Heaven Born and Ever Bright

Heaven Born and Ever Bright is the sixth album by the band Cardiacs. It was produced by Tim Smith, engineered by David Murder and mixed by both. Due to Rough Trade going bankrupt soon after the album's release, it was scarce until reissued in 1995 by Alphabet Business Concern. The reissue is remastered, with new cover art.

Lineup changes

Heaven Born and Ever Bright was the first Cardiacs album since the departure of almost half the group. Percussionist Tim Quy left Cardiacs in 1990, and has not worked with them since. Saxophonist Sarah Smith and keyboardist William D. Drake also stopped touring with the band, although they have contributed to later recordings and made occasional guest appearances at concerts. Christian Hayes left Cardiacs during the making of the album, although it still features many of his guitar and vocal performances as well as a song he co-wrote. Heaven Born and Ever Bright is the first Cardiacs album featuring Jon Poole, but their last with Dominic Luckman. It is unclear how much Jon Poole is actually featured on the record.

Track listing

All songs written by Tim Smith unless otherwise indicated.

Side one

1. "The Alphabet Business Concern (Home of Fadeless Splendour)" (Tim Smith, Jim Smith) - 3:58
2. "She is Hiding Behind the Shed" - 4:19
3. "March" - 3:17
4. "Goodbye Grace" (Tim Smith, Christian Hayes) - 3:56
5. "Anything I Can't Eat" - 3:24
6. "Helen and Heaven" - 3:08

Side two

1. "Bodysbad" - 4:06
2. "For Good and All" - 4:42
3. "Core" - 2:31
4. "Day Is Gone" - 3:17
5. "Snakes-a-Sleeping" - 8:25

Personnel

• Tim Smith - Vocals and Guitar
• Jim Smith - Bass and Vocals
• Jon Poole - Guitar and Vocals
• Dominic Luckman - Drums

Additional personnel

• Sarah Smith - Saxophone (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8)
• Christian Hayes - Guitar and Vocals
• William D. Drake - Television Organ (track 6)