The Only HIT in HISTORY to START With THIS WORD…Became BEST Opening Line of an Era-Professor of Rock

Coming up, an interview with one of the most interesting frontmen in music on his band’s signature song. John McCrea of CAKE on their 90s classic GOING the DISTANCE A song that has one of the most iconic first lines of the last 30 years. I have to admit I was a little intimidated to interview Cake’s frontman because he’s wicked smart… You’ll have to see how I did. His explanation of the meaning of this song is pretty sobering. as he says you can’t explode into the world with great magnificence, and still feel like the guy underneath the Mickey Mouse head, with the fan batteries that have stopped working properly, and its dark under there, and everybody wants your autograph.” See what else he says next on Professor of Rock.
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Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember waiting in line around the block for tickets to the great blockbuster movies of the 70s and 80s whether Star Wars, Indiana Jones, or Back to the Future You’ll dig this channel of daily nostalgia Make sure to subscribe below right now and click the bell so that you always know when our new interviews drop click the bell. Also, check out our exclusive content on Patreon and our latest merch… Get a PoR shirt.
I’m excited to bring you another episode from our series Revelations- where featured artists go deep on their greatest songs and albums with fascinating insight you won’t find anywhere Else. Today’s episode is pretty cool. Ya know to me mainstream music started to go downhill in the 90s. It pretty much went off a cliff after 1995. Well just when I thought there was no hope this band came out of nowhere in 1996… They weren’t grunge, they weren’t pop, and they really weren’t even alternative though that’s where the tastemakers tried to categorize them. They stepped into a world full of post-grunge as Kurt Cobain had already passed away and after a summer dominated by the Macarena and Mariah Cary the band Cake was a welcome arrival with their catchy and cool ditty the distance.
It grabbed you from the opening line and seduced you with Greg Brown’s crackling guitar and John Mcrea’s speak-sing one-liners… It was glorious. The Distance was unlike anything on the radio and it has become a classic since. It was a hit across the globe hitting #22 in the Uk #15 IN BELGIUM #20 in Scotland, and #5 on the candid rock charts. Here in the US, it hit several charts. #38 on the rock charts, #4 on the Alternative charts, and #35 on the Us Radio charts. Again you couldn’t really categorize or label these guys. They did what they wanted…And were beloved by all types which is why their debut album Fashion Nugget went 2 x Platinum and was a hit clear into 97… and their follow-up was a hit as well. Their cover of Gloria Gaynor’s hit I Will Survive. Well, I’m excited to share an interview I did with one of the most interesting frontmen in music Mr. John Mcrea of the band Cake about this classic song and album I was a little intimidated I must admit… He’s a very smart guy. Well, let’s get into it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest opening line of all time?

[@Code.Name.V]

1. Hello darkness my old friend. 2. It sounds funny I know, but it really is so...I'm my own Grandpa. 3. Traveling in a fried out Kombi 4. I close my eyes, only for a moment then the moments gone.

[@catherine6653]

Dearly Beloved/ We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life. Let's Go Crazy, Prince and the Revolution.

[@witchy6978]

In the beginning, good always overpowered the evil of all man's sins. Motley Crue, In The Beginning 👿

[@surlechapeau]

1. Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand - Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder; 2. Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was a good friend of mine - Joy To The World - Three Dog Night.

[@Whisper_292]

I'm actually drawing a blank! So, I'll go with the opening line of my favorite song, which is pretty great, anyway. "There's a crack in the mirror and a blood stain on the bed." -- "Bloodletting: the Vampire Song," by Concrete Blonde

[@ChrisHardyWorld]

My band opened for Cake in 1994 - during their soundcheck, the bassist & drummer switched instruments and they freaking KILLED it! Who knew?

[@edryba4867]

There is SO mulch you just can’t tell about people just by looking at them, isn’t there?

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

No you didn't MY band opened for cake! And it also opened for pudding too! See I can be a retard too!

[@t.p.sheppard1270]

This is why I love this channel. In the 90’s into the 00’s my wife and I were raising a family. Pop culture and popular music went by the wayside, so I never heard of Cake till today. Thanks PoR for what y’all do. This channel is a great time. The breadth of coverage is amazing.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks my friend. Go hit up Fashion Nugget! You'll love it.

[@t.p.sheppard1270]

@@ProfessorofRock Will do

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yeah, same. Adam is doing the Lord’s work, teaching us about these mostly unknown or obscure musicians and giving their song(s) the spotlight they deserve.

[@glo3139]

I don’t recall this band or song at all!! LOL

[@derueoloughlin8672]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Amen!

[@mikekooz475]

Songs like this are why I love music so much. You think you've heard it all, then BAM you get something like Going the Distance.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's EXACTLY right! So good.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I bet this song will blow me away!

[@jameswoodruff7182]

I have always loved the trumpet parts. They were haunting and added a whole new level to the songs. I saw them do “Never There” on Lettermen and fell in love.

[@ProfessorofRock]

The Trumpet parts are wonderful!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

🎺 I guess I need to listen to this one. I love trumpet songs.

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

Short Skirt Long Jacket is another great Cake song. As so many have stated, I like the trumpet also.

[@robertlalexander4083]

Comfort Eagle while it still has the Trumpet became a bit more guitar driven IMO.

[@hercules1073]

When Cake came on the scene I had already given up on modern music. I only listened to classic rock and oldies stations, but fiddling with the supertuner one night on the freeway I happened across never there and it was so different than anything else...and the guy's haunting voice! I immediately bought the album and became a fan.

[@michaelbeasley5783]

A very underrated band. The short skirt long jacket song is also so good.

[@kwilliams1958]

Sometimes the shortest interviews are the most impactful. Great job, Professor...

[@arikthenot-so-redasericthe1838]

True story. I’ve been a metalhead for 40 years plus. My first thrash album was Ride the Lightning on vinyl. Megaforce Records. But my first love was theatrical and popular music from well before I was born. My wife and I decided to give our kids the gift of live music from the time they were very young. I’ve seen the Wiggles. Twice. Mostly, we centered on hard rock and metal, though Weird Al (a National Treasure) has made more than one appearance. Anyway, last summer, before my son had his license to drive, I went to pick him up after band practice, and when he opened the passenger door, he dropped his ear buds on the seat and I heard…something. I asked, “What are you listening to?” He turned it off quickly, looked embarrassed and mumbled, “Nothing.” I wondered what he could possibly be listening to that would make him think I would be shocked to hear about it, so I asked again: “What are you listening to?” Mumbled: “Jazz.” So we listened to Sinatra the whole way home. Not jazz, strictly, but it was great to share that wonderful sound with my boy. And better yet, he’s working his way back to the great pop tunes of the 80s. Foreigner show coming up. Share, share, share the gift with your kids. It pays off in ways you’ll never foresee.

[@A.Briggs628]

Thank you, Professor of Rock! I REALLY love this channel!! You keep it SO interesting, and to me, that’s what is the most important thing to do…and, that’s not always easy! So, thank you, again. I appreciate your hard work and great videos! 👍👏

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@Panthror]

I first heard of CAKE through their song 'Short Skirt / Long Jacket', and shortly after found 'The Distance', both great songs. As for best opening line, it's a toss up between Placebo's 'Song To Say Goodbye' with the line: 'You are one of God's mistakes, you crying tragic waste of skin.' And Sick Puppies' song 'Cancer' and the line: 'Tell me all your plans and I'll laugh back in your face.' First time I heard those lines I couldn't believe a band would be bold enough to start a song so harsh, which is why I love them.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Those two opening lines are harsh!

[@TheJpep2424]

Awful song. Absolute garbage.

[@serendipityshopnyc]

I had not heard of "The Distance" before today, and only with your comment did I recognize that this was the same band behind "Short Skirt/Long Jacket". You can learn something new every day if you're not careful! :) Thanks to you and the Professor.

