Covers record - Part II
Feb 8th, 2008
Advantages:
Her style of singing, as usual !
Disadvantages:
Old songs covered .
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money
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 R_A_C
About me:
Can't live without music. Rock, Pop, Electronic, Alternative, Independent, etc, as long as it's good...
Member since:19.07.2006
Reviews:34
Members who trust:1
Review rated by 17 Ciao members on average: very helpful
"Jukebox" is Cat Power's second chapter on covering other people songs. The first covers album was recorded in 2000, and it represented an amazing step forward in her career. But for those who know that first covers album, I have a warning, don't you expect from this one, a similar exercise. Then, Cat Power almost made a solo album, with her hands always on the guitar or the piano, and her voice, as only companions. Barely no other instruments allowed. This time, and following the positive experience of her latest original album "The Greatest", Cat Power has an entire band (jazz/blues kind of thing) behind her, supporting the reconstruction of these old successful songs. More upbeat certainly, but nothing far off her usual pace. Her swiftness is all there, as well as her shredding moods.
The universal hit "New York" opens the record, and it's the best example of the unexpected type of deconstruction that Cat Power does to songs. Her voice is the baseline of every of these amazing new songs, because she always finds a new way to sing great lyrics. In her melancholic tone, she can change completely the atmosphere of these acknowledged songs. I like particularly the cover of Bob Dylan's "I Believe in You", but every song will recall a different memory in any new listener.
"Silver Stallion", is as calm and cool song, just with guitar like only she knows how to do it, I like very much too. "Aretha, Sing it for me" is a rock song, a pure band moment. Looks like it was recorded live! "Lost someone" is another peculiar song, that you'll slowly learn to enjoy, until you get addicted to it. Among the songs there's also an original one ("Song To Bobby"), and the cover of one of her own songs ("Metal Heart")
In the bonus cd you'll listen for the first time, Chan singing in Spanish, in the magnificent song "Angelitos Negros".
In the end, I find it a very pleasant record to listen. In the first contact all songs may look alike, but after a while you'll notice the peculiarities of each one. Though I recommend it, I must confess I prefer her original material. But for fans is a always a safe buy! More enjoyable for those who are familiar with the original songs, for sure! Tracklisting:1. New York (Frank Sinatra) 2. Ramblin' (Wo)man (Hank Williams) 3. Metal Heart (Cat Power *) 4. Silver Stallion (The Highwaymen) 5. Aretha, Sing One For Me (George Jackson) 6. Lost Someone (James Brown) 7. Lord, Help The Poor And Needy (Jessie Mae Hemphill) 8. I Believe In You (Bob Dylan) 9. Song To Bobby (Cat Power, written by Chan Marshall and Matt Sweeney **) 10. Don't Explain (Billie Holiday) 11. Woman Left Lonely (Janis Joplin) 12. Blue (Joni Mitchell)
- original version on the 'Moon Pix' album
- * first appearance of this song
In addition, this limited-edition silver foil deluxe package brings a bonus disc containing the following 5 songs:1. I Feel (Hot Boys) 2. Naked, If I Want To (Moby Grape) 3. Breathless (Nick Cave) 4. Angelitos Negros (Roberta Flack) 5. She's Got You (Patsy Cline)
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08.02.2008 18:25
I love Cat Power, but could you add to your review details on a few more of the songs? The first covers album was really downbeat - is this more upbeat, what are the other songs like? If you could please add some of this info to your review, I'd be dead grateful.
08.02.2008 16:05
Great review xxx
08.02.2008 15:16
Nice review x