Reaction

The national broadcaster RTÉ gave the album a five star rating, describing it as "a commendable effort by a large group of musicians who genuinely want to help" and saying it was deserving of its rating "if not always for the music then definitely for the effort". "Some Surprise

Some Surprise

"Some Surprise" is a song which features on the charity album The Cake Sale released in 2006 by The Cake Sale. It is a duet between former Damien Rice collaborator Lisa Hannigan and Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody, written by Bell X1 frontman Paul Noonan. The song was performed live by the duo...

" and "Too Many People" were deemed the type of songs most of the artists would be happy to have as singles. However, RTÉ questioned some of the album's weaknesses such as "Vapour Trail" – described as "not Paul Noonan

Paul Noonan

Paul Noonan is an Irish singer from Lucan, County Dublin, and lead vocalist of the band Bell X1. His father is Noel Noonan, the recently retired principal of St. Mary's B.N.S. in Lucan....

's best song nor is it Josh Ritter

Josh Ritter

Josh Ritter is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and author who performs and records with The Royal City Band. Ritter is known for his distinctive Americana style and narrative lyrics. In 2006 he was named one of the "100 Greatest Living Songwriters" by Paste magazine.- Early life :Josh...

's best performance" – and the Conor Deasy–penned "Good Intentions Rust" – dismissed as "just as lightweight as anything The Thrills

The Thrills

The Thrills are an Irish rock band, formed in 2001 in Dublin, Ireland. The band was founded by lead vocalist Conor Deasy and guitarist Daniel Ryan, guitarist and bass player Padraic McMahon, pianist Kevin Horan and drummer Ben Carrigan. Their big break came with their debut album, So Much for the...

 have produced".

Live performances

Plans for a full live performance of the album proved difficult to negotiate, with so many artists involved and so much difficulty with scheduling. However, Gary Lightbody

Gary Lightbody

Gary Lightbody is an Northern Irish musician and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the alternative rock band Snow Patrol.- Early life :...

 and Lisa Hannigan

Lisa Hannigan

Lisa Margaret Hannigan is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician. For several years she was a member of Damien Rice's band before beginning her solo career in 2008. She has been the recipient of various award nominations and critical praise both in Ireland and the USA...

 performed an exclusive live duet of the song "Some Surprise

Some Surprise

"Some Surprise" is a song which features on the charity album The Cake Sale released in 2006 by The Cake Sale. It is a duet between former Damien Rice collaborator Lisa Hannigan and Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody, written by Bell X1 frontman Paul Noonan. The song was performed live by the duo...

" at the 2008 Meteor Awards

2008 Meteor Awards

The 2008 Meteor Music Awards ceremony was held in the RDS, Dublin on Friday, 15 February 2008. Nineteen awards were presented. It was the eighth edition of Ireland's national music awards. The event was later broadcast on RTÉ Two on Saturday, 16 February at 21:00...

 in Dublin.

Chart performance

The Cake Sale spent eighteen weeks in the Irish Albums Chart

Irish Albums Chart

The Irish Albums Chart is the Irish music industry standard albums popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on its behalf by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured electronically...

, peaking at #3.

Chart (2007)	Peak position	Sales	Certification
Irish Albums Chart Irish Albums Chart The Irish Albums Chart is the Irish music industry standard albums popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on its behalf by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured electronically...	3	30,000	2x Platinum