Cake
B-Sides And Rarities
3.7 out of 5

Who It’s For: So refreshingly anti-Billboard chart without being inaccessible
Sounds Like: Big country band dead-panning other artists’ classic moments

A long time ago Frank Zappa asked “Does Humour Belong In Music?” and ever since it has caused the kind of division usually reserved for the old Beatles or Stones argument. Ever since their first releases Cake have been tarred as a humorous band, or worse, a novelty. That cover of “I Will Survive,” that wicked cut “The Distance;” how can we take ‘em seriously?

B-Sides And Rarities (better name next time please) is a showcase for the conflict - are Cake arch-comedians having fun whilst poking fun? Or are they merely a bunch of very ordinary musicians covering up a lack of inspiration? The good songs on BSAR will incline you to the former, whilst the poor will suggest the latter. The severely brilliant “Short Skirt Long Jacket” keeping you feeling warm and fuzzy, whilst “War Pigs” (here in both studio and live versions unfortunately) is laboured and annoying by comparison.

It’s the eerie cover of “Mahna, Mahna” that will have you calling or folding though, with a superb arrangement that will have you warm and fuzzy every time. Of course, if you hate “Mahna, Mahna” (original or otherwise) then chances are you’ll hate the other good stuff here. Cake fans, however, will find plenty to stick in their iPod playlists.


Track Listing:

1. War Pigs
2. Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town
3. Mahna, Mahna
4. Excuse Me, I Think I’ve Got A Heartache
5. Conroy
6. Strangers In The Night
7. Subtract One Love (Multiply The Heartaches)
8. Never Never Gonna Give You Up
9. Thrills
10. Short Skirt, Long Jacket
11. It’s Coming Down
12. War Pigs (live)

- Kid Lupin