August by Cake cover

August by Cake

Guided by Voices · 2017

71 min · 32 tracks · indie rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of concise melodies and whimsical lyrics that encapsulate the spirit of indie rock's lo-fi aesthetic.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    5° on the Inside Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    When We All Hold Hands at the End of the World — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo and sardonic take on collective experiences, encapsulating the band's signature blend of humor and introspection.
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    Goodbye Note — The juxtaposition of nostalgic lyrics with a catchy melody makes this track a poignant reflection on parting, highlighting the band's lyrical prowess.
  • →
    What Begins On New Year's Day — Opening with a reflective tone, this song captures themes of renewal and hope, showcasing the band's knack for relatable storytelling in a compact format.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical reflections on life's absurdities
  • quick bursts of melodic creativity
  • dynamic flow with varied pacing
  • playful exploration of fleeting moments
  • for spontaneous listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, cohesive narratives
  • seek straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues to showcase the band's relevance and creativity in their later years.
Themes
New Year's reflections· collective nostalgia· whimsical parting
Moods
Chill
Career context
Released on January 1, 2017, 'August by Cake' is Guided by Voices' twenty-first studio album, following their 2014 release 'Cool Planet'. At this point in their career, the band continued to explore their distinctive style, characterized by brief song structures and eclectic instrumentation, reflecting an ongoing commitment to their lo-fi roots while appealing to a dedicated fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors
Pavement· The Mountain Goats· Sebadoh

Tracklist

  • 1 5° on the Inside Start here 2:28
  • 2 Generox Gray ® 1:58
  • 3 When We All Hold Hands at the End of the World 2:02
  • 4 Goodbye Note 2:50
  • 5 We Liken the Sun 2:08
  • 6 Fever Pitch 1:01
  • 7 Absent the Man 1:36
  • 8 Packing the Dead Zone 2:51
  • 9 What Begins On New Year's Day 1:59
  • 10 Overloaded 3:31
  • 11 Keep Me Down 2:33
  • 12 West Coast Company Man 1:55
  • 13 Warm Up to Religion 1:52
  • 14 High Five Hall of Famers 2:07
  • 15 Sudden Fiction 2:40
  • 16 Hiking Skin 1:55
  • 17 It's Food 2:52
  • 18 Cheap Buttons 2:11
  • 19 Substitute 11 2:31
  • 20 Chew the Sand 3:44
  • 21 Dr. Feelgood Falls Off the Ocean 1:59
  • 22 The Laughing Closet 1:32
  • 23 Deflect Project 2:33
  • 24 Upon the Circus Bus 2:20
  • 25 Try It Out (It's Nothing) 1:46
  • 26 Sentimental Wars 2:47
  • 27 Circus Day Holdout 2:01
  • 28 Whole Tomatoes 1:11
  • 29 Amusement Park Is Over 2:17
  • 30 Golden Doors 1:43
  • 31 The Possible Edge 2:01
  • 32 Escape to Phoenix 2:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata