Is This the Life

"Is This the Life?"[lower-alpha 1] is a song by English rock band Cardiacs from their debut studio album A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window (1988). The song was released on vinyl by the Alphabet Business Concern and Torso on 16 April 1988 as the only single from the album. The song was previously recorded for the demo albums Toy World (1981) and The Seaside (1984). It also briefly attained chart success (peaking at number 80) after being played on various Radio 1 shows.[1] The Torso version of the 7" is exactly the same as the Alphabet release although it comes in a paper sleeve instead of a cardboard one. Only the Torso 12" differs in both track listing and cover design.

"Is This the Life?"
Single by Cardiacs
from the album A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window
Released16 April 1988
StudioWorkhouse, London
Length5:39
Label
  • Alphabet Business Concern
  • Torso
Songwriter(s)Tim Smith
Producer(s)Tim Smith
Cardiacs singles chronology
"There's Too Many Irons in the Fire"
(1987)		 "Is This the Life?"
(1988)		 "Susannah's Still Alive"
(1988)

Track listing

7"
  1. "Is This the Life?" – 5:36
  2. "I'm Eating in Bed" – 5:06

12"
  1. "Is This the Life?" – 5:36
  2. "Goosegash" – 1:56
  3. "I'm Eating in Bed" – 5:06

Lineup
  • Tim Smith - Guitar and Vocals
  • Jim Smith - Bass
  • Sarah Smith - Sax
  • William D. Drake - Keyboards
  • Dominic Luckman - Drums
  • Tim Quy - Percussion

Charts
Chart (1988) Peak

position

UK Singles (OCC)[2] 80

Release history
Region Date Format Label Ref.
United Kingdom 30 December 1987 BBC Radio 1 Strange Fruit [3][1]
16 April 1988
Alphabet Business Concern [4]
Netherlands Torso [4]

Notes
  1. Often written "Is This The Life" (with no question mark)

References
  1. Cashmore, Pete (2 June 2015). "Cult heroes: Tim Smith led the Cardiacs in the face of hatred – and much love". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  2. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  3. Radio 1 Sessions / The Evening Show (vinyl liner notes). Cardiacs. Strange Fruit Records. 1988. SFNT 013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  4. "CARDIACS | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 27 April 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

Audio on YouTube

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