[@adamv242]

This song sounded like nothing else on the radio in '96. And Fashion Nugget is one of the few CDs I've bought where the rest of the album is even better than the hit single. Italian Leather Sofa is an absolute JAM.

[@MattEvans529]

Agreed *fully*. Hell, Fashion Nugget may be the best song on the album. Now I want to go watch some Mission Hill...

[@MattEvans529]

Derp, "Italian Leather Sofa." It's early... Need coffee. :D

[@adamv242]

@@MattEvans529 Stickshifts and Safety Belts should've been a single, too..

[@Urbanmicrohomestead]

I am 57 just found Cake within the last year one of my all time favorite bands

[@a.champagne6238]

There's a reason mainstream music went downhill in the late 90s. It was the Telecom Act of 1996 that gave Clear Channel (now iHeartRadio) a monopoly on rock radio. Small independently owned stations simply could not compete. At least we still have college radio.

[@slshusker]

The TV show Chuck helped spread the band's epic essence by using an amazing Cake tune in the intro music.

[@scottmanning8739]

Every generation produces great music. Sometimes you have to go look for it.

[@derueoloughlin8672]

Excellent interview, 2 very musically intelligent guys having a conversation. As always, thank you Adam.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Cake is an absolute product of their time, while also just having really timeless, really good music. Always awesome work man.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Couldn't agree more! How was your holiday RC32?

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock Went quite well! Hope you had the same. Cheers as always for the content.

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@RC32Smiths01 Awesome!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I kinda wish I discovered them much earlier because they sound like great guys. Cheers to you, RC32. 🍻

[@TheJpep2424]

Awful music. Guy doesn't even sing he speaks. Garbage.

[@RealHeyMark]

I feel like Todd Roper's drumming on The Distance is such an important element of the song. It's tasteful and restrained but incredibly muscular and propulsive.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sounds like a guy who’s really good at drumming.

[@larslan1975]

Solid,didn’t overcomplicate the parts!

[@c.s.s.1723]

So good. I love this band. I so love this song. I remember “You Turn the Screws” as my first CAKE song. What a banger. These dudes are so underrated, so deserving of a second listen. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👏👏👏👏👏

[@jean-francoisrobitaille6560]

That album was a breath of fresh air in the music world when it came out… it woke up my senses in a period were music was going down… thank you for that great interview. Keep up the amazing work!

[@SeanMcmillan-jc6te]

I wasn't familiar with Cake until watching this interview. Thank you for the introduction, Adam 😀

[@richsadowsky8580]

Love this video Adam. I remember when Cake exploded onto the scene. Like you said, the rock scene was not vibrant during this era. I was CTO of one of the first Internet radio companies at that point in time and we put this, Short Skirt/Long Jacket, and I Will Survive into rotation on both pop and rock formats. We were based in San Francisco so Cake was something of a local band being from Sacramento. FWIW, you did great interviewing John. I do recall some awkward interviews back around the time with him, but he was totally comfortable talking to you.

[@markcharlesworth1815]

here,s me, an Englishman living on a small island in Sweden. i actually found "Cake" only last year and the track "wheels". Absolutely love that track. So when i saw you were interviewing John McCree i had to watch. 16 minutes flew by but an excellant interview and insight.My neighbour uesed to hang out with them(Brady Blade, you should know of him) thanks for this and look forward to the next

[@witchy6978]

Reminds me of The Butthole Surfers's song "Pepper". VIVA Gibby Haynes

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool song for sure.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yes indeed.

[@lorianne4936]

I use to love this song and had no idea who sang it. Thank you for featuring it. Love you Professor!

