Cardiacs LSD
Cardiacs's LSD arrives as a bruised triumph, a posthumous record that balances homage and invention while making a persuasive case for why the band's catalogue still matters. Sputnikmusic's review crowns “Men In Bed” and “Woodeneye” as immediate highlights, with “Men In Bed” functioning as a hymnal opener that echoes Sing to God and “Woodeneye” serving as a Vennart-led banger that proves he can carry the mantle. Those tracks, alongside the labyrinthine thrills of “Skating”, emerge as the best songs on LSD and illustrate the record's knack for pairing dissonant experimentation with memorable hooks.
Across the single professional review aggregated, critics praise LSD for its complexity and musicianship, noting the album's catharsis and tribute to past eras even as it embraces abrasive textures and unpredictable arrangements. The release earned a 90/100 consensus score from one professional review, a signal that reviewers consistently found the record both emotionally resonant and musically adventurous. Themes of posthumous reverence and bold experimentation recur in the appraisal, with songs like “Spelled All Wrong” and “By Numbers” cited as additional moments where the band's intricate songwriting and controlled chaos pay off.
Taken together, the critical consensus suggests LSD is not merely a commemorative release but a vital extension of Cardiacs' artistic vision, rewarding close listening with rich, often dissonant rewards; the summary below unpacks those moments in detail.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
Men In Bed
1 mention
"the phenomenal opener “Men in Bed” which hearkens back"— Sputnikmusic
Woodeneye
1 mention
"the Vennart-led banger “Woodeneye” does a prudent job"— Sputnikmusic
Skating
1 mention
"the labyrinthian and psychedelic brain-masher “Skate”"— Sputnikmusic
the phenomenal opener “Men in Bed” which hearkens back
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Men In Bed
The May
Gen
Woodeneye
Spelled All Wrong
By Numbers
The Blue And Buff
Skating
Breed
Volob
Busty Beez
Lovely Eyes
Ditzy Scene
Downup
A Roll From A Dirty Place
Made All Up
Pet Fezant
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 2 critics who reviewed this album
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Critic's Take
Cardiacs's LSD arrives as a bruised triumph, and the reviewer's gaze keeps returning to the album's best tracks like “Men in Bed” and “Woodeneye” for proof. The piece praises “Men in Bed” as a hymnal opener that ties back to Sing to God, while championing “Woodeneye” as a Vennart-led banger that proves he can carry the mantle. The critic highlights also the labyrinthine thrills of “Skate”, stressing that these standout songs showcase the album's mixture of discordance and catchiness. This framing answers plainly the search for the best songs on LSD, presenting them as both affectionate callbacks and triumphant new statements.
Key Points
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The best song is the hymnal opener “Men in Bed” because it ties the album to Cardiacs' peak era while delivering powerful chords and brass.
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The album's core strengths are its blend of abrasive experimentation and earworm melodies, offering depth for repeated listens and faithful tribute to Tim's vision.