Published on September 3rd, 2012 | by jennie
0Cat Power: Sun:: Review
Cat Power is known for down-tempo and off-beat emotionally charged narratives delivered with haunting vocals. If you think Sun is an extension of what you’ve heard before, think again. Six years have passed since her last album which chronicled her personal struggles, but the ensuing years have unquestionably been kind to Chan Marshall’s creativity.
The first two tracks, “Cherokee” and title track “Sun” ease you into the album with light echoes of previous Cat Power creations. More obvious are the tangible differences, such as added rhythmic emphasis and increasingly bolder lyrics. The third track and first single, “Ruin” will clear any misconceptions about how different Marshall’s sound has changed. If the heavy bass mixed with the uber-catchy synth pop doesn’t force a toe-tap or two, then you don’t have a pulse. Attitude-filled head bopping will continue as the epic “3, 6, 9″ goes into a full techno-infused dance romp. Repeated plays of “3, 6, 9” are necessary.
Sun is perfectly balanced and varies from earthy to boldly empowering. Sun carries a clear Native American theme which adds a touch of soulful mystery. “Human Being” carries the heaviest tribal sound and provides a firm backbone for the middle of the album. Sun finishes with some relatively heavier moments like “Silent Machines” and “Peace and Love”.
I suppose some hardcore old school Cat Power fans may be discouraged, given this there is not a single ‘cry-into-my-pillow-in-the-rain’ track. I adore the sappy emotionally-driven moments in Marshall’s past, but I am truly digging the new direct nature of Marshall’s lyricism that is captured on Sun. Sun is definitely Cat Power’s best work – and easily a top contender for the best of 2012. Simply put…fantastic!
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jennie Hey. I design the site and help maintain most aspects of it. Hope you enjoy it here- and if not...well, I can't help you there. Cheers!
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