What makes Cake or Death by Lee Hazlewood notable?

Cake or Death received notable acclaim for its blend of humor and melancholy, showcasing Hazlewood's signature wit and lyrical prowess. The album was particularly well-received in Europe, where Hazlewood maintained a devoted following, and it helped to reintroduce his work to a new generation of fans, solidifying his influence on contemporary country music. Released in 2006, Cake or Death marked Lee Hazlewood's return to music after a lengthy hiatus, following his last studio album in the early 1990s. At this point in his career, Hazlewood was a celebrated figure known for his distinctive baritone and songwriting style, yet he had largely stepped back from the spotlight, making this album a significant moment of re-engagement with his audience.

Who is Cake or Death for?

Cake or Death works well if you're into wistful storytelling with dry humor, steady pacing for reflective moments and mid-tempo flow for easy listening.

How many songs are on Cake or Death?

Cake or Death has 13 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 20 years ago this November

Cake or Death

Lee Hazlewood · 2006

40 min · 13 tracks · country music

A blend of wistful storytelling and dry humor wrapped in country-inflected melodies that reflect on life's absurdities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Please Come to Boston — This track encapsulates Hazlewood's storytelling charm, with its narrative of longing and the desire for connection amidst life’s distractions.
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She's Gonna Break Some Heart Tonight — The song showcases Hazlewood's knack for blending humor with heartache, capturing the complexities of relationships through clever lyrics.
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White People Thing — This track stands out as a satirical commentary on cultural identity, highlighting Hazlewood's ability to tackle social themes with wit and irony.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wistful storytelling with dry humor
steady pacing for reflective moments
mid-tempo flow for easy listening
thought-provoking themes on life's absurdities

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2006, Cake or Death marked Lee Hazlewood's return to music after a lengthy hiatus, following his last studio album in the early 1990s. At this point in his career, Hazlewood was a celebrated figure known for his distinctive baritone and songwriting style, yet he had largely stepped back from the spotlight, making this album a significant moment of re-engagement with his audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Nancy Sinatra· Glen Campbell· Townes Van Zandt

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Nothing 3:09
2 Baghdad Knights 3:34
3 Please Come to Boston 4:28
4 She's Gonna Break Some Heart Tonight 3:09
5 Sacrifice 2:36
6 Fred Freud 3:01
7 The First Song of the Day 3:14
8 It's Nothing to Me 3:35
9 Anthem 2:26
10 White People Thing 1:50
11 Boots (original Melody) 5:07
12 Some Velvet Morning 1:35
13 T.O.M. (The Old Man) 2:52

What to play next

Listen next

Strung Out On Something New:The Reprise Recordings

2007

Go back to

For Every Solution There's a Problem

2002

Full Lee Hazlewood discography Artists like Lee Hazlewood

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata