Jukebox

Maybe Cat Powers early recordings are too unique, too personal, and too good. Many who discovered Cat Power in the early days are very opinionated about anything and everything she's done since. They seem to want every new record to be recorded at the same tempo with the same spare sound. When a new Covers record was announced, they were surely hoping it would be just like the first one, or better yet, a retread of Moon Pix. Never mind that those records were recorded long ago when Chan was a different person in a different place. Those same fans crowed that The Greatest was some kind of sellout. It was so glossy that it somehow showed Marshall's true aspirations to become a pop star. Never mind the fact that it was recorded by Al Green's old sidemen on old equipment and had a decidedly low-fi sound by today's standards. (And that she was completely unable to support the album due to personal issues.) They can be forgiven somewhat though; the title track was possibly a bit overproduced. Since it was track #1, some probably tuned out and ended up missing the other great songs and performances. As great and beloved as the early Cat Power recordings are, she's an artist who has grown and has the ability to reach higher now. There is nothing by the numbers about Jukebox. There is more creativity in this one record of "covers" than you will find in 99% of the original music that will be released this year. Each song becomes definitively her own, the band is brilliant, and her voice is clearer and stronger than it's ever been. Those are all good things. The cd is great all the way through with many standouts. New York is almost shocking when it registers what you are listening to. The decision that it was time to cover some of Marshall's own songs after 10 years was brilliant. The Dylan back to back, one cover, one original track, is incredible. I would wager money that Dylan himself would say so. Jukebox is essential listening. (Deluxe Edition is a MUST.)

That's right indie kids, Chan is less depressed and therefore able to express a greater range of emotion, in music that will likely appeal to more people. And that, of course, makes the music inferior to stuff that only you and your hipster friends appreciate--I mean, what the hell's the point of listening to something that doesn't make you feel like the coolest kids in the dorm? Alright, enough sarcasm. This may be Cat Power's best album yet, with its trippy tortured version of "Blue" and the original "Song for Bobby" which just might have Mr. Zimmerman seeking a restraining order. The real point of this review, however, is to point out that the songs on the bonus disc in the Deluxe Edition are NOT the usual "bonus" crap that was rightfully left off of (or not even considered for) the actual album. So, it's the one to get, especially considering that, last time I looked, the Deluxe Edition was actually selling at a lower price than the non-deluxe version (and even if that's changed, it's worth whatever extra couple of bucks makes up the difference).

I heard album Sun first, and it was incredible. Thus far any other album I've heard, albeit released earlier, has paled in comparison. Nothing against this album, but not even close to Sun.

This physically slim little album by Cat Power has TWO CDs in it, and it's easy to overlook the second, shorter recording. This is a cover album, and Cat Power masters each song in her uniquely breathy, soulful way. Of particular enjoyment are "Ramblin' (Woman)," a cover of Hank Williams' "Ramblin' Man," a delicate version of Joni Mitchell's "Blue," and "Silver Stallion," written by Lee Clayton. On "Silver Stallion," Ms. Power gently inhaled this listener; and you might find yourself, as I did, hanging on her every, oh-so-soft pronunciation of the word "ride." (There's a terrific, live, acoustic version of this song on YouTube -- with accompaniment by Ms. Power's two stellar guitarists, and a great pair of full-length gloves). That said, I can't quite give this recording five stars. It's a cover album, after all, and perhaps some songs should best be left UNcovered. And the leadoff track, "New York, New York," is suddenly over before Ms. Power has settled into it. But there's a lot to like on "Jukebox." So, relax...and enjoy the "ride."

Chan Marshall continues to expand her music in wonderful directions with this great new CD. Back in 2000, she did her really nice "Covers Record" CD which brought her to my attention. For "Jukebox" she expands that concept using her great Dirty Delta Blues Band and other crack musicians, great production, and her own confidence and verve to create another exquisite song collection. This one takes the lush sounds of her last, "The Greatest", and applies it to these great new covers as well as re-dos of a few of her earlier songs. "New York", the first cover song is a brilliant recreation (she did something similar with "Satisfaction" on "Covers"). And the CD flows nicely from there. Cool cover songs choices, and the bonus disc is also worth having.

AWESOMENESS !!!! Great CAT POWER album with eight song deluxe c.d. included! I bought mine used, and although I cannot understand why whoever didn't want to keep it!! Came quickly and in excellent condition!!

I'll go on record and say her best album ever...most wont agree...but I love sparklehorse!! Of all the cookie cutter music out there and some truly good stuff...cat power claws to the top

It is most fortunate for Chan Marshall that this is not her first album because, if it were, "Jukebox" might very well be her last. For an artist of Marshall's sheer ability and unblinking intimacy with the dark side of everything, this is a notably weak effort. It feels like something Matador cynically rushed into production to take advantage of the success and acclaim of Chan's prior album "The Greatest" which was very good. I am generally a big fan of Cat Power but this is a sloppy collection and quite inferior to her prior "Covers" album. Pressing 2 CDs and calling it a "deluxe edition" was totally unnecessary -- there's not enough here for one good disk, with the covers of Cat Power's previous songs being especially unneeded. My vote for best song would be track 10 on disk 1 and worst is track 2 on disk 2 (cover of her own "Naked if I Want to" which, in its orignal version, is a superb song).