Cat Power's "Jukebox"

More details have emerged in the last week regarding the forthcoming Cat Power record, "Jukebox." The official release date has been set for January 22. Yes that is more than two months away, but it will make a nice early birthday present for me. Matador has also published the track list (see below). While the record remains mostly a second release of covers, there are two Chan originals: "Metal Heart," which originally appeared on the Moon Pix album, and the new ode to Zimmy himself, "Song To Bobby."

The Janis Joplin song is especially intriguing given that Janis and Chan have completely different vocal styles. Janis had that unmistakably raspy & raw powerful voice, while Chan's style is much more subtle an subdued, so much so that at times she can seem detached from the music itself. Her version of "Blue" could be spectacular. The rest of the artists covered on the album are quite diverse and at first glance appear to be quite a daring undertaking. I for one, can't wait to hear the results. In addition, a limited-edition silver foil packaged will be released with an extra disc featuring five additional songs, two of which I think deserve to be on the standard release. Nick Cave's "Breathless" will have more appeal to those who aren't, or just aren't yet, fans of one of the greatest living songwriters than most or his darker fare, and Patsy Cline's "She's Got You" is a terrific song that has been covered by numerous artists including Jimmy Buffett.

1. New York (Frank Sinatra)
2. Ramblin’ (Wo)man (Hank Williams)
3. Metal Heart (Cat Power) Removed per request.
4. Silver Stallion (The Highwaymen)
5. Aretha, Sing One For Me (George Jackson)
6. Lost Someone (James Brown)
7. Lord, Help The Poor And Needy (Jessie Mae Hemphill)
8. I Believe In You (Bob Dylan)
9. Song To Bobby (Cat Power) Removed per request.
10. Don’t Explain (Billie Holiday)
11. Woman Left Lonely (Janis Joplin)
12. Blue (Joni Mitchell)

Bonus Disc
1. I Feel (Hot Boys)
2. Naked, If I Want To (Moby Grape)
3. Breathless (Nick Cave) Removed per request, though I don't understand why Matador would request the removal of a song by an artist not on their label.
4. Angelitos Negros (Roberta Flack)
5. She’s Got You (Patsy Cline)