“Showroom of Compassion,” the seventh and latest to the discography of rock band CAKE. This album rewards those who purchased their last album released in 2007, “B-Sides and Rarities,” which was a compilation of numerous cover songs spanning from Frank Sinatra all the way to the Muppets “Mahna, Mahna.” Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” made a stylish appearance on the album reaching to a new demographic for the band.
“Showroom of Compassion” takes a different turn from their earlier albums with the lyrics still holding true to the bands environmental activism. The hit song on the album, “Sick of You” that took number one on the Billboard 200 for one week, speaks how everything that ends up owning us, will soon cease to exist or in reality does not increase the pleasure in our life.
Their instrumental techno/classical mash-up “Teenage Pregnancy” takes more of a bleak turn on the album. With a beautiful opening from founding band member John McCrea on piano, it makes this the strongest track on the album, giving the audience complete freedom to create the story, just as music originated.
Each of their previous albums all had their own unique style, and “Showroom of Compassion” does not fail at it’s own. Their first album “Motorcade of Generosity” of course set the bar for them and their style of funk and rock. “Fashion Nugget” sounds like a compilation like a movie soundtrack. “Prolonging the Magic” having a more upbeat tone than the previous albums. “Comfort Eagle” taking bit of a techno turn for the band. And “Pressure Chief” bring out more of the pop of the band, there was no doubt that “Showroom of Compassion” would have it’s own unique sound that would not leave their fans not only wanting more, but also asking what flavor was next.
You definitely show that you're knowledgeable. I like that you say this album "rewards those who purchased their last album." I kind of wish you would have brought the title into the article and added where the ice cream comes in.
ReplyDeleteMaybe missing a word in the first sentence [quote]...the seventh and latest (addition) to the discography... [/quote] Other than that it is a very good review. I like how you decided to give an overview of their previous albums as well.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I didn't even know Cake was still making music. I haven't heard anything from this band in years. After reading this I feel like I have to reinvest in them and see how their sound has changed since Comfort Eagle came out since that was the last album I remember from them
ReplyDeleteI think its really cool that you picked up on the difference between the different albums, showing the reader that you actually listened to all of them and giving validity to the rest of the article
ReplyDeleteI like that you let the reader know some past history as well as the new album. It shows the progression and that you know what you are talking about.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review. I liked that you chose just a few tracks to showcase and that you also chose a favorite. I also appreciate that you didn't try to explain or quote individual lyrics, rather you explained the songs as a whole, made it a smoother read. Well structured and well thought out. Strong adjectives.
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