring]

This is an extremely humbling song.

[@neilog747]

I remember commuting into London from its suburbs way back in the day, for a poor wage in a stressy job with my dreams seemingly closed off. The song is the sound of the machine gobbling us up. Tim felt it keenly, and made his escape thru music. The live promo video of this song emphasises that the whole group were strong, uncompromising artists with a cohesive vision.

[@beckola61]

Welcome to the pond. As a person who has been listening to Cardiacs since 1987 or so I find that on every new listen to the band you find new things. They never fail to surprise or introduce something new and unique into their music. This is such a spot on analysis of this song. A Little Man And A House And The Whole World Window is one of the greatest albums ever in my opinion. Sing To God is right up there as well. Can't wait to see more of your take on this phenomenal band.

[@stevebradley704]

Saw them over 20 times. They were utterly unique, tight and not a little startling live.

[@weyoun6535]

I think you have to have been around in 80s Britain & Thatcher to understand the lyrics. In Britain we had a lot of council housing estates that were generational communities, these were intentionally dismantled by relocations & selling the houses off which created ill feelings & jealousy. At the same time all of our nationalised industries were being sold off & unemployment was the highest ever. For me, about it’s about working in a Factory & being peer pressured into becoming hardened into the Tory hellscape. We’re used to it now, but a lot of British pop music from the 80s relates to how bleak & painful it was.

[@progperljungman8218]

Wonderful analysis of a wonderful song! This week is gonna be awesome - through all the special selections not the least!😍

[@CriticalReactions]

100%. Back to back Cardiacs and Yes is sure to please any fans of more progressive rock genres.

[@progperljungman8218]

@@CriticalReactions and then... Oceansize!😍

[@ryanyardmusic]

Cardiacs use hemiola a lot in their music.

[@Quinceps]

Finally we're getting more Cardiacs appreciation videos thanks to you and a few other people! Hey, I don't mean any disrespect at all, but do you think sending Cardiacs to Rick Beato somehow and having him appreciate/analyze their music would do a lot a lot of pending justice to them with all the views he gets? If he enjoys changing key and good melodies so much he might just have an infarction while listening to some Cardiacs music I haven't done that because I don't know how to reach to him yet.

[@outernothingness1177]

There's such tenderness and frailty in this song, pretty rare thing for a Cardiacs track. Actually, this was the song that got me hooked on to them. Btw: not 1983, 1988. And speaking of things slightly Cardiacs-related, I'd love to hear your take on Lost Crowns: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6GaZn2Yp6-JsKc

[@zepromz]

If you are enjoying the waltz / 3's feel then could I suggest you listen to their epic "The Everso Closely Guarded Line" as it is probably the best thing they ever recorded, alongside "Dirty Boy" and it perfectly evokes the "scary fairground" feeling in bucketloads. Cardiacs were the best band in the world, and I am blessed to have seen them so many times while they were still active.

[@jameswarner5809]

I keep feeling that you're not listening to the best examples of Cardiacs, though obviously this is subjective (and I still love the tracks). If you ask most Cardiacs fans which is the most impactful track from Sing To God, I don't think many would say Odd Even. They're more likely to say Dirty Boy, Fiery Gun Hand or Nurses Whispering Verses.

[@mikec7810]

Oh but Odd Even has 'that' piano interlude with the extra and quite hidden piano line underneath it. Lots of great stuff on the album agreed but Odd Even is really gorgeous.

[@-100-percent]

I would disagree. Odd Even is a highlight for me (as the one who requested it). There's a reason it was one of the singles from this album. Of course I hold Dirty Boy and Fiery Gun Hand in high regard, but Bryan asked about Cardiacs' restrained side, which at least Fiery Gun Hand certainly is not. Don't worry though, this might not be the last he hears from them.

[@jameswarner5809]

@@-100-percent Yes, as far as restrained tracks go, Odd Even is a fair choice, though I'd go with Flap Off You Beak. I was talking in more general terms based on what Brian has reacted to so far.

[@-100-percent]

@@jameswarner5809 Ah, I see. Interesting that you'd go with Flap Off You Beak though. Don't get me wrong, amazing tune, but it doesn't come to mind as one of their restrained songs. Maybe that's biased by how intense it is for me when playing it; apparently Tim refused Kavus's pleas to play it live for a similar reason.

[@midnightmosesuk]

I always took it as a song about tedium, banality, desperation, despair and finally resignation.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

I finally downloaded Cardiacs' discography so I think I'll refrain from listening to this until I do a discog run for them. Always an extremely interesting band though, and I didn't realize just listening to the songs on here how far they go back.

[@BlueCrayon77]

Enjoy the journey!

