Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions

I was never a Mazzy Star apologist. I know plenty of folks who are, but to me the band was all promise and very little delivery. In fact, their lack of output has made people protest their greatness way too much in my opinion (same with MBV... they are great but they ain't THAT great, calm down people). So with the rest of the reuniting 90s bands, so returns Hope Sandoval.

And, well, she still hasn't converted me. It's all well and nice and breathy and just dark enough, but I'm still not convinced I should care too much. I mean I get it.. she's attractive and smart and arty. But between the forgettable songs and the onstage tantrums, I just can't see the whole thing being worthwhile. At least Cat Power puts out good records often. Feel free to disagree.

Cat Power

Since I know this record is going to make it into my top 10 for the year I figured I should give you something from Cat Power's The Greatest.

I am really glad that Chan Marshall is sober now. You can definitely hear it in her latest record. Not to say that its all sunshine and rainbows, but there is a sense of optimism that runs throughout. It's not unike that new Jarvis in that way. Even in its morose slow dirge-like melodies and tempo, the songs still have a hint of something calm and some sort of easiness that Cat Power records never had before. She continues to make compelling music even without the tears in her beers. Glad to see it. And even happier to hear the tunes. The Greatest gets a 9; it's one of her best records yet.

Cat Power- Living Proof

and since I am on a roll with the covers...

Cat Power covers Oasis- Wonderwall