This week in MUSIC

CAKE

CAKE was formed in 1991 by vocalist/songwriter John McCrea, guitarist Greg Brown, trumpeter Vince DiFiore, bassist Shon Meckfessel and drummer Frank French. Shon Meckfessel soon left and was replaced by Gabe Nelson.

In 1993, the band released its debut single, "Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle." Although self-released, the single managed to hit number 31 on the US Modern Rock Tracks.

After the moderate radio success of their first single, CAKE released their debut album entitled Motorcade of Generosity.

Eventually, CAKE signed a deal with Capricorn Records, who in turn released the album nationally on February 7, 1994. Some time after this deal Gabe Nelson and Frank French left the band.

On September 17, 1996, CAKE released their second album, Fashion Nugget. The album produced the radio gem "The Distance," which dominated alternative radio that fall.

The next single released from Fashion Nugget was a cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive".

CAKE released their third studio album, Prolonging the Magic, on October 6, 1998. This album contained the hit single "Never There" which reached number 1 on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks.

On July 24, 2001, CAKE released their fourth full-length album entitled Comfort Eagle. This was CAKE's first release under Columbia records. The lead single "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" was a major hit on alternative radio stations, climbing to number 7 on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks, and is now the theme song to the TV series Chuck

CAKE's fifth album, Pressure Chief, was released on October 5, 2004. It contained the moderately successful singles "No Phone" and a cover of the Bread song "The Guitar Man."

In 2006 CAKE announced Live at the Crystal Palace, the band's first live album. The album was delayed to 2007 and then 2008 before the band announced that they currently don't have plans to release it.

Band lineup:

• John McCrea – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, organ, vibraslap (1991-present)

• Vince DiFiore - trumpet, keyboard, harmony vocals, percussion (1991-present)

• Xan McCurdy – lead guitar (1998-present)

• Gabe Nelson – bass guitar (1991-1993, 1997-present)

• Paulo Baldi – drums, percussion (2003-present)

Former Members:

• Greg Brown – rhythm guitar (1991–1998)

• Victor Damiani – bass guitar (1993–1997)

• Shon Meckfessel – bass guitar (1991)

• Frank French – drums, percussion (1991–1994)

• Todd Roper - drums, percussion (1994–2002)

• Pete McNeal - drums, percussion (2002-2003)

• Andrew Griffin – drums (substituted for Paulo Baldi due to schedule conflicts on 2007 for European tour)

Studio albums

• Motorcade of Generosity (1994)

• Fashion Nugget (1996)

• Prolonging the Magic (1998)

• Comfort Eagle (2001)

• Pressure Chief (2004)

• TBA (2010)

Compilation albums

B-Sides and Rarities (2007)

Live albums

Live at the Crystal Palace (TBA)