Cat Power
ALBUM:
The Greatest
KEY TRACKS:
The Greatest
Where is My Love
Living Proof
"Anyone can tell you there's no road left to ride."
Much like a fine wine, Chan Marshall's music is an acquired taste. Better known by her moniker Cat Power, Marshall's music is subtle but refined. Heavy lyrics are accompanied by minimalist guitar strums or simple piano chords.
Cat Power's records are usually guitar driven, so it was a pleasant surprise to hear piano on the opening track. Furthermore, there's usually a sense of bitterness to her style best represented on the track Hate but not much anywhere else.
But just because the aggressive sound is gone, doesn't take away from Mashall's ability to write raw and intense lyrics. "Lower me down, pin me in" Marshall croons in the album's title track. Empty Shell is another fine example, "all that is left is an empty shell of my heart that is crushed". Heavy, heavy lyrics from a complex woman dealing with very serious issues.
The stand out track on the album (and also seemingly the happiest), Where is my Love reveals a softer side of Cat Power. The piano notes rise and fall in delicate scales, and Marshall's soft lyrics are the perfect addition.
In the long run, this album strayed a bit from my usual tastes. This was one of those albums that gave me that general sense that something is going on here that is way beyond what I can relate to. And it's true that this woman's history is full of deep dark holes that only she can truly understand.
But then again, maybe it's like that fine wine mentioned earlier and maybe appreciation will only come with maturity.
NEXT WEEK: The Incredible String Band | Wee Tam and the Big Huge
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