Sounding like a suburban, melodic white-funk-injected version of King Missile's performance art/standup comedy, "The Distance" became a /p>
ovelty hit in the fall of 1996, sending Cake's second album, Fashion Nugget, to platinum status. Certainly, "The Distance" was the only reason Fashion Nugget went platinum, because the remainder of the album is too collegiate and arcane for mainstream music tastes. It isn't because it's obscure or intellectual -- it's because the band is smirking. An "ironic" cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" is the key to the album, sending the signal that Cake consider themselves above everyone else, and nothing is too insignificant to make fun of. And that wouldn't necessarily have been a problem if they had the wit or musical skills that would make their music either funny or listenable. Instead, they wallow in sophomoric jokes that rely on self-consciously elaborate wordplay. Occasionally, their blend of collegiate musical styles -- funk, hip-hop, alternative rock -- makes the music easy to digest in small doses, such as "The Distance," but it isn't varied enough to prevent the album from becoming tedious when played straight thorugh.
Many have mentioned the ability of a good cover to enhance, or even change completely our perception of that song. Sometimes the novelty of hearing a familiar song done radically different is very satisfying. Sometimes not.Well this track by Cake is not radically different, but it is more grounded in rocknroll. And love that trumpet.
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This is a particularly striking cover because I'm sure we all think of this song so much as a feminist anthem. Hearing it done by a male vocalist in this musical setting really knocks me out. The minimalist accompaniment and funky bass line really serve up the lyrics. The way the guitar duets with the singer near the end really sends me. Then that trumpet bridge into the ride out. Beautiful!
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its been a year since i signed on to mog. so here is my cake post:i have not listened to cake in, well, years. i don't even know if anyone is still listening to them. but a long time ago i had a real sweet spot for this song, *the distance* . and coincidentally, today i mailed out my registration for the cape cod marathon, so i will have to but up a link so you can start sponsoring...dot dot do...
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This little ditty sums up a day in the car with my sexy man. Off to Asheville - through the mountains...Peace
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Whether you're pushing for a big deadline or getting psyched for a big race...this is your song. It has been my psych up theme song this past month.
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bowel-shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse♫ Cake – The Distance / 1996One of the best lyrics ever. Hands down. And in one of the best songs of the 90s. Or ever, as far as I am concerned. “The Distance” is one of those songs that will never get old. I don’t listen to it enough these days, but I should. I…
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Frank Sinatra |
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| 2 The Distance |
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| 3 Friend Is a Four Letter Word |
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| 4 Open Book |
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| 5 Daria |
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| 6 Race Car Ya-Yas |
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| 7 I Will Survive |
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| 8 Stickshifts and Safetybelts |
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| 9 Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps |
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| 10 It's Coming Down |
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| 11 Nugget |
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| 12 She'll Come Back to Me |
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| 13 Italian Leather Sofa |
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| 14 Sad Songs and Waltzes |
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Click to purchase…
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 "Fashion Nugget")
