Comfort Eagle Cake

Comfort Eagle

1	Opera Singer
2	Meanwhile, Rick James...
3	Shadow Stabbing
4	Short Skirt/Long Jacket
5	Commissioning a Symphony in C
6	Arco Arena
7	Comfort Eagle
8	Long Line of Cars
9	Love You Madly
10	Pretty Pink Ribbon
11	World of Two

Barnes & Noble

The smirks are still there, as are the deft melodies that refuse to adhere to a steady course. But seven years on, there's something more mature, more multidimensional about these Sacramento alt-rockers. Most of that evolution can be traced to the writing of leader John McCrea, whose worldview, while still warped, has broadened to the point where he can slip into the skin of a country music lifer (as on the title track) or, well, an "Opera Singer." Sometimes McCrea's efforts to channel musical history are a bit dodgy -- as on "Short Skirt/Long Jacket," a snidely observational ditty that lifts its melodic chug directly from the Lou Reed songbook. But when he's not trying quite as hard to get every last detail in place, the results can be magical, as borne out by the zigzagging "Long Line of Cars" and the shyly beckoning "Pretty Pink Ribbon." As ever, McCrea's ponderings turn to his own existence -- which, judging by the tenor of "Arco Arena" and "Commissioning a Symphony in C" -- still isn't the happiest. But his deadpan delivery pushes the needle away from self-pity and toward self-effacement, a tone that's underscored by the shuffling beats and the alternately mocking and sighing trumpet of Vincent DeFiore. Sweet? Yes -- but, don't be surprised to find a file hidden inside each slice of Cake. David Sprague

All Music Guide

While so many rock bands try to reinvent themselves with every new album, Cake has made a name for itself by sticking to its brand of smirking funk-pop. Blending jazz, rockabilly, experimental rock, and a little less country than usual, Comfort Eagle, the band's first album since leaving Capricorn Records for Columbia, carries on the Cake tradition of offbeat humor and catchy melodies. While some fans may be waiting for its sound to evolve, singer/songwriter John McCrea and company seem content to reign over their quirky little corner of the popular music landscape. "Opera Singer" and the first single, "Short Skirt/Long Jacket," follow in the footsteps of Cake's previous hits, but are no less enjoyable because of it. "Shadow Stabbing" is one of the most straightforward rock songs the band has ever recorded, with McCrea forgoing his usual half-spoken vocals for an almost irony-free delivery. While it is still unmistakably Cake, it would sound right at home on a Cars album. The rest of the album is by the numbers Cake, which is comforting and slightly disappointing at the same time. The group has certainly perfected its sound, and one can understand why it would be hesitant to turn its back on its extremely distinctive style, but with Comfort Eagle Cake comes dangerously close to simply remaking its previous release, Prolonging the Magic. While new fans might enjoy Comfort Eagle on its own merits, Cake followers may feel as though they've bought the same album twice. However, both albums are strong enough that they probably won't mind. ~ Mark Vanderhoff, Rovi

Rolling Stone

The best songs, particularly "Long Line of Cars" and "Pretty Pink Ribbon," exhibit a modern pop that is both mechanized and organic.