Cake is one of those bands that quickly (and perhaps purposefully) fell away from popular culture in the late 90s. Their latest single Sinking Ship, was released in 2018 and is as strong as anything else that they have ever done.
Members and Sound
They are nothing if not fiercely original, with a sound that is instantly recognizable. They are a rock band with a trumpet player that has created an unmistakable sound that almost feels like it is from another time in history, another life maybe.
John McCrea’s dry, witty, and sardonic vocals, Xan McCurdy’s progressive guitar, a kickass trumpet by Vince DiFiore and the rhythm section of Bassist Daniel McCallum and Todd Roper combine to create a sound that could be described as a stoney, post psychedelic meets mid-century beat. They write danceable tracks (Short Skirt/Long Jacket), and they write Waltzes (Sad Songs and Waltzes) and clearly have a wide array of influences.
They struck gold in 1996 with Fashion Nugget- Hits Going the distance and I will survive graced the radio and the Modern Rock charts. They play a killer live show that is fun for the whole family and usually features a disco ball and a vibraslap.
Cake Forest
As early climate advocates, they have a unique ritual where they give away a tree sapling (mostly apple trees) at each of their shows. They publish a page on their website called Cake Forest where winners from all over the world, post pictures of themselves and their planted trees.
Best Album- Pressure Chief, this 2004 release is a masterpiece top to bottom. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It was the soundtrack of a formative time in my life and personally means a great deal.
Our favorite Songs-
Short Skirt and Long Jacket- A straight up banger, turn it up loud!
End of the Movie- Stoic advice about life that begins with the Lyrics “People you love, will turn their backs on you” and only gets better from there.
Bound Away- An exquisitely crafted track that vividly captures the slog that is air travel.
Jolene– Our favorite on Motorcade of Generosity and certainly not to be confused with Dolly Parton’s hit (I have). Jolene begins with infectious guitar work that moves into a wobbly track seemingly ready to fall apart. All leading to an epic breakdown, this track has a vulnerability to it which I have always found appealing.
Friend is a Four Letter Word- An unmistakable guitar arpeggio leads to a musical chorus with a sensational trumpet track. There are few times in life where it is appropriate to rock out to a trumpet and this is one of them.
