Cat Power
Moon Pix
Matador
The voice: parts from Danielle Howle’s earthy Southern drawl, deceptive steely fragility like Lisa Germano. The music: Giant Sand’s desert blues, and Low’s inhumanly relaxed sense of tempo. The melodies: Incredibly malleable and sticky, like fresh asphalt on the hottest day of the year. Cat Power’s real power is Chan Marshall, transplanted Southerner in NYC, wailing at the moon like wilting kudzu (if kudzu made an audible sound). Like the moment along a country back road where you realize you could disappear and it would be a Complete Mystery, Marshall’s voice, stilted amongst the minimalist backing, will raise your hackles. This is not an album for easy listening, as laid back as it may initially sound, but the eerieness is more than a little addictive. Matador Records, 625 Broadway, Twelfth Floor, New York, NY 10012-2319
