Spinal Tap‘s “Cups and Cakes” with Paul McCartney Is Our Song of the Week
In a stunning musical convergence decades in the making, Spinal Tap’s deeply obscure 1984 track “Cups and Cakes” – featuring a then-uncredited Paul McCartney on backing vocals – has been declared Song of the Week. The revelation, stemming from the recent release of the 4K restoration of the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, has sent ripples through the music world.
Originally appearing on the soundtrack to This Is Spinal Tap,”cups and Cakes” was written by Christopher Guest,Michael McKean,and Harry Shearer as a deliberately saccharine and lyrically nonsensical song meant to showcase the band’s artistic missteps. The song’s true history remained largely unkown until director Rob Reiner confirmed McCartney’s involvement during promotional interviews for the film’s restoration. Reiner explained McCartney happened to be in the studio and spontaneously joined in, contributing harmonies.
“he just wandered in, and we said, ‘Paul, do you want to sing backup on this?’ And he said, ‘Sure, why not?'” Reiner recounted. The restored film includes a visual confirmation of McCartney’s presence during the recording session.
The song itself is a whimsical, almost childlike composition, with lyrics revolving around baked goods and declarations of affection. Despite its intentionally cheesy nature, “Cups and Cakes” has garnered renewed attention, praised for its unexpected charm and the ancient significance of McCartney’s hidden contribution.
Kiana Fitzgerald of a music publication noted the song’s ability to highlight flawed individuals needing compassion, drawing parallels to the themes explored in other artists’ work. other recent song spotlights include Rapsody,Ragana & Drowse,Rochelle Jordan,and TiaCorine featuring JID. Though, the Spinal Tap track’s unique backstory and the involvement of a Beatle have propelled it to the forefront of music discussion.Ash Souvenir by Ragana and Drowse drops November 14th. Rochelle Jordan’s Through the Wall is anticipated following singles like “Sweet Sensation.” TiaCorine’s album CORINIAN is forthcoming, preceded by the JID-assisted “backyard.”
