Cat Power - Dark End of the Street (Matador)
4/5
By: Emily Kaiser
Cat Power, who seemingly can do no wrong in recent years, releases a short EP entitled that gives us six more covers that didn't make it on to 2008's Jukebox.
A bit soul-heavy, the record includes two Aretha's (title track 'Dark End of the Street' and 'It Ain't Fair') and an Otis ('I've Been Loving You Too Long'). This latter track is certainly no, well, Otis Redding, but it is a fine Chan Marshall cut. It's an EP that, despite lacking in any true dynamite tracks, holds the feeling of validly fine Chan Marshall that gratifies.
It is what Cat Power brings to the less-typically chosen styles of The Pogues and Creedance Clearwater Revival that, in juxtaposition to the sedentary tracks, let her really shine. Chan sings The Pogues' 'Ye Auld Triangle' with a beautiful restrained dominance that leaks through her clenched teeth. The practically restrained effort invokes in its absence the bitterness of Shane MacGowen himself. The mellow jams of 'Fortunate Son' create the elegant illusion of moving faster than they actually are, Cat Power and CCR's own elements dancing together seamlessly.
Dark End of the Street carries not much more weight than a continuation of Jukebox, but as an annex to a great album that you never really want to end, here are six more tracks you would never say no to.
Artists in this article: Cat Power
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