Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Drake[b] is an album by English psychedelic folk band the Sea Nymphs. Recorded and released in 1984 under the name Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Drake,[5][2] it was the band's only recording to be distributed prior to their 1991 reformation.[5] The band is a side project of Cardiacs, composed of core members Tim Smith, Sarah Smith and William D. Drake.[6]
| Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Drake | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Artwork of the original 1984 cassette release | ||||
| Demo album by | ||||
| Released | 1984 | |||
| Recorded | c. 1983–1984[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 36:44 | |||
| Label |
| |||
| The Sea Nymphs chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Alternative cover | ||||
 2004 CD reissue | ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Encyclopedia of Popular Music |   [3] |
The album was initially only available on cassette through the fan club and at concert venues.[7][8] The first version of the cassette cover is dark with the logo printed in gold; the track list is handwritten.[4] The second version has a purple satin design with a smaller gold logo; the track list is printed in gold.[4] In 2004 it was reissued on CD by All My Eye and Betty Martin Music.[2][9]
Background
Tim Smith and William D. Drake met in 1983 when Drake was in the band Honour Our Trumpet with musician Little Sue. Smith had taught himself to sight-read music as a teenager and wanted Drake's involvement as he was classically trained. He joined Smith's band Cardiacs as he loved the music he was first provided with.[10]
Track listing
Adapted from Bandcamp.[11] All songs written by Tim Smith unless otherwise indicated.[1]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Little Creations" | 1:54 | |
| 2. | "Camouflage" | 3:43 | |
| 3. | "The Collar" | William D. Drake | 4:17 |
| 4. | "In a Waiting Room" | 1:28 | |
| 5. | "All the String" | 1:21 | |
| 6. | "Summer Is-a-Coming In" | Drake | 4:06 |
| 7. | "Too Many Colours" | 0:32 | |
| 8. | "Your Removal of Me" | 2:33 | |
| 9. | "A Treat from Mr Smith" | 1:43 | |
| 10. | "To My Piano from Mr Drake" | Drake | 4:40 |
| 11. | "Dergo" | 8:20 | |
| 12. | "That's All" | 2:07 | |
| Total length: | 36:44 | ||
- Notes
- The lyrics of "To My Piano from Mr Drake" are adapted from "The Garden" by English poet Andrew Marvell.[citation needed]
- "Summer Is-a-Coming In" is based on the 13th century English round.[12]
Personnel
Adapted from the Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Drake liner notes.[1]
- Tim Smith – guitars, flute, trumpets, glockensput, Woolworths organ, vocals
- Sarah Smith – clarinets, saxophones, recorders, forks, melodica, vocals
- William D. Drake – piano, television organ, forks, ballroom string machine, vocals
Notes
References
Sources
- Bell, Adrian (2011). Aylesbury Bolton Wolverhampton Hove: A Little Man and 101 Cardiacs Gigs. Sullivan County, New York: Iron Bell Publishing. ISBN 978-0-95-687950-9.
- Jones, Emily (10 May 2018). Folk Horror Revival: Harvest Hymns. Volume II. Durham, England: Folk Horror Revival. ISBN 9780244086831.
- Larkin, Collin (1992). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Eighties Music (1997 ed.). London, England: Virgin Books. ISBN 9780753501597.
External links
- Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr Drake at Discogs (list of releases)