CAKE
PROLONGING THE MAGIC
OCTOBER 6, 1998
…and the band rolls on, never leaving their distinct sound but always giving a distortion to a lyric or an expansion in the sound production. The double meaning within the lines of "Satan Is My Motor" can be direct or a little twisted. It’s impossible for an American band to write a direct song with the title "Mexico" and not mention 'cinco De Mayo'. Okay, it can be done, but Cake writes an honest statement. The writer of this story will easily adapt to whatever the girl wants as long as he gets to spend time with the one he fancies.
"Never There" is the first single released from this 13 track CD and is a complete reflection of what Cake is building with each album. The lyrics, however, are in extreme contrast with the first couple tracks. In this one they are begging the girl to be with them in the moment and show their love with action. Obviously, this is from the view of a relationship that is coming to the end but one party is not ready for the ultimate goodbye. The depth of the writing on this track exposes the lyricist in one of the most sensitive songs.
The beginning of "You Turn The Screws" has the piano bringing memories of jazz of so long ago with a touch of high society New York Smokey clubs of the 20's. During the middle, which is crank full of instrumental endeavors, you will wish they would have brought some of that piano back into play. They chose to engulf a larger sound as the trumpet plays in opposition of the back beat.
This disc continues dabbling in the country genre but still gives it a rock beat so the listener will never forget that it is Cake pumping the speakers. They are building a discography full of albums with a single radio-friendly song while filling the rest with what makes them love to do what they do best. The trumpet and guitars just free-style over Todd Roper's even keeled drum lines. This is so apparent on the intro of "Let Me Go" that there is no mistaking that this band loves to jam. It is time for them to surprise the listener on their next release, test the waters, and get out of their comfort zone.
11/29/10
RUSTY
10/6/98