Thursday, November 19, 2009

What Would Beethoven Think?

Andrew recently acquainted me with an indie-rock band called CAKE. They've been around since 1994 but I'd never heard of them before this week. I like a few of their songs, especially one called "Commissioning a Symphony in C", which I am sharing here. I like their style; they are impossible to pigeonhole, really. One of their songs sounds a bit country, another may sound more hip hop, and yet another is a combination of rock and big band. I really like that. The lead singer's voice is smooth and easy to listen to without being exceptionally remarkable. Their lyrics are smart and punchy.

They were dismissed by most critics when they had their first hit, The Distance, but they have proved they are not a one-hit wonder by the hits they've had since. I like their sense of humor and their sarcasm -- and I'm sure their sarcasm is one of the things that most appeals to me about their music.

They do a cover of "I Will Survive" that is worth hearing at least once. The lead singer's voice is all wrong for the song, but he doesn't try to do anything other than simply sing it; it's the bass, the lead guitar, and the trumpet that are so superb in their version.

Below is a video of "Commissioning A Symphony in C" so you can hear it, and I'll print the lyrics below as well. When you get the chance I would also recommend their songs,"Never There" (highly recommend that one), and "Love You Madly" (LOVE the video for that one). "Sort Skirt/Long Jacket" was critically acclaimed, but it isn't one of my favorites. "Meanwhile, Rick James" and "Frank Sinatra" are two others where the lyrics really get me, especially the latter. "Friend is a Four Letter Word" is pretty good too.

I know I'm probably late to the dance and everyone else out there knows this band, but since I had to write something today, I figured I might as well write about them.

Click the link below to hear the song (love the keyboard in it):

Commissioning A Symphony in C

By John McCrae

So you'll be an Austrian Nobleman
Commissioning a symphony in C
Which defies all earthly descriptions
You'll be Commissioning a symphony in C

With money you squeeze from the peasants
To your nephew you can give it as a present
This magnificent symphony in C
You'll be commissioning a symphony in C

Completely filling the palace concert hall
It's warm and golden like an oven that's wide open
It has a melody both happy and sad
Built on victorious known triads

You've entered the room with great caution
Though no one in the hall is even watching
They are transfixed
They are forgetting just to breath
They are so taken by your symphony...
In C

You're sitting there thinking your thoughts
They are not about what is but what is not
You are sitting there breathing in your breath
You are seldom breathing life but mostly death

So you'll be an Austrian Nobleman
Commissioning a symphony in C
Which defies all earthly descriptions
You'll be commissioning...
A symphony...
In C



6 comments:

Gerry said...

Well, this is an interesting song. I have never heard anything quite like it. Especially at 6:45 in the morning. I was intrigued by the title of your entry. And it did not disappoint. Gerry

sober white women said...

I had never heard of them, but I did like that song. It is always good to get out of the box and learn new things.
Kelli

Martha said...

Sorry I fell behind this week - I was trying to keep up with my nablo pals at least every day or day - hectic times! Hope you have a great weekend Lori :-)

Ken Riches said...

I was not familiar with Cake, but Beth had some CD's, and they are very good ;o)

Beth said...

Heehee, better late than never, Lori! ;) They are one of my favorites, and very unique. One of my favorites is "Comfort Eagle." Glad Andrew turned you onto them--they really are great!

Unknown said...

I've heard of Cake recently on blogs but not before. :)