| Leader of the Starry Skies: A Tribute To Tim Smith, Songbook 1 | |
|---|---|
| Compilation album by Various Artists | |
| Released | December 13, 2010 |
| Genre | Psychedelic Rock |
| Label | Believers Roast |
Leader of the Starry Skies: A Tribute To Tim Smith, Songbook 1 is a compilation album featuring cover versions of songs by Tim Smith (the songwriter behind Cardiacs, The Sea Nymphs, Spratleys Japs and Panixphere). It was released on CD on December 13, 2010 on the Believers Roast label (via Genepool distribution). The release date for download, via iTunes, is 20th December 2010.
All contributing artists and bands have either stated a strong Cardiacs influence in their music, profess sincere admiration for Smith's work, or feature at least one person who has at some time been involved with Cardiacs. Contributors to the project include The Magic Numbers, Robert White of The Milk and Honey Band with Andy Partridge (XTC), Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, Katharine Blake of Mediaeval Baebes, psychedelic metal band Oceansize, Julianne Regan of All About Eve, 1990's Britpop band Ultrasound (who reunited especially to record their cover version), Jason Pegg of Clearlake and no less than five current or former Cardiacs members - former keyboard player William D. Drake, former drummer and keyboard player Mark Cawthra, former guitarist Christian Hayes (under the project name of mikrokosmos), current guitarist Kavus Torabi (with his Knifeworld project) and former drummer Peter Tagg (with The Trudy).
The album was recorded as a response to Tim Smith's hospitalisation in 2008 (following a combined heart attack and stroke in London) was released in order to raise funds for his ongoing care and recovery. All profits from the album sales go directly to help Tim Smith. A bonus disc, called A Loyal Companion, was free with CD preorders.