Cat Power, Glasgow review: 'warm, at ease and welcoming'
This special 20th anniversary performance of her album The Greatest found Cat Power in a far better place than when she recorded it, writes Paul Whitelaw
Cat Power, Barrowland, Glasgow ★★★★
Released to great acclaim in 2006, The Greatest by American singer-songwriter Chan Marshall – aka Cat Power – was undoubtedly her most accessible album up to that point. The stark alt-folk-blues arrangements of her previous records were replaced by a fuller, richer band sound steeped in the southern soul, rock and country influences she'd absorbed growing up in Georgia. It was a significant turning point; and now, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, she's out on tour performing the album in its entirety.
Marshall, who's been commendably open about her personal struggles, was once a notoriously erratic live performer. The last time I saw her, over 20 years ago, she was clearly unwell; a concerning experience. Thankfully, she seems in a far better place these days. Her stage presence is warm, at ease and welcoming, and her gorgeous voice – that husky southern caramel croon – is still a remarkable instrument.
Backed by a fine four-piece band, Marshall held her adoring crowd spellbound throughout. The Barrowland was, conspicuously, far from sold out – her promoter should've booked neighbouring venue Saint Luke's, which she could have filled easily – but that didn't phase her in the slightest.
Her voice filled the ballroom. Intimacy ensued. She also engaged in some goofy anti-comedy banter between songs, which was – amusingly – received with polite bafflement by most of the audience. That didn't phase her either.
The musical highlights were Where Is My Love, a stunningly beautiful song, and a radically reconfigured Hate. The original album version is a solo Marshall and guitar take, but here it was transformed into a full-blown Green Onions groove. And her encore version of Nothing Compares 2 U emphasised her singular status as one of the most striking cover artists around.
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