Well, from one of Slosh’s compilations (which I miss) I got interested in Cat Power. I picked up You Are Free and her latest, The Greatest. They spent a couple weeks in heavy rotation.

The Greatest. It’s mature, has a sense of nostalgia and ease, of a life worn like a favorite old flannel shirt and faded jeans. Like brushing the dust off an old leather chair and settling in for a cup of what pleases you. I guess she’s had a struggle with alcohol and all. It’s probably where the comfortable strength of this album comes from. But I don’t feel any anger, regret, or pity. Just wisdom and peace. Personally, I find the track The Moon just achingly beautiful. It, like the album, acknowledges one’s fragility and isolation while at the same time calmly accepting it as a permanent part of life. I’ll append lyrics below.

It somehow falls short of an immediately recognizable great album. That’s probably a good thing. I’ve listened to it countless times and it still feels worthy of a listen and an exploration. It’s a keeper with legs.

I’d name the nearest neighbors from my collection as Lucinda Williams Essence, Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions, and Nora Jones Come Away with Me. LW for the southern tinge and personal intimacy, CJ for the atmosphere and grace, NJ for the gentle southern feel (maybe).
But I don’t claim great depth here.

I read the backing group is a collection of Memphis veterans. The chemistry is perfect, in my opinion. Not a forced or unwise note.

Worthy of a listen.

the moon is not only beautiful
it is so far away
the moon is not only ice cold
it is here to stay

when i lay me down
will you still be around
when they put me six feet underground
will the big bad beautiful you be around

everyone says they know you
better than you know who
everyone says they own you
more than you do

when i lay me down
will you still be around
when they put you six feet underground
will the big bad beautiful moon be around

cuz the moon is not only beautiful
it is so far away
the moon is not only ice cold
it is here to stay

everyone says they know you
better than you know who
everyone says they own you
more than you do