Cake is a cult American band that was created back in 1991. The group's repertoire consists of various "ingredients". But one thing can be said for sure - the tracks are dominated by white funk, folk, hip-hop, jazz and guitar rock.
What makes Cake different from the rest? The musicians are distinguished by ironic and sarcastic lyrics, as well as the monotonous vocals of the frontman. It is impossible not to hear the rich wind decoration, which is not often heard in the compositions of modern rock bands.
On account of the cult group there are 6 worthy albums. Most of the compilations have reached platinum status. Music critics refer the team to musicians who create music in the styles of indie rock and alternative rock.
History of creation and composition of the group
The Cake group has a very interesting history of creation. John McCree is considered the founder of the team. The musician thought about creating his own group while still in high school. Then he visited several groups. John did not stay anywhere for one reason - he lacked experience.
In the mid-1980s, McCree, along with John McCrea and the Roughousers, presented the tracks Love you Madly and Shadow Stabbing to music lovers. But it cannot be said that thanks to the songs performed by the aforementioned group, the guys found success. Later, members of the Cake group re-recorded the above songs, and in their performance they had the status of hits.
John's business in the John McCrea and the Roughousers group did not progress. Therefore, he decided to move to the territory of Los Angeles. This event happened in the second half of the 1980s.
John performed in restaurants and karaoke bars. Interestingly, before the formation of the Cake group, he recorded a solo single, Rancho Seco. McCree dedicated the composition of the nuclear power plant built southeast of Sacramento. In 1991, in Los Angeles, McCree performed for the first time under the creative name Cake.
It was not possible to conquer Los Angeles. Soon John returned to his homeland. Thoughts about creating a project did not leave the musician. He found like-minded people in trumpeter Vince DiFiore, guitarist Greg Brown, bassist Sean McFessel and drummer Frank French.
In 1991, an original team appeared. True, before the onset of recognition and popularity, another couple of years passed.
The first recognition of the Cake group
In 1993, the musicians presented the composition Rock'n'roll Lifestyle. I didn't like the track. Firstly, this was influenced by the lack of experience, and secondly, there was no support. But the musicians still started working on their debut album.
Almost immediately after the presentation of Rock'n'roll Lifestyle, the musicians added Motorcade of Generosity to the band's discography. The musicians recorded, produced, replicated and distributed the single and the collection on their own.
And this independence helped the musicians. The fact is that they left behind a trail of "free birds" and guys from the people. The musicians did not hesitate to joke about themselves, and this contributed to the fact that they began to be interested in their work "just like that."
Capricorn Records drew attention to the debut album Motorcade of Generosity. The company undertook the distribution of the collection in the United States of America.
The quality of the recording of the first album was low, even the meaningfulness of the lyrics "did not save" the collection. Interestingly, in 1994 the Motorcade of Generosity album was re-released.
In the same 1994, the first changes took place. Gabe Nelson came to McFessel's place, and then Victor Damiani, and instead of French, who had drooped a little after the tour, Todd Roper came for percussion instruments.
A year later, the musicians went on tour. Then they re-released another single Rock'n'Roll Lifestyle. The second attempt was successful. The song began to play on popular US radio stations. Popular songs were: Ruby Sees All and Jolene. They were supposed to prepare music lovers for the release of the second album.
The peak of the popularity of the Cake team
In 1996, the discography of the cult band was replenished with the second studio album Fashion Nugget. The track The Distance became a hit and an indisputable hit of the disc. The album hit the Mainstream Top 40. It soon went platinum. Fashion Nugget sales exceeded 1 million copies.
Unexpectedly for many, Greg Brown and Victor Damiani left the band. Only later it turned out that the guys founded their own project, which was called Deathray.
Then McCree's plans were to disband Cake. But after Gabe Nelson returned to bass, he changed his plans. Brown's replacement was not immediately found. Until the recording of the third album, a studio, that is, a fickle musician, played in the group.
In 1998, the band presented their third collection, Prolonging the Magic. According to the good old tradition, several tracks became hits. We are talking about the compositions: Never There, Sheep Go To Heaven and Let Go.
All of the above compositions got into the rotation of major radio stations, which ensured a high level of sales for the third album. It soon reached platinum status. After the release of the collection, Xan Makkurdi took the place of the guitarist in the band on a permanent basis.
Signing with Columbia Records
In the early 2000s, the musicians signed a lucrative contract with Columbia Records. A year later, the group released a new album, which was called Comfort Eagle.
The collection did not go unnoticed by fans and music lovers. It took a good position in the charts - 13th position in the US and 2nd in Canada. The video for the track Short Skirt Long Jacket appeared on the air of the MTV channel. Up to this point, the channel in every possible way brought the team into the "black list".
After the release of the fourth studio album, Todd Roper left the band. Initially, the musician told reporters that he decided to come to grips with his family. Later it turned out that he went to Brown and Damiani in the Deathray group. Roper was replaced by Pete McNeil.
In support of the new album, the band went on a big tour. The musicians focused on touring the United States of America.
Already in 2005, the band's discography was replenished with a new album. The fifth studio album was called Pressure Chief. Here there were changes in the composition. Pete McNeil gave way to Paulo Baldi.
A few years later, the band released the B-Sides and Rarities compilation. This disc is interesting because it includes old hits, previously unreleased tracks, as well as several cover versions of songs by Black Sabbath War Pigs.
In addition to the regular version, a special edition of the collection was released in a limited edition, which included both unique design elements and a "live" version of the composition War Pigs featuring Steven Drozd from the Flaming Lips. The limited edition "fans" were delivered by mail.
In 2008, the musicians decided to update their own recording studio (Upbeat Studio). They installed a solar panel system in the studio. The band's new compilation was recorded on solar fuel.
Only in 2011 the band's discography was replenished with the new album Showroom of Compassion. Music critics have commented that this is the first album to feature a keyboard-dominated sound. The first track from the aforementioned Sick of You album is available for streaming on YouTube.
Interesting facts about the Cake group
- John McCree wears a fishing hat (which he wears on stage). This head accessory has become the main "chip" of the celebrity. Many do not recognize John without a headdress.
- The similarity of the covers of all collections and some of the band's video clips is caused by the musicians' belief in enduring values.
- The musicians independently produced all the albums.
- The team has an official website where they publish current and latest news.
Cake group today
Today, the Cake team is focused on touring. In 2020, the musicians had a tour scheduled. However, the group's plans have changed somewhat due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cake's upcoming shows will be in Memphis and Portland.
