Cat Power – Jukebox

Cat Power – Jukebox
Rating: 6.5
Best Track: “I Believe In You”
Worst Track: “Silver Stallion”


Start spreading the news: the first song on Chan Marshall’s eighth LP and second cover album is not the version of “New York, New York” one would expect to hear. Marshall, better known by the stage name Cat Power, ditches the brassy showtune vibe and Sinatra’s upbeat vocals in favor of a more bluesy, moody version.

In fact, Cat Power gives all of Jukebox’s 10 covers the blues treatment. Featuring brooding takes on songs by artists like Bob Dylan, Hank Williams and James Brown. Jukebox evokes the same nostalgic feeling as the singers she covers while still making each song her own.

Cat Power is at her best with “I Believe In You,” originally sung by Bob Dylan. The track is upbeat in relation to the rest of the album, and her love of the song translates through to the listener. Her full band, which provides deep guitars and the occasional soulful piano line, is at their best here.

In addition to covers, Jukebox contains two other tracks. The original “Song to Bobby” and a new version of a Cat Power song. Cat Power originally recorded “Metal Heart” for the Moon Pix LP nearly a decade ago, but “upgraded” it for this album with beautiful piano melodies backing up the originally acoustic track. Despite her efforts, the original is more gorgeous in its poignant simplicity. “Bobby” is a well-written and sweet ode to one of her idols, Bob Dylan, although at times it sounds as if she mimics his vocal style a little too closely.

Cat Power’s distinct style also creates some problems. Toward the end of Jukebox, the tracks begin to sound strikingly similar. Her stylistic consistency often toes the line into homogeny on the later tracks.

Jukebox is perfect for creating a blues-club ambience in your dorm room or just winding down after a hard day. It’s also Cat Power’s way of showcasing her vocal talent with well chosen covers that stand out from the originals. Jukebox isn’t a masterpiece by any means, but it’s well worth a listen.

-Amanda Renko