Cat Power
The Greatest - Matador 2006 Comments:My interest in Cat Power began when I happened to hear "Woman" from her latest album, the song on which Lana del Rey sings the duet with Chan Marshall. I acquired the album "Wanderer" which did not fully live up to my expectations/hopes. A little research on her back catalog told me that her two earlier albums "Moon Pix" and "You Are Free" were supposed be some of the best she has released. So I gave these two albums a chance and found that I could not really get into her minimalist style and songwriting; which is especially characteristic of "Moon Pix". "You Are Free" came out better with a funny mixture of brilliance and boredom.
And now it’s "The Greatest", which must not be mistaken for a "best of" album. The title refers to the opening track of the album.
Finally, my expectations were surpassed; they may have been slightly downgraded after the previous relative disappointments.
In general, this album is more melodic and there is a rich and fuller sound on most tracks. Chans voice is really strong and she is backed by really competent musicians.
Especially the first half of the album is strong. The title track is a great melodic ballad with strings and horns. Perhaps my absolute favorite Cat Power song.
"Living Proof" is a more in the soul genre, but also a really well-arranged cut which, judged from YouTube videos is also a live favorite.
"Lived in Bars" is, in its simpler arrangement, a charming little song. With "Could We" it is again a more soul / r & b style. "Empty Shell", which is another of my favorites, Cat Power is almost country with eg. violin.
The last track on side 1 (vinyl edition) is "Willie", which is also quite simple in its structure, but which is accompanied by both piano, bass, saxophone and drums.
Side two is more ordinary (for me) and only the country ballad "Island" and the fine closing track"Love and Communication" have really made an impression.
Overall, this album is definitely the best I've heard from Cat Power.
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