Cat Power 'The Greatest' (Matador) Released 23/01/06

'The Greatest' is the title track from Cat Power's forthcoming album, and a juicy peach of a number it is too. Chan Marshall, aka Cat power, has gone back to the sounds of the Memphis she grew-up on, the sounds of 'Hi-Records' of the 1970's,  enlisting the accomplished talents of Al Green's guitarist and song writing partner Mabon "Teenie" Hodges, who co-wrote 'Take Me To The River', Booker T's drummer and all manner of Memphis's cream.  

'The Greatest' is an ethereal work of delicate beauty, like the spider's web wet with dew; with Chan tinkering at the piano, strings lending an emotive-feel and the drummer making full 180degree use of his kit - skittering over the skins. Chan sings with a plaintive, fragile voice, graceful as the swan coming in to land, it's a track that makes you feel like you're being tucked up at night, with care and attention. 'Hate' is a laid back number with electric guitar pickings and vocal, Chan packing a punch with "...I hate myself and want to die...", a pain-laden track written like a suicide note, full of final honesties and declarations, a narrative with musings about life's battleground. Not everyone's cup of tea for subject matter, but it possesses it's fair share of beauty. Two tasty offerings from Cat Power, and a sure-fire indicator of a quality album in tow.