Cat Power - The Greatest (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Cat Power Goes Memphis with "The Greatest" (4.5 stars)

Juan Mobili | Valley Cottage, NY USA | 02/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Cat Power's output will never be accused of being very emotive or lyrically overwrought, yet her latest album goes beyond the austere boundaries of prior releases. This is not to say that Marshall has gone over the edge in any way, yet in The Greatest her voice seems to reach for new tender corners and there's a certain compassion for her songs' characters in this album which- at least to me-have never been this apparent in the past.

This is the case with the title song and opener, a moving piece about a boxer, which already showcases some key musical choices that give The Greatest its particular feel. Whether it's the subtle guitar work, the way the strings and piano unfold its melody, or the drums-which I don't recall being present as often or featured as they are throughout these tracks-ease you into a different kind of Cat Power album.

A similar feel to the opener returns in "Living In Bars," "Where Is My Love" and "Willie," yet not all songs comply to this formula, by the way, songs like Living Proof," "Could We," "After It All" or "Islands" are-in their own ways and by Cat Power' standards-more accessible, more willing to reach out than past material.

Still, this is a Cat Power album, "The Moon"-one of my favorite songs-as well as "Empty Shell" or "Hate," each in its own way, proved this and may remind you of prior albums.

So, enjoy and be moved by a special singer and interesting songwriter who's still willing to explore the music outside her usual world, and had the shy observer she's always been, step out into new moods."

Never heard of Cat Power before this one ....

desmond | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"... So the other reviews here, necessarily, have me baffled.

I just found out about Cat Power via this CD. So my impression as a first-timer, completely ignorant of her previous works:

Wonderful.

Of course, I grew up in the South, hearing Janis Joplin, Dylan, Van Morrison, and other "blues/gospel-inflected" music (even if these artists are mostly "before my time," and not necessarily from my area).

So I, personally, was thrilled to find this album. And I can honestly say -- in a "scene" where I am constantly bombared with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Killers, etc. -- Cat Power is the only musician that has had me personally excited in a few years.

So take it for what it's worth. I guess my next step will be to check out Chan's other albums.

But those other albums don't matter to me, at the moment.

I give this a very happy and enthusiastic 5 Stars."

Mature, Sultry Approach Wins Me Over

M. JEFFREY MCMAHON | Torrance, CA USA | 02/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Greatest by Cat Power is a great place to get introduced to this original songwriter. Slowed down, acoustic, dreamily textured, these songs reflect the maturity of a songwriter at the top of her powers. Those who warm up to these slower acoustic songs will probably want to check out kindred spirits in the bands Beaumont, The Big Phony, The Clientele, Club 8, The Concretes, Hope Sandoval, Le Mans, The Monglfier Brothers, Ronderlin, and Simpatico."

Great Album

Gary Peterson | San Diego, California USA | 06/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I met Chan Marshall on the internet about three years ago. We were both listed in the Yahoo Membership Directory and, of course, in disguise. I remember her listing saying that she was concerned about the melting of the polar ice caps and running low on toilet paper. Amused, I dropped her a note telling her that the polar caps would probably hold for a while, but to keep a close eye on the toilet paper. First thing you know, we were chatting and developed an internet friendship. Nice lady. Pleasant. Friendly. Funny. Interesting. We ultimately revealed our true identities to one another. I looked up Cat Power on Amazon.com, bought the "You are Free" disc and liked it from the first listen. Later, I purchased "The Covers Record" CD and liked it too. At about that time, Cat Power came through San Diego. A couple friends and I went downtown for a listen. When we got to the venue, there was a good-sized crowd milling around and looking somewhat disgruntled. It seems the concert was sold out. What a disappointment! I then took out a very small piece of paper, wrote a note to Chan explaining our difficulties and asking if there was anything she could do. I gave it to a venue worker and he took it in to her. About five minutes later, all three of us were admitted without tickets and at no cost. What a nice thing for her to do! We enjoyed the concert and I thought "Good Woman" was the best song of the evening. My only regret was in not getting to meet Chan in person.

I bought "The Greatest" CD the week it came out. I listened to it once and put it away. Somehow, I have to be in the right mood to listen to Cat Power Music, and the time wasn't right.I was too hard pressed with too many things. Now, six months later I'm listening again. It's a splendid and elegant CD. Chan's voice is in beautiful form and she`s backed by a terrific band. Strings, guitar, slide guitar, sax, piano, organ, bass drums and voices lightly and skillfully fill in the backdrop behind Chan's vocals, but they never intrude. The arrangements are exquisite. All of the songs are excellent (I seem to have an extra bonus track) and the quality and style is much more uniform than on the "You are Free" CD. The music is slower, softer, generally more melodic and with a slightly countryish or folkish slant. The arrangements and production are elegant and the songs are of such uniform and high quality that I'm hard-pressed to come up with favorites. OK, I'll try. I'd say "Empty Shell," "Willie," "Islands," and "Love & Communication" might be the best, but only by a tiny margin. IWith a slightly different mood, I might have another list.

I enjoy listening to Cat Power music, but I have difficulty interpreting the songs. On this particular CD, all the lyrics are printed on the inside of the cover, so I can follow along line by line, but I still have trouble interpreting the songs. It seems strange that I'd enjoy the music so much and even get a bit teary eyed in places, even though I don't understand the song. Evidently, Chan is very skilled in conveying deep emotions through her voice alone. Then along comes a song like "Hate." Chan, Hon, we all love you; don't hate yourself and want to die.

Gary Peterson"

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