Cake hardly needs introduction with their ubiquitous hits “The Distance” and cover-version of “I Will Survive,” but did you know they put out a kids record? That’s where “Mahna Mahna” originally appeared, one of the songs off B-sides and Rarities which was minted by the band’s own Upbeat Records label.
“Mahna Mahna” if you don’t recognize by title is one the most famous songs ever sung on Sesame Street—Cake’s distinct musical style works perfectly for this silly song, 60’s kitschy guitar and horns driving the “choruses,” and every kind of tinkling noise maker creating bridges in between. This is the kind of song that was created to be played by Cake.
Since the songs they are most known for have earned them the reputation always as a wacky band, or the wry, ironic band, cursory fans might be surprised by the inclusion of tunes made famous by Buck Owens, George Jones and Mel Tillis, a genre successfully tackled by Cake here. So much of traditional country is dark, sad or darkly sad, and Cake’s treatment is appropriately emotive. The various honky-tonk themed guitars on these tracks are employed with great effect, and something about Cake’s signature lead vocal stylings really delivers. Though the more I listen to “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” the more disturbing I realize it is, its lyrics disguised by the carefree tone of the music.
Other covers work well for how different they turned out than the originals—Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” book end the CD, the reprise version an unlisted live track recorded from their tour with Flaming Lips a few years ago. This is already such a kick-ass song it’s just enjoyable hearing what Cake is going to do with it. The organ riffs in the breaks totally kill, and I swear I like the moody Spanish style trumpet at the end of the song better than how the original ends.
Honestly my two favorite tracks on the CD are both Cake originals, so that’s a good thing. I don’t know where the instrumental “Conroy” first appeared or if its unreleased, but this remix with DJ Greyboy at the helm is a seductive mix of lo-fi electronica and Middle Eastern melodies. A live recording of “It’s Coming Down” off of Fashion Nugget makes for a nice alternate version. I can’t tell exactly how it’s different but it sounds perhaps a bit smoother. The trumpet is a distinctly beautiful standout and the vocal harmonies almost sound like mid-career Beatles.
I don’t know if an album of B-sides and Rarities these days holds the same sway. People can so easily rip a CD and give you an mp3 of “that one song,” which can probably also be readily purchased at iTunes, so says the cynic in me. On the other hand, a well put-together collection could inspire the listener to seek out the source of unknown treasures. For the most part Cake’s foray fits in the latter. |