Review:

on 2008-01-28 redblondehead Said:

\"Jukebox,\" Chan Marshall aka Cat Power\'s sequel to The Covers Record, both defines her as an artist and reveals her growth as a woman. As in the Covers Record, she takes on her favorite oldies songs, tackling some Lou Reed, and of course Dylan, among others. In \"Jukebox\" she of course covers more Dylan as well as James Brown and Janis Joplin, with the funky Memphis Delta Blues backing her up. And not unlike the Covers record, Marshall demonstrates her mastery of taking the music she loves and making it hers,  owning the songs that have inspired her for years. And with authenticity and sincerity, she tricks the audience into thinking that these songs were originally hers. With \"Hey Aretha\" and \"Ramblin (Wo)man\" (see the discreet name change?), she adds her own flavor to the song, in the very same style as Bob Dylan (one of the album\'s original Cat Power songs, \"Song for Bobby\" is most likely about him). With \"Silver Stallion,\" originally an upbeat a country number, she turns it into a heartbreaking ballad, reminding us of our limited time on earth. This can be a reflection of Marshall\'s personal life, for not even a year ago she was hospitalized for a severe breakdown and alcohol fueled depression. The once insecure, drunk, unpolished, raw and unprofessional performer has left us, and although her over-apologetic demeanor and jittery string of confessions will be missed, behind that raspy soulful voice is the same Chan Marshall we have always loved. And with this album she has introduced herself as more mature, both as a woman and musician. \"The Greatest,\" although an amazing album, is not her greatest piece of work. This one is. She teaches us that it\'s not about what you listen to. Rather, it\'s about how you can channel the things you love into something that can be uniquely and completely yours.
Not Rated