[@joejackson6205]

Great interview, great band. Amazing song. Hope you can score an interview with My Chemical Romance since they are back together and recording. Also, an interview with Mickey Dolenze before he passes would be great.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Hey hey, we’re the Monkees! People say we monkey around 🙉

[@joejackson6205]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 hope you are well, keep the music alive in your heart, and in your ears, and try and turn the ones of your generation on to this timeless music.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@joejackson6205 I am in the process of doing just that. Thanks 🙏

[@bobdavis4848]

You mean Micky Dolenz; yes he is a great interview. Lilly is a great youthful spreader of musical knowledge. :-)

[@kelst75]

"Never there" was one of my favourite ones and I loved their version of "I will survive." Fashion Nugget was a great album.

[@TheTripleSea]

Every single Cake album is pure gold. Go back to the earlier albums. They’ve always made full albums without concentrating on singles. I love ‘em. Really cool to see this interview Prof Rock. Nice job:)

[@jayluck8047]

I never want to see the video for this! What’s in my head is hard to beat.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! Its worth seeing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m curious now.

[@dannyguillory8941]

There is a wonderful poem by the late W.S. Merwin about one of his mentors called "Berryman" about the great poet John Berryman. Near the end, he has a line from Berryman himself saying, "If you need to know that anything you wrote was any good, don't write. You can never know."

[@rogerdeahl9629]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Cake! Underappreciated band. I guess you could call them alternative. Personally I feel they have a Chili Peppers vibe to them. Same melodic structure. Thanks for this closet dive Professor. 😊

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Roger! How was your holiday?

[@rogerdeahl9629]

@@ProfessorofRock Great! Hope you had a great holiday also! 😊

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know I’m gonna like this one. I love RHCP.

[@patrickhale424]

I've been a Cake fan since I first heard them. It's a shame that they don't tour that much. I've been lucky enough to see them live and they're so amazing!!! Long live Cake and their amazing music 🎸🎸🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@laurat1129]

Cake! How fitting for just after the 4th b/c they were one of the bands I saw perform in the '90s at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade here in Boston. Some friends and I went after work, and it was one of the most fun shows I've ever seen, also free to the public. Their tunes are so clever, original w/a '90s sound, but still lasting. John's such an interesting interview.🎂 p.s. "Frank Sinatra" was, ofc, in The Sopranos. And check out "Love You Madly" for great opening hooks.

[@smdias65]

Cake is awesome. They have really complex bass lines. I loved how the discussion digressed into Frank Sinatra; it's cool to hear how artists are influenced by other artists. I also love Adam's shirt. I have to get me one of those!

[@EE-in7su]

I was talking about my love of John McCrea yesterday (more specifically about how wise Ben Folds was to have him in the song Fred Jones pt 2)! How nice of KZbin to show me your interview with him! I have loved Cake since the mid-90s

[@philvogelfilms]

Love your stuff Prof! But gotta fact check you on a minor point: Cake's first album was "Motorcade of Generosity" in 1994. Some classics on that one too!

[@maria0023]

I came here to say the same thing! Great interview though

[@geminijustgemini7784]

Cake is a staple on my Spotify playlists…so many should be hits. And I love their use of the VibraSlap. That is such a signature sound for them.

[@threeraven13]

I haven't seen this episode yet but I figured it's the best place to put my question/request. Please make an entire episode on Paul Williams! I know a little about him but I want to know more.

[@stevenfunderburg1623]

The Professor is such a gifted raconteur (because he can access those memories complete with the original emotions) that he should consider doing an off topic episode involving other aspects of pop culture. If anyone could spin a compelling anecdote about standing in line for Return of the Jedi or Indiana Jones it's the Professor 🤘

[@Blujonny11]

Before 'The Distance' there was 'Rock N' Roll Lifestyle' which really threw them into the mix of music around '94. And then even later 'Short Skirt/Long Jacket.' They had an epic theatrical level song on pretty much all of their albums back then.

[@Jcruzer70]

Never There is my favorite Cake song. What a collection of sounds and words cobbled together intentionally or not to sound like nothing else at the time, or since. 🤘🤘

[@gregoryeaston9396]

Never heard of "Cake" -- In '96, I had already turned my back on "pop music/rock" and was listening to jazz. Rock died a quick death in the late '90s and Cake was just another example of that.

[@MedalionDS9]

Your huge love of 80's music on this channel, it always delights when you actually talk about songs from the 90's, especially such an odd hit from the Alternative rock era

[@chrisneyman]

John ate a burger next to me in Portland once and I wanted so badly to tell him how much I love him and his whole catalog.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You should have! He's a cool guy.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Did you get to talk to him?

[@chrisneyman]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I was too chicken to say anything. 🐔

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@chrisneyman You might have been in a pinch me moment

[@jmillerdesign]

So good. Saw Cake live and been binging them nonstop since. They're genius.

[@aaronleverton4221]

The moment the guitar of Short Skirt/Long Jacket started up the first time I saw the video late at night I knew it was Cake and I was happy there was new music from them to buy. Their style was very recognisably them, even if you hadn't heard the track before.

[@dunkestinzadukenstains5202]

Your right proffesor, I've always said it and always will, music died in 1995. Grunge and gangster rap ruined music!! The most talked about era's in the history of music are the 50s 60s 70s and 80s. We are 23 years in the 2000s and in another 20 years time I won't remember any of the music from that time. Enough said!!!!

[@dmitryowens]

Grunge was great.

[@michaelrue1400]

A friend let me borrow the album and I listened to it once. When I returned it, I said, "Please tell me this is a joke. Because if it is, it's funny, but if it's serious, it's just bad."

[@Code.Name.V]

Epic T-shirt! Please tell me that you purchased it for the ironic price point of $45.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! Probably. How many do you have?

[@Code.Name.V]

​@@ProfessorofRock50 or so.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

😉

[@guyjperson]

I LOVE Cake. I really only found them in the last few years, though heard their songs back in the day. But they never let me down. Soul Coughing and they seem to have been forgotten. Soul Coughing recently got a boost with the Reacher show.

[@JonHenri1864]

This song is timeless. I seem to remember this song long before 96. It's one of those. I grew up in the renaissance of progressive and alt rock and I am amazed and appreciate the acknowledgement of these now classics

[@billkeithchannel]

He is so right about instrument layers. Yeah you can hear all those parts and know that song. But once the music is not here and you start to play it back in your head and hum a specific chord progression, you are only focusing in on a few elements of the song if it is over-complicated.

[@connorvogel6632]

I ran a metal shop when the single "Never there" came out. I would make everyone shut the equipment off and they weren't aloud to talk till it was over. Good times.

[@GIBBO4182]

“Wicked smart”😂😂😂 How you like them apples? 🍏🍏🤣

[@ProfessorofRock]

You got it! Just showed Goodwill Hunting to my son a couple weeks back!

[@GIBBO4182]

@@ProfessorofRock brilliant movie

[@jamalstephenson7140]

That's my 2nd favorite movie of all time behind Shawshank!

[@GIBBO4182]

@@jamalstephenson7140 you and I would get along! Do you like Gladiator, by any chance?

[@jamalstephenson7140]

I like Gladiator, but sorry, it's not one of my favorites.

[@michaelgregory2231]

Cake is from my hometown of Sacramento. They and Deftones and Tesla have put our little scene on the map.

[@philtasticcomicsandart]

Thank you so much for showing this interview. I’ve loved cake since 96 but you really don’t seem many interviews with them. Bravo

[@jennyjenny4501]

Great interview, Professor! Cake does a great cover of “Ruby, don’t take your love to town”.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I'll check it out! Do you have a link?

[@xmas74]

@@ProfessorofRock kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHXUgHWeZdBsprc

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Originally by Kenny Rogers First Edition.

[@jennyjenny4501]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 fun fact: Ruby was written by Mel Tillis, and originally recorded by Waylon Jennings.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@jennyjenny4501 According to Wiki, the second person who recorded it was named Johnny Darrell. He would later suffer from issues with diabetes which led to his death at the age of 57 in 1997.

[@stevewest5397]

Short Skirt / Long Jacket, Stickshifts and Safetybelts, Comfort Eagle, I Will Survive, Love You Madly, Mahna Mahna, Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle, Sheep Go To Heaven. No Phone These guys have so many great songs.

[@cuzzindave]

I love John McCrea! I always wondered when you'd interview him! Day made!

[@EdAllen]

I missed it entirely when it came out, but somewhere around 2008 it got used as the intro music for a programming podcast and I heard it every week for awhile.

[@Scottocaster6668]

Why am i hearing about this band 2 weeks ago. "The Distance" is awesome. The bass line hooked me in! The singer looks like he sounds 😆

[@GOTAisMe]

Cake is the definition of Alternative. They are unique as is David Bowie, Kate Bush, Devo, Oingo Boingo, The Smiths, Siouxsie and the Banshees, etc.... That's what Alternative is. These unique and incredible talents who are unlike any others.

[@jerrycase]

Devo, Boingo, Gary Numan Are my top 3 of all time. Add Talking Heads and Bowie. The rest mentioned are in my tips as well.

[@p.w.7051]

I know I'm late to this party, but...I just watched your video and then went down a rabbit hole of Cake videos. For the first time ever I noticed that during the I Will Survive video the dude in the suit and tie from the The Distance video goes running by on the sidewalk. Just wondering if I am the only Rube that never caught on to this before. PEACE!

[@tjg555]

This song and album ruled my life for a whole year. I still know every word of the entire album, and most of their others as well. Cake never gets old!

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

Back in the early 2ks, I happened upon some free tickets to Cake. Didn't know who they were. Knew almost every song. Learned the rest. Added s BUNCH to the catalogue. Thanks random guy with tickets!

[@LisaTRN00]

"There's a lady who knows all that glitters is gold and she's buying the stairway a heaven" ~ Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven 🙌🏻😁👍🏻❤️

[@marklynch3918]

I played with Cake drummer Todd Roper in college in the late 80’s. He’s a great guy. He taught me how to relax on the drum kit - I was stiff as a board and all over the place.

[@josephdegreeff9470]

Agreed. I loved playing this album. My 21 year old son loves it too!

[@chrispetrillo9042]

Hey Adam, speaking of the 90s, how about a segment on Beck or Bjork?

[@rabby-u]

I made a mental note to get into Cake beyond airplay back in the late nineties, thanks for reminding me Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Go for it. Good stuff. Hope your had a great holiday Robert!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We should both do it.

[@rabby-u]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I like your thinking! 👌

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@rabby-u Why thanks Robert. ☺️

[@RobertCatiller67]

THANK YOU for this interview with this particular person from this particular band about this particular song! A dream come true! The only question I would have added is - did they also have the animated series Speed Racer in mind while creating the lyrics and music for this song. BTW you were right to approach this interview with humility, but you weren't at all "Out of your league". You're the Professor of Rock!

[@AndySalinger33]

Saw Cake live in Des Moines at their height. Fantastic live band! Really good.

[@ThatKa5p3r]

Awesome interview! Just saw these guys in Denver a couple of weeks ago for the very first time & they were incredible. Mr McCrea is not only intelligent but straight up one of the funniest guys I've ever seen. From the the way he handled the crowd he could do solo standup comedy & kill it. Such an original man & band, love these guys.

[@JLeppert]

Cake. Top five favorite band for me. One of the reasons I play bass.

[@bottomtothetop1280]

Much Love for Sacramento Groups! Northern Cali!!! 916

[@kat021171]

When this song came out, I was in the middle of my grad school work, trying to hit deadlines on my thesis, assisting for survey level courses, putting in my office hours, and doing the work for the classes I was taking. All the while, I was trying to hold onto a dying relationship of two years. It was one of the darkest times in my life, and this song just fit it as perfectly as you could imagine.

