Well here it is, Lee Hazlewood's long-anticipated musical adieu. I already own the US issue of Cake or Death but I generally like to get the "Special Edition" or the imported version which usually has a little something extra for the fan. But in this case, there is no difference that justifies the added expense, especially the 26 dollars which is the current lowest price. The main difference is that the German release comes sans plastic jewel box. I got mine here from an amazon partner for just three dollars over the price of the domestic release, so I don't feel bad. I'll just give the other as a gift to someone who needs to be introduced to the music of Lee Hazlewood.
As for the music, I like Cake or Death more everytime I hear it. In my review of the US release I mentioned my favorite cuts. That list has since been expanded. I still think Hazlewood's retooled version of "Boots" is highlight of the CD, it certainly has become far and away my favorite version. But that is certainly not all there is. I also highly enjoy the accordion-laced Sacrifice, the ominous-sounding, surf-guitar driven The First Song of the Day, the dry Its Nothing To Me, the star-spangled Anthem, the hilarious White People Thing, and the bittersweet anticipation of Lee's pending date with mortality in T.O.M.
While those are my favorites, I enjoy the other songs as well with the exception of the overly cute rendition of the refrain from Some Velvet Morning sung by Hazlewood's granddaughter.
If you are a fan of Lee Hazlewood on any level, I recommend you buy the US release of Cake or Death. Lee's last stand will spend a lot of time in my CD player. Don't buy this just because its his last, but because its one of his best.