Top tracks — play these first
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Visiting Hours — This track encapsulates the band's chaotic yet melodic approach, blending whimsical storytelling with intricate musical arrangements that challenge conventional song structures.
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To Go Off and Things — Featuring abrupt tempo shifts and playful lyrics, this track exemplifies Cardiacs' signature style of merging humor and dissonance into engaging pop forms.
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A Game for Bertie’s Party — At over seven minutes long, this ambitious piece showcases the band's ability to weave complex narratives into expansive musical landscapes, making it a cornerstone of their experimental ethos.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of chaotic energy
- quirky narratives with playful twists
- unexpected shifts in pacing
- engaging party atmosphere
- headphone detail hunting
Maybe skip if you
- prefer predictable song structures
- seek long, meditative tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1980, The Obvious Identity was Cardiacs' debut album, introducing their unique sound that fused punk energy with progressive rock complexity. At this early stage, the band was still developing their identity, navigating the underground music scene in England and establishing themselves as pioneers of the avant-garde movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Residents· Frank Zappa· This Heat
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Obvious Identity 2:11
- 2 Visiting Hours 4:50
- 3 Pip as Uncle Dick but Peter Spoilt It 4:35
- 4 To Go Off and Things 2:25
- 5 Rock Around the Clock 1:53
- 6 Leaf Scrapings 3:13
- 7 A Game for Bertie’s Party 7:02
- 8 Cameras 1:02
- 9 Bite 3/a 2:37
- 10 Pilf 3:22
- 11 Let Alone My Plastic Doll 4:06
- 12 A Balloon for Bertie’s Party 8:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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