If you’ve ever listened to CAKE in public, you know the experience: The music is just so funky you can’t sit still, but for consideration you have to. When the group came to The Palace Theatre in Albany on September 30, they completely delivered.
The opening band, Winterpills, was a bit folksy and a bit noisy. The female vocalist had an excellent voice, but sometimes the enthusiastic, friendly instrumentals would crowd her out. The band was interesting, but not terribly original.
About half an hour later, as the lights dimmed, the crowd readied for the appearance of the headliner. Excitement and hope met with sight and charisma as the troupe entered and promptly began with “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” a cover of the song made popular by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. The group continued with some of their more relaxed songs, and while a few at the front were outwardly involved in the music, most of the audience was listening intently but seated.
CAKE has been around since 1991 and has cycled through a few members. Constant throughout have been trumpeter and keyboardist Vince DiFiore and John McCrea with the vibraslap, acoustic guitar, and lead vocals. Also in the current lineup are bassist Gabe Nelson, percussionist Paulo Baldi, and lead guitarist Xan McCurdy. The band is known for its ska influences and for McCrea’s monotone, speech-like vocal style. Although CAKE has had several hits, its most famous song is “The Distance” from the album Fashion Nugget.
At one point during the show, the audience’s attention was drawn to a small tree downstage beside McCrea. The Cortland Apple was given to an audience member who correctly answered that one-third of the world population has access to running water. The group has been giving away such trees at many shows as a way to promote sustainability.
After not too long, the troupe said goodbye and walked offstage. The first encore had arrived. They marched back on triumphantly to the cheers of the whole theater, picked up their instruments, and started again with “Love You Madly,” an energetic song that had everyone singing and dancing by the end. The audience was entirely absorbed in the activity onstage. To resist it was useless; it was useless to resist it. The songs became more upbeat, the spectators had a singing contest, and the second encore brought another hit: “Short Skirt, Long Jacket,” a close second in popularity to “The Distance.”
Throughout the show, the band was emphatic, and McCrea played his comments to the audience deftly. The overall attitude of the performers was ironic but good-natured; one would guess they are as natural in person as they were onstage. Overall, the show was the most satisfying one I have ever attended. The timing was perfect, the band was entertaining, and I went home loving them madly.
