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GRADE: B-

GRADE: B-

Cat Power’s last CD “The Greatest” made a bold and honest statement in 2006 when it was released to huge critical acclaim. Lead singer Chan Marshall has a rich and textured voice that has a haunting effect live in concert. Marshall also has a sexy look that is unmatched in rock n’ roll today. This latest collection of covers and B sides by Chan and company isn’t as poignant or as moving as their last collection of tunes, but it works on many levels.

The rat pack staple “New York” has never sounded so eerily dark and ominous. Marshall’s bluesy take on the old classic is pretty ingenious. Songs like “Metal Heart” (a cover of the band’s own song) and “Woman Left Lonely” sound like they were plucked right from the band’s last effort “The Greatest”. “I Believe In You” has a tight arrangement and biting rock sound that make it the perfect stoner track.

CAT POWER’S LEAD SINGER CHAN MARSHALL

“Silver Stallion” is a slow track that bogs the CD down with its melancholy guitar riffs. The same can be said for slow tempo tracks such as “Don’t Explain” and “Lord Help the Poor & The Needy.” Just as soon as these songs start to make you feel a bit depressed, a song like “Ramblin’ (Wo)Man” reminds you how much you love Chan Marshall’s cloudy and captivating voice.

“Song to Bobby” is one of the album’s sweeter tracks with a great backing piano and underlined folk guitar creating a soft melody. “Lost Someone” is the perfect slow dance song with a 50’s Buddy Holly guitar sound and romantic hook.

The song “Blue” goes for a gospel sound with a funky keyboard and a fabulous build up and sexy tone. “Aretha, Sing One For Me” is the most obvious and playful cover on this c.d. You can almost picture Marshall having a conversation with the “Queen of Soul” herself.

CAT POWER’S LEAD SINGER CHAN MARSHALL

I liked this album, but I didn’t love it as much as the band’s breakthrough c.d. “The Greatest.” I guess it is hard to hold these works up to each other for comparison as they are two different pieces of art. But still, I was hoping for a bit more continuity with these tracks.

Although they come from many different inspirations, the songs assimilated here feel a little too busy and all over the place. That said, this is great driving or background music for those chilled-out moments in life when you just need to hear bare bones guitar music.

WATCH CAT POWER PERFORM “NEW YORK” BELOW:

WATCH CAT POWER PERFORM “METAL HEART” BELOW: