Sometimes I get mired in the negativity and I need a release. Cake’s Pressure Chief offers that. This nor-Cal band provides flippant tunes in a funky way—an appealing mix of guitar, brass, and lead vocals delivered by the baritones of John McCrea. I used to listen to this cd all day … and I did listen to it all day because my daughter, Tate-Lorrayne, decided that the only way she could be comfortable was swinging in dad’s arms listening to Wheels, staring at an antelope head on the office wall. One day Mr. McCrea, I’m sending a bill for those lost hours. I don’t visit Pressure Chief as often as I used to. But I still love the lines and the funk. Refreshingly, Cake reminds us that it’s ok to laugh in this big, bad world. Some lines from No Phone, regarding McCrea’s detest for the telephone: Ringing, stinging jerking like a nervous bird Rattling up against his cage Costing me throughout the day See the feathers fly No phone, no phone, I just want to be alone today Shaking, quaking, waking me when I’m asleep Never lets me go too deep Summons me with just one beep The price we pay is steep.
