Since my good ‘ol University days (1997-2001), I’ve been a big fan of the band Cake. You would probably know them best for their rockin’ cover of Gloria Gaynor’s disco-era hit “I Will Survive“, or for the race-car themed love song “Going the Distance” (“he’s going for speed, she’s all alone [all alone] in her time of need”).
Their six albums of musical goodness (that reach back to 1994) have been my long-distance driving soundtrack since the days before my iPod was even a twinkle in Steve Jobs’ eye. It’s the perfect driving music. There are fast songs, slow ballads and everything is super easy to sing-along with, which is perfect when you’re trying to stay awake on Hwy. 28 north of Bancroft at midnight and there isn’t so much as a streetlight to keep you company. Danielle and I spent so much time listening to Cake in the car, that we used the song “Love You Madly” as the background music when we danced our way into our wedding reception.
Cake is so enjoyable and so perfectly suited to any musical situation, that it’s my iPod default for anytime I want some music to listen to… as a distraction, to get me pumped, to calm me down or just to have playing in the background, they’re awesome.
So a month ago, I heard they were finally coming to Toronto, but the tickets here were sold out. My heart sank. Then I found out that they would be playing a show in Hamilton and my spirits rose, until I learned that the show was during our planned window for our fall vacation. Again, my heart sank. I was inconsolable. Even listening to Cake didn’t help and Danielle was seeking out professional help.
All that changed yesterday. Thanks to Torontoist, I learned that the Toronto show had tickets available, and I scooped up two of ‘em for my lady and me. So tonight we’ll be dancing and swaying to some of my favourite music while it’s played in person. Freaking. Awesome.
Sadly, there’s one drawback to all of this. The show is at the newly named ‘Sound Academy’, which is a bit of a misnomer. SA used to just be called ‘The Docks’ and it’s probably one of the worst venues in the city for live music. Entry and exit procedures are cumbersome at best and the sound quality inside is near abysmal. We’re going to have to get pretty close to the stage in order to get a good mix. Still, it’ll be worth it.
Ah, the lengths I’ll go to for a nice piece of Cake.
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I thought their first album sucked, but all the ones after that have been good. ‘Prolonging the Magic’ is fantastic top-to-bottom. Have fun at the show.
Thanks for letting me be your “lady” for the night. It was a great show, solid set and Steve … their first album is awesome.
Apparently there is so much demand that they are re-issuing it! Anyone want to by an original copy?
Personally, I favour Comfort Eagle but I’m with Steve. Didn’t really enjoy the first album either.
They’re reissuing it because they’ve just signed to their own label and are buying back their albums for re-issue. Their last album (the B-Sides and Rareties) was the first on their own label, and they’ve very happy to be making their own decisions.
I mistake, I thought “Fashion Nugget” was their first album.