Jukebox

I had to work all weekend, so I have no exciting pop cultural happenings to report. But I did get a chance to listen to a few cds. Here's what I'm listening to:

Cat Power, The Greatest. I have The Covers Record, and love the cover of "Satisfaction," but boy is that album bleak. Like, Elliot Smith bleak. So, I'm happy to report that she has lightened up a little. The new album has a sort of Dusty in Memphis soulful vibe. And still features Chan Marshall's great voice.

Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins, Rabbit Fur Coat. I have never gotten in to Rilo Kiley, but I like this solo effort. It's a little bit country, with a lot of multi-part harmonies, which I love. I have the impression that she is saying something about God or religion or something, but to be honest, I haven't really listened to the lyrics. And who could not love a cover of the Traveling Wilbury's "Handle Me with Care," featuring indie rock it-boys Conor Oberst, M. Ward and Ben Gibbard?

Spoon, Gimme Fiction. On first listen, the only song I really liked was "I Turn My Camera On," which I have since learned is on the Veronica Mars soundtrack. Boy is that song great -- Pitchfork nails it as a combination of Prince and 1970s-era Rolling Stones. But on repeated listens, I have warmed up to the rest of the album.

The New Pornographers, Twin Cinema. I loved the power-pop of The Electric Version, but I haven't been able to get into this one. I like it, but no songs stand out except the excellent "The Bleeding Heart Show." It definitely merits further listens though. I have heard that they are touring without Neko Case. Which is