You have to be rather confident to name your album "The Greatest," but Chan Marshall dispels any trace of braggadocio on the heartbreaking, opening title track, accompanied by piano and strings. Yet after giving up her dream of being the greatest, Marshall moves effortlessly from blues to jazz and even a little bit of country, singing in a hushed voice, but with absolute confidence. Up against heartbreaking ballads, Marshall sounds as if she is fronting the E-Street Band on "Could We" and "Lived in Bars." Backed by legendary Memphis session musicians (including Teenie Hodges on guitar, Leroy Hodges on bass and Steve Potts on drums) the musical arrangements are lush and gorgeous. The album never waivers, with each track complementing the one that came before, despite the leaps in genre. Concluding with "Love and Communication" - powered by strings and electric organ - "The Greatest" is an assertive and powerful statement from one whose insecurities are often under scrutiny.4 STARS (out of 5)
::2 Related Links::
1• Cat Power's MySpace Page
2• Stream "The Greatest" at AOL Music
::if you liked (or were dissappointed by) this record, you should really check out Keren Ann's "Nolita."
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