Cat Power: Jukebox

Chan Marshall's second covers album, Jukebox, was released yesterday and I've had the chance to listen to it a couple of times.

Now I love cover albums, but I've found that both Cat Power editions can be a little hard to get into. I think it's Marshall's song selection that makes it difficult. She chooses tends towards songs that are more rootsy, folksy, and "Americana" if you will. Often I'm not that familiar with the tracks.

Given that, her versions on Jukebox are very strong. You can tell Marshall is having fun with the songs.

Her version of the Sinatra classic "New York New York" has a southern funky feel to it. In fact, many of the arrangements have obviously been influenced by the presence of frequent Neil Young collaborator Spooner Oldham.

Marshall's reworking of Hank Williams' "Ramblin (Wo)Man" has a haunting Margo Timmins circa Trinity Sessions echo. "Aretha, Sing For Me" adds an organ and a gospel sway. Her rendition of Bob Dylan's "I Believe In You" gets down and gritty in a Jeff Buckley groove.

On top of the covers, there are two Cat Power originals, the almost throwaway "Metal Heart", and a much superior Dylan tribute "Song To Bobby".

The first run of the album also comes with a 5-song bonus disc, which includes an intense snails-pace cover of Nick Cave's "Breathless".

For now I'll give Jukebox a 3 out of 5, with the caveat that it may move higher with repeated listenings.

Cat Power plays the Kool Haus in Toronto on Feb. 9th

Tracklisting for Jukebox:

• New York
• Ramblin' (Wo)Man
• Metal Heart
• Silver Stallion
• Aretha, Sing One For Me
• Lost Someone
• Lord, Help the Poor & Needy
• I Believe In You
• Song To Bobby
• Don't Explain
• Woman Left Lonely
• Blue

Tracklisting for the bonus disc:

• I Feel
• Naked, If You Want To
• Breathless
• Angelitos Negros
• She's Got You