CAKE - Fashion Nugget (1996)

A band that not enough people know about, CAKE have soldiered on producing album for their dedicated fans for more than 2 decades now. Possibly their best was their 1996 sophomore album, Fashion Nugget. The CAKE sound, consisting of catchy riffs, use of a trumpet as part of the band rather than a guest & a thing called a vibraslap, is a large part of why the album is such a good listen. However the shining star of the album (& all of CAKE's music, actually) is front man John McRea, his strange & slightly naive, but clear, narrative lyrics & dry spoken/sung delivery are instantly recognizable. The whole album though isn't all beautifully idiosyncratic Alt. Rock. Stickshifts And Safetybelts & She'll Come Back To Me lean over far more to Alt. Country, Friend Is A Four Letter Word is a demur ballad that stays with you long after the album, & lastly the profanity-laden Nugget has a very Alt. Hip Hop feel to it. The other tracks are all talk/sing-alongs with lovely (yes lovely) lyrics & memorable melodies that are perfect for casual listening on relaxed afternoons, & not to leave out the essential "Okay" & "Alright" & "Oh no" chants that linger in the background of the whole album. An excellent listen for any fan of fun music, poet music or someone in the mood for something truly unique.

Best Tracks: Frank Sinatra, The Distance, Friend is a Four Letter Word, Open Book & Nugget