Jukebox Hero
by Mike Madden

No, despite what you may have heard, Cat Power isn't only for vegans who like to sip tea and quietly appreciate the beauty of the wind. However, if you're munching on tofurkey right now, Matador records is probably sending you a copy in the mail - so keep your eyes out for that.

Cat Power's 8th album, Jukebox is essentially another collection of cover tunes (a la The Covers Record) by the critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter. This time around, Cat is bringing her unique sensibilities to bear on classic blues and folk songs, from Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell to Hank Williams, with Janis Joplin bridging the gap and a little James Brown brought along for good measure.

The result is a solid hit along the lines of her previous albums. For those familiar with her other work, there is nothing new here (though her cover of George Jackson's "Aretha, Sing One for Me" marks a notable, and excellent, departure from her usual style), but the album is still rewarding in that it marks perhaps her best effort thus far. For those who haven't yet given this indie songstress a listen, Jukebox is a lovely, and surprisingly accessible, example of how and why Cat Power dominates college radio the world over.