New Cat Power

That's right kids! Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power) has dusted off her insecurities once again and managed to sit without melting into a puddle of regret and self-doubt long enough to offer a new album.

And it's pretty good. I've been listening to it all morning and find it to be, perhaps, her most listenable effort. As much as I love Chan, and her vulnerable-yet-slightly-psychotic-voice, I often find myself getting tired of her before the end of an album. (Though I can listen to The Covers Record without that issue.)

Chan Marshall's albums are much like a first date gone very, very wrong. At the salad stage of dinner she's this adorable person, filled with strange quirks, but funny, smart and enjoyable. By the time your tiramisu arrives she's a jumbled mess of nerves, weepily telling you how she has been dumped by more men than you could ever imagine, how often she's been hurt. As you're asking for the check she's looking at you puffy-faced, with tears pouring down her cheeks asking, "Why won't anyone love me?"

With The Greatest she seems to hold it together, thanks to a fantastic backing band schooled in Memphis Soul rather than indie-rock slop. Perhaps the discipline of the old-timers gave Chan the stability she needed. Though, she does chant that she hates herself and wants to die in the penultimate song. But you can forgive that vulnerable moment because she warns you up front that she's not exactly the greatest. She just wants to be and she's trying. And her voice is boozey, smoky and sad throughout. A voice, at times, reminiscent of a young Dusty Springfield (see "Lived in Bars").

So, a thoroughly enjoyable song from Cat Power:

Cat Power - The Greatest

Buy the album.