ON LAND AND IN THE SEA

I've been listening non-stop to Cardiacs ever since I got my hands on A Little Man And A House And The Whole World Window and so the next logical step was this album. It may not have the same high quality/minute ratio but that, by no means, should make this album less of a masterpiece that it really is!

The opener Two Bites Of Cherry is, in my opinion, the crown jewel of Cardiacs discography that should not be missed out on. This short three minute tune incorporates a strong melody, memorable interplay between the instruments and you just have to love the transitions between the different parts of the song!

Although On Land And In The Sea falls slightly short in comparison to A Little Man And A House And The Whole World Window and Sing To God it's still as good album as any to begin your Cardiacs collection. An excellent album from beginning to the very end.

***** star songs: Two Bites Of Cherry (3:19) Baby Heart Dirt (3:32) The Leader Of The Starry Skys (3:52) The Duck And Roger The Horse (3:56)

**** star songs: I Hold My Love In My Arms (1:10) Arnald (2:49) Horse Head (1:20) Fast Robert (3:59) Mare's Nest (4:15) The Stench Of Honey (3:33) Buds And Spawn (6:46) The Safety Bowl (1:45) The Everso Closely Guarded Line (8:23)

Total rating: 4,30