[@paullanglois3768]

John McCrea’s eyes are so distractingly blue. He’s clearly an undercover Fremen from Dune. The Spice Must Flow!

[@Durmomo0]

Great to see John on the show. Cake was one of my favorite bands growing up. Always cool, always different.

[@christophercrowder872]

Love Cake! The songs are catchy and the lyrics are wicked smart and also frequently humorous.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yes they are! Favorite song by them?

[@christophercrowder872]

​@@ProfessorofRockthat's a difficult call. I love "Short Skirt/Long Jacket", "Love You Madly", and, "Sheep Go To Heaven". However, truthfully I can't think of a Cake song I've ever not liked. I mean, "Stickshifts..." "Comfort Eagle", and, "Italian Leather Sofa" are also right up there for me.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They sound like jukebox poetry.

[@rgkavendek]

As soon as I heard “You Turn the Screws” on the radio in my car, I was instantly hooked on this GREAT band!! Bought every album they put out and was never once disappointed.

[@buxzw1945]

This man is one of my heroes, thank you for this interview.

[@G-Man4809]

I can't believe there was no mention of NEVER THERE!! My favorite Cake song!

[@vaporman442]

A lot of really interesting music popped up in the wake of Grunge. I’d like to hear some more about bands like Beck, Eels, The Rugburns, Soul Coughing, The Presidents of the United States of America, Morphine, Moby, Dinosaur Jr. and Radiohead. Could also be interesting to take a look at the neo-swing movement that popped up around that time. That’s also about the time we started to see the rise of neo-punk. That period in music was far from boring.

[@alecerdmann8505]

I agree and I think people who shake their fists and grumble that music "died" in the '90s just aren't trying hard enough to find what they would like. (or being like every generation before them and acting like their music was amazing and anything new is an outrage). There was a lot of great music in the late '90s and 2000s (Radiohead is my favorite band) even if it wasn't hitting the very top of the charts. I love The Killers, The Strokes and The White Stripes. Even other genres have some great tunes if you give them a chance. Daft Punk's "Discovery" is a masterpiece of dance/disco/electronic/rock fusion. I'm not into rap, but have listened to some of Kendrick Lamar's catalogue because I hear so much about it (he won a Pulitzer for one of his albums) and while it's still not my thing for day-to-day consumption, his music is definitely powerful, interesting and worth your time.

[@vaporman442]

@@alecerdmann8505 Very true. And the many directions electronic music was taking from the late 80s through the late 90s and beyond is almost staggering. Bands combining electric sounds with funk, metal, ambient, jazz Avant Garde and more. Really an exciting time if you get just slightly out of the most mainstream stuff.

[@dblyolk3535]

In the sixth grade after school me and a few buddy’s were hanging out, when this song came on the radio one of my friends Jimmy V said “do you guys know this song is about rape?”. A collective gasp occurred, we all said “nooooooo way” “that’s crazy” kinda stuff. Jimmy V said “oh yeah just listen to the lyrics”. After that day this song always hit a lil different

[@jasonhowarth6789]

Great video, Professor! I got goosebumps when i heard The Distance playing. It had been a long time since I heard that sonic tapestry.

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

when I need a good rush from a song.... this is the one.... man my ears and brain couldn't get enough of it!!!!

[@TroyBoleyn]

I love this! All of it! 'Never There' speaks to me most.

[@charleyanne]

I only heard this a couple of times but its been forever! Thanks for the memory & great interview, Prof! I was getting ready to get married in 98 (met my hubs in 96, actually, the 5th of July so 27 years ago today!!, from another state & only saw him on weekends, weather permitting until we got married) so everything from those 2 years is either great memories or a huge blur! Thats probably why i didn't hear this song much but ill be going back to listen to it, that's for sure!

