Wednesday, 29 Nov 2006
My second time seeing Cat Power was this past weekend in Los Angeles at the Orpheum Theatre. Along with her she brought The Memphis Rhythm Band who also supported her when I saw her in Washington, DC earlier this year. I think this band is the perfect combination for this young lady, but I could certainly do without the 10-15 minute jam leading up to the appearance of Ms. Marshall as well as the interlude performance by Memphis Rhythm Band guitarist Teenie Hodges. However, I will gladly continue to sit through such occurrences providing it makes for a happy Cat Power and beautiful live performances.
All that aside, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to enjoy a Saturday night in the nations second largest city. The Greatest, in my opinion is Chan’s best release to date, and hearing it’s songs in live completely solidifies that. As good as the songs come through on the record they are simply startling and confidant live. You can certainly give partial credit to the sound at the Orpheum Theatre, but all in all hats off to Cat Power and her band.
It comes as no surprise to me that my favorite part of the concert was the performance of “Lived In Bars,” my favorite track on The Greatest. I was also extremely pleased at how composed Chan remained through her solo set. When I had seen her previously there were several moments where she stopped and re-started songs while rambling on and on about sucking. There were thankfully no situations like that leading me to believe that things are on the up and up as far as her live performances and comfort level.
A few years ago many would have issued a warning prior to heading to a venue to catch a Cat Power performance, never knowing exactly what you were going to get. Based on my two experiences this year, I can’t think of many artists that are more worthy of your attention, respect, and price of admission.
Thanks to Justin at Aquarium Drunkard for the help getting in.
MP3: The Greatest
Myspace: Cat Power
YouTube: Where Is My Love
YouTube: Lived In Bars
YouTube: Living Proof
Related: More Cowbell – Cat Power @ The 9:30 Club
November 29th, 2006 at 10:10 am
hmm… i guess i can certainly see why some people think this new one is one of Chan’s best, but i’d say it’s nowhere close for me, as great as it is. maybe because it’s the least authentic and intimate of her records, i dunno…
November 29th, 2006 at 11:06 am
I’ll concede that it *may* not be her best. I probably should written that it’s by far the album of her’s that I’ve listened to the most.
November 29th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
Good Review!
I was at the show, and have to say it was by far the best I’ve seen Chan perform. Definitely not the trainwreck of years past. Hopefully it stays this way???
November 29th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
Thanks for posting the review! I actually just posted about Cat Power yesterday on Mirr World ( http://mirrworld.blogspot.com ) because I had never listened to her music. I just started to, and am in love with her music already. So far I’m with you on “Lived In Bars” being my favorite but I have heard very little. I’m excited though since I haven’t listened to any of her previous albums. Anyone have any recommendations?
On a different note, I also posted on Mirr World about Andrew Bird coming to Milwaukee! Thought you might want to add it to your upcoming shows list!
November 30th, 2006 at 1:55 am
bluesphee, You Are Free and Moon Pix
November 30th, 2006 at 6:31 am
echo what solace suggested.
November 30th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
You Are Free is tops IMHO. I love it.