Fashion Nugget: Critic's Review

Searching through MSN’s music section for a review that spoke to me, I found one for one of my favorite albums, Fashion Nugget by CAKE. Personally, I love the album. CAKE’s mastery of layering, experimentalism, and philosophy make the music and lyrics blend together in a way that will hook the listener if John McCrea’s energetic vocals and Vince DiFiore’s smooth trumpet don’t. I don’t know of too many bands that could successfully pull off covers of a somber Willie Nelson tune, a legendary Gloria Gainer song, and a 1947 piece by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés. However, the reviewer disagrees. Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s attitude towards the album begins taking a turn for the worse when he describes the CD as “collegiate,” “arcane,” and “tedious.” Then, he looks at the album’s rocket to platinum status. He claims that the only reason it became popular is its feature of a song called “The Distance.” He refers to this song as a “novelty hit.” Later, he particularly attacks CAKE’s cover of Gloria Gainer’s “I Will Survive,” one of my favorite recordings from CAKE, or from any band. Deeming it “ironic,” Erlewine speculates that in covering this legend of a singer singing this legend of a song, CAKE proves that they think themselves above everyone and everything, and that they will make fun of anything. He says that CAKE could get away with such beliefs of superiority and musical dominance if they had the musical talent to pull it off. Lastly, he provides a ray of hope for the reader who loves CAKE and wishes they could get some credit, calling CAKE’s blend of styles (again using the word collegiate), including funk, hip-hop, and alternative rock. However, in the same long sentence, he trashes their blend because it is apparently monotonous and boring throughout the album.
I definitely did not enjoy reading this review. I strongly disagree with almost every word that flowed from this reviewer’s fingers as he typed up his cynical report on CAKE’s second album, beginning with his take on “The Distance.” Perhaps this song is the most popular, and maybe it is the only reason the album went platinum. However, I disagree with his use of the word “novelty.” Novelty can certainly be a good term, meaning something new and exciting. In this way, it is certainly a proper word to describe the hit. Having read the rest of the review, though, I am almost certain that Erlewine means it as a derogatory term. Judging by his obvious distaste for the album that manifests itself in words like “sophomoric” and “obscure,” I think that he probably intends for the word novelty to be taken to mean that it gets old fast. I don’t agree with his thoughts on the song. I could listen to it for hours. Later in the review, his bombardment on “I Will Survive” is also met with my disgust. I don’t think the cover is making fun of Gloria Gainer at all. Personally, I think that the song is simply putting the unique CAKE spin on Gainer’s hit from years ago. They are adding some new modern style to what was in style back then. The singer even takes some liberties with the original lyrics. Granted, the main changes consist of the addition of an expletive and a few grunts, but the personalization of a classic is still evident. I don’t agree with the Erlewine’s opinion of CAKE’s humor and talent, but, unfortunately, I’m no professional reviewer, and my only audience is my English class, many of whom would probably agree with Erlewine.
If you are a CAKE fan, I wouldn’t recommend reading this review. It is simply an, in my opinion, annoying outlook on Fashion Nugget, and will provide no help in enjoying the album. If you hate CAKE, this review is perfect for you! You will probably agree with everything Erlewine says.
If I could talk to Erlewine, I would ask him his opinion on other CAKE albums. I would also ask him how he feels about some other alternative bands and singers, such as They Might Be Giants and Lou Reed. Another fact I would love to know about him is his age. It would be interesting to know if his years affected his opinion on this style.