[@ProfessorofRock]

thanks Charleyanne. How was your fourth?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Happy anniversary 🎉

[@margueritewood7036]

“Bowel shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse….” …….I think one of the funnies lines in a song ever…

[@williamashton9235]

"You've got a lot of nerve to say you are my friend" - Bob Dylan, "Positively Fourth Street." (Great final lines, too.)

[@jawjagrrl]

Band geek here that spent hs and college in the 80s... magical! As the 90s edged out of grunge, the best thing happened - a revival of the American standards and swing dancing! "You're so money you don't even know how money you are" IYKYK :) I studied ballroom dance for 3 years and loved every second as the millenium approached. But into my life of trying to convert everyone to Sinatra comes a quirky a dear friend with very eclectic musical tastes. We took a road trip to Atlanta one weekend in 97-98 and I knew the music choices were going to be... interesting. My turn - Dean and Frank, live at the Tropicana during the time they were filming Ocean's 11. Her pick - Fashion Nugget. Never heard anything like it. I was so down the standards rabbithole then that I didn't embrace it the way she hoped, though I did love the trumpet riffs and witty lyrical style (she was a writer and I was a designer). Today I need to reach out to her and say YES Beth! They are as awesome as you tried to tell me they are. I hope she plays some Sinatra from time to time though...

[@DC8091]

I’d of never of guessed he knew that much about The Chairman. Great interview! (though I was into Ministry, Rammstien, KMFDM etc when they came out, always thought it was brilliantly catchy)

[@ProfessorofRock]

What are you into today?

[@DC8091]

@@ProfessorofRock classic rock (Skynyrd/Rush/ELO) , 80s metal (Quit Riot,Crue,KIX, Ratt), Frank, Cash & Elvis (kinda out grew industrial 🤣)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You liked alternative, right?

[@DC8091]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I did, just avoided “mainstream” like the plague. I was also still listening to a ton of Fugazi & Rancid and that time as well

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@DC8091 Yeah, the mainstream was getting less interesting at that point.

[@Rossturnerphoto]

I love that when you compared his style of delivery to Frank Sinatra’s, he immediately started giving reasons why he thought Sinatra was so great. This was an enjoyable and entertaining interview. You can tell the lead singers very well spoken.

[@2ToneWalt]

I would love to know how many people from the streaming age know what your t shirt represents, man that makes me feel old. 🤣

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m 17 and I know.

[@2ToneWalt]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Thats makes me feel better about the future of music.👍👍👍👍👍

[@catherine6653]

Short Skirt/ Long Jacket is my favorite Cake song 🎵 😊.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I haven’t heard it before. I know close to nothing about this band. I must be missing out, because they went completely over my head when discovering 90s music.

[@catherine6653]

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Short skirt, Long Jacket was released in 2001. I am not a huge fan of Cake, but they have a few I like. I like the band Train better.

[@maxaroni15]

That was the 3rd song I remember from them along with Going The Distance and Never There. Top 3 slices of Cake:🥇Never There 🥈Going The Distance 🥉Short Skirt/Long Jacket

[@catherine6653]

@@maxaroni15 Thank you 😊

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@catherine6653 We should all know Hey Soul Sister by now.

[@jillwklausen]

I don't know this song or this band, but what a great interview. This guy really knows his music! And I think you did a really good job because you know your music too. Thanks for another great episode, Adam. Have an excellent day.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Jill!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Jill, same. I’m brand new to these guys today.

[@jillwklausen]

Thanks, @@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980. Now I don't feel so alone! Have a great rest of the day!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@jillwklausen Haha! We’re learning new things together! 🤘

[@markcatanzaro9699]

Off a cliff in 95 is exactly how i felt about it & Cake came out of nowhere with something different and new!

[@markkalfahs1047]

...love your shirt, Professor!!!...takes me back about 45-50 years...

[@melissawilcox5285]

Never a fan of this sound or type of music, but appreciate the genius behind it.

[@Whisper_292]

Great insight. That's the essence of art. It's subjective, and not everybody is going to like it. But liking it and appreciating it are two different things.