Cat Power likes covers. And, it turns out, so does everyone else. If the success of her cover-filled Jukebox is any indicator, fans will receive her new EP The Dark End of The Street just as warmly. 
The record opens with the title track, an Aretha Franklin cover. While I don’t care for the way she pronounces certain words, or the slightly nasal quality in her voice, she still has an incredibly warm and inviting tone. Certain elements of the song remind me of Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. The whole song is very shoegaze-y and heavy on the reverb.
Next, and ridiculously appropriate for the current state of affairs is Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son”. Power gives us a glimpse of the soul we know is inside her, but still doesn’t completely let loose. The rich harmonies over piano and strings is captivating.
I found a Pogues cover to be an interesting choice, but Cat Power makes the right choice with “Ye Auld Triangle”. An absolutely beautiful viola line carries through the tune, adding to the utter loveliness the song already possesses. Something in this song grabbed me, and it won’t let go, making it my personal favorite on the record.
Leave it to Otis Redding to get someone to let loose. On “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)”, Power finally lets the song almost control her. While her voice is beautiful, it’s always so very controlled, and those moments where you would expect a voice like hers to take over and knock the world on its ass are still so restrained. However, this disappointment doesn’t hinder the rest of the song. Her smoky tone is perfect in the sexy, soulful melody and the drum work is delectable.
With an introduction that sounds like a snowstorm, “Who Knows Where the Time Goes?”, originally by Fairport Convention, is nice, but not as captivating as the rest of the EP. The tune has a Colonial feel to it, with a nice piano line and a haunting organ.
Closing the album, (and rounding it out as well) is another Aretha cover, “It Ain’t Fair”. As I listen to the soulful and bluesy cut, and relish the brushes being used on the drums, I wonder what makes Cat Power choose the songs that she does. I wonder why she won’t let that rich voice of hers off of its leash so we can see what it’s really capable of. But even if she never does, and still continues to put forth these deliciously lo-fi gems, Cat Power will still be sitting pretty. After all, she’s indie rock’s Queen of Covers, and who doesn’t love a good cover?
Tracklisting:
1. Dark End of the Street
2. Fortunate Son
3. Ye Auld Triangle
4. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long
5. Who Knows Where The Time Goes
6. It Ain’t Fair
Cat Power: website | myspace | Jukebox review | @ virgin mobile 2008 | @ lollapalooza 2008
Written by: Sara Bellum
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