Twenty years after its release, Cat Power’s seminal album, The Greatest, continues to resonate with audiences. Chan Marshall, the artist behind Cat Power, is currently touring the album in its entirety, offering both a nostalgic revisit and a fresh perspective through her new three-song EP, Redux. A recent performance at the Roadrunner in Boston showcased Marshall’s enduring artistry and a poignant connection with her fans.
The concert wasn’t simply a note-for-note recreation of The Greatest. it was a deeply personal and emotionally resonant experience. Marshall, appearing onstage in a striking white suit, navigated the setlist with a vulnerability that captivated the audience. The performance was marked by a quiet intensity, a characteristic of Marshall’s work, yet infused with a newfound sense of joy and reflection on a career spanning decades.
The evening took a particularly moving turn when Marshall recalled a performance at the Middle East Upstairs three decades prior. Learning of the recent passing of the venue’s owner, Joseph Sater, she dedicated a heartfelt rendition of Billie Holiday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You” to his memory. “This song is for Joseph,” she softly announced, shifting the song’s placement within the encore. The moment underscored the intimate connection Marshall has with both her music and the spaces where it’s shared.
Marshall herself expressed surprise at still being able to perform these songs with such passion. “Who knew I’d be alive and have fun singing these songs,” she remarked after a powerful performance of “Could We,” a track reimagined on the Redux EP. This sentiment, acknowledging past struggles with mental and physical health, added another layer of depth to the evening.
Reimagining “The Greatest” with Redux
The inclusion of tracks from the Redux EP proved to be a highlight of the show. Marshall didn’t simply replicate the original arrangements; she deconstructed and rebuilt them, experimenting with electronic effects and instrumental textures. “Could We” was transformed, while “The Moon” saw Marshall’s vocals processed through a vocoder, its tempo accelerating with a driving energy. Other tracks like “Islands” and “After It All” were given new life with slide guitar and a bluesy clamor, respectively. Drummer Ben Lecourt’s firmer beat added a pulsing energy to a revised “Unhate,” a reworking of the album’s original self-loathing track, “Hate.”
The setlist wasn’t without its playful moments. Marshall attempted some humor, including an awkward impersonation of Dave Chappelle, before transitioning into “Love and Communication.” The first portion of the 80-minute concert culminated with a powerful rendition of the track, Marshall repeating “love, love, love” with increasing intensity.
A Diverse Encore and a Celebration of Covers
The encore offered a broader exploration of Marshall’s musical influences. She performed “I Don’t Blame You” and “Good Woman” from her indie-rock album, You Are Free, alongside Kitty Wells’ 1950s country classic, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” “That’s for all the bad, bad girls,” Marshall declared, acknowledging the song’s rebellious spirit. Cat Power’s penchant for covers is well-known – she previously recreated an entire Bob Dylan show in a past local concert – and the Redux EP further highlights this aspect of her artistry.
The encore also featured compelling renditions of James Brown’s “Strive Me,” a song initially considered for The Greatest and Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” famously popularized by Sinéad O’Connor. While Marshall’s interpretations didn’t attempt to replicate the iconic power of Brown and O’Connor’s versions, they resonated with a unique emotional depth.
Before offering her final bows to the audience, Marshall shared parting words of encouragement: “Fight the power” and “It’s your life,” culminating in a heartfelt “Thank you, Joseph.”
Looking Ahead
Cat Power’s “The Greatest Anniversary Tour” demonstrates the enduring power of her music and her continued willingness to explore and reinterpret her catalog. The tour, coupled with the release of the Redux EP, signals a renewed creative energy for Marshall. Fans can anticipate further explorations of her musical legacy and a continued commitment to delivering intimate and emotionally resonant performances.
What are your thoughts on Cat Power’s latest tour and the Redux EP? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
