This brand new mini album is sure difficult to get, but worth it. US alternative folkie Chan Marshall, aka Cat Power, turns ‘Ye Auld Triangle’ into something akin to ‘In The Ghetto’. Too cool for words.
The mini album ‘Dark End Of The Street’ features six outtakes from the sessions for Cat Power’s ‘Jukebox’ album, which was released earlier this year. ‘Jukebox’ had Marshall covering some of her favourite songs with a twist. Intense, sweaty and organ drenched as the original album was, I’d have to say that each song on ‘Dark End’ beats the material on ‘Jukebox’ hands down.
Marshall never sounded more soulful. Her emotional covers of Soul tear jerkers ‘I’ve Been Loving You Too Long’ - made famous by Otis Redding - and ‘Dark End Of The Street’ are simply stunning.
Watch Cat Power Perform ‘I’ve Been Loving You Too Long’ Live
Covering ‘Dark End Of The Street’ means you join a line of artists ranging from Soul stirrers Percy Sledge and James Carr to Southern Rocker Gregg Allman, the Pixie’s Frank Black and live-fast-die-young Rock icon Gram Parsons. This is not a step many singers can take. Marshall pulls it off.
You also get a supremely chilled cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Fortunate Son’ and the aforementioned ‘Ye Auld Triangle’.
Probably best interpreted by London-Irish revellers The Pogues back in the 80’s, ‘Ye Auld Triangle’ usually ends up all diddly-ey and cheesy when played by less imaginative folks. Marshall cunningly avoids sounding like a plastic Paddy by giving the song a heavy Southern Soul treatment. Cat Power’s ‘Triangle’ is a majestic, well paced and Gospel flavoured affair. In Marshall’s hands the tune turns into grand drama reminiscent of Elvis’ ‘In The Ghetto’.
Marshall is a nifty songwriter in her own right, but she really pulls out all stops when singing somebody else’s songs. Covers are 25% feeling, 25% talent and 50% good material. ‘Jukebox’ is a highly listenable collection of covers, but ‘Dark End Of The Street’ has the edge when it comes to the songs.
The mini album is currently available on 12″ vinyl and in MP3 format from iTunes only. We’ve added links to Cat Power’s ‘Jukebox’ album as well. If you haven’t heard it yet, have a listen to it below.
We say: 
Or you can download ‘Dark End Of The Street’ here from iTunes UK.
US Readers - Buy Cat Power On Vinyl and CD Here!
BUY VINYL BUY JUKEBOX CD
UK And Ireland Readers - Buy Cat Power On Vinyl And CD Here!
BUY VINYL BUY JUKEBOX CD
