Cougar Microbes Best Albums of 2011: CAKE – Showroom Of Compassion

Popular music and the way we consume has changed a great deal in the past 20 or so years. CAKE on the other hand exist in their own bubble continuing to pinch from seemingly dated influences and turning them into something all together more timeless.

The Californians, who I finally saw live this summer, pull off every move from their personal playbook on ‘Showroom Of Compassion‘ guaranteeing old fans will have crack a wry smile and new fans curiosity will be aroused.

Throughout John McCrae‘s delivery is as laid back and sarcastic as ever. He reels off topics ranging from relationships, cars and a few sly references to the economy dropping in his trademark “oh no” while the band again show why they are some of the best musicians in the business, something they are not often given credit for.

The band appear to have been revitalized by the launch of their own label and the chance to record in their home studio. The result is a set of songs that is as tight as any album they have produced in the past.

CAKE circa 2011 are not a lightyears away from their 1993 counterparts. Another “The Distance‘ may elude them but in my eyes they deserve their spot as the deadpan elder statesmen of alt rock.

Cougar writer Emily added: “Listening to CAKE always brings me back to my carefree high school days, and their new album is no exception. It is as fun as their previous releases, and feels a bit retro without edging towards anachronism.”

TRACKS:
Cake – Long Time

Cake – Mustache Man

Showroom of Compassion - Cake