[@sicko_the_ew]

I think perhaps to get the lyrics fully you might need to have spent at least some times feeding billets into the rollers at a steel mill (or maybe packing boxes on some other production line). And then picture Tim doing that, and also knowing that he's special (no vanity or arrogance in that; it's just something he couldn't but have known). But he's one of the guys, too. Humble guy, Tim. (Who would certainly have realized he's special - and this is not just in what he's doing or what he has, but what he _is_ .) To me, apart from all the rest of it (which I agree with you on), I get the feeling that this has an added element of being about an exceptional person who's exceptional enough to realise he's also "nothing special". Doesn't want to be special. (If you watch the interviews of his bandmates - look at Markus Reuter's channel for those - you'll hear Tim was one of those people who love people. That's the reason the people close to him loved him so much. People don't love you for being "special", they love you for being special.) Anyway great analysis. Glad to see you've at last found some Cardiacs you can relate to as a composer. For a quick excursion into the chaotic-fun side of what they do, though, you might like *Come Back Clammy Lammy* - which is supposedly a song about a clam, but is really about a barnacle. (I may have mentioned it before?) They do some clever things with the rhythm, and with the "word meter" of the lyrics, so it might have some passing interest to you, wearing your composer hat, even. But mostly it should just make you wearing your mad hat smile, grin, or maybe even chuckle a bit. Nothing wrong with that? kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3jIiKCIn8iUepY

[@samiamiamsamsamiam]

What a great comment! Totally resonate with everything you said.

[@sicko_the_ew]

@@samiamiamsamsamiam Thanks, man. Glad to hear that.

[@dalem1140]

Absolute Classic ❤️

[@LordSummerIsle73]

This whole album to me is the soundtrack to a west end musical based on George Orwell's 1984. Anyone else think that they fit hand in hand ?

[@cardiac777]

I know the album well and can hear that in parts, good thought

[@laydeevixen]

This song has always reminded me of 1984.

[@catherine7918]

Cardiacs gives me hope, 1984 doesn't... can't relate sorry 🤷‍♀️

[@progrockplaylists]

in the last 2 years i started making my own music. the more you talk about how much layering matters the more i realise how bad my songs are. i never give up tho

[@BlueCrayon77]

Don't forget... just an acoustic guitar or piano on its own can make for a great song. Layering isn't always necessary.

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

Complex =/= good. Listen to Talk Talk

[@CriticalReactions]

Just remember that layering is a tool and should be used when it makes sense. You would use a hammer to cut paper so don't go adding a ton of layers to something that is supposed to be more vulnerable or lonely. We've listened to some really great songs on the channel with minimal instrumentation. Keep practicing and trying new things though. Sometimes great music comes from breaking rules too 😀

[@Chinners2]

Without doubt, Cardiacs are the UK's best musical secret . . . check out the fabulous ICING ON THE WORLD, HOPE DAY or their only classic cover SUZANNA'S STILL ALIVE! . . . Pure genius!

[@dorironen15]

With most respect to the analysis, after listening to six Cardiacs tracs, it is highly premature to come to any conclusions. Their music is so diverse that to pin down Cardiacs, I suggest you should give it more time listening to it at home.You can't sum up thirty years of music after listening to six songs.People will ask you for reaction vedios for their highlight, but meny of their less talked about tracs, can be just as good.

[@CriticalReactions]

Of course not. And I acknowledged that in the video, that I have such a limited experience with their music. But I do have a certain view of them *at this point in my journey* and that view is different than it was 1 song ago or 2 songs ago and is different from my views after another song or another album. My relationship with any art or artist is constantly evolving. But that doesn't mean I can't draw conclusions based on where I'm at in my journey right now. Thanks for the thoughtful comment though. You're right that Cardiacs is highly diverse and have such a huge library of music that no one sentence or idea could sum them up!

[@petersouthwood6128]

This track has my favourite line about life; “How can I have the right to say ‘I’m different to you‘?”

[@chriso5040]

LAUDATION - KISS x x x

[@PLJogging]

Tim Smith NEVER clarified anything surrounding his lyrical content in interviews etc but yeah their earlier work is a lot easier to understand from that angle than their later stuff (which kinda reads as gibberish). Despite being my favourite band, I'm not going to pretend that their back catalogue covers a massively wide range of genres as, as you mentioned, their blueprint is so identifiable in everything they do. Tbh I wouldnt consider tomorrow's track restrained in the grand scheme of things but rather it's restrained in contrast to the album it comes off (which is their most chaotic) so I think you should temper your expectations that it'll be similar to this track. Should still be a fun listen though.

[@progperljungman8218]

To my ears, tomorrow's song is a bit more straight forward actually. Guess it depends on individual perception and references or something...

[@mikec7810]

@@progperljungman8218 listen really closely to the virtuoso-style piano break and you should hear a second piano line popping in and out, adding an extra layer to the swirling, stuttering, frivolous and yet somehow forthright piece at the top. Tim was a bit clever, it must be said, but his work also carries such emotion at times, and Odd Even is a perfect example of this.

[@progperljungman8218]

@@mikec7810 Absolutely! Great embellishment! Still a bit more straight forward structurally don't you think?

[@andrewboyd7759]

I have a far more accessible Cardiacs’ track for you, and it’s no less interesting for it: Big Ship.

[@emmanuelsorin2577]

Hania Rani - Hawaï Oslo : kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXe1laKPm7-Mi7s

[@progrockplaylists]

you look like a less toxic version of become the knight

[@CriticalReactions]

Had to look up who that was. I can kinda see the similarities.

[@cardiac777]

Can you listen to and review the cardiacs song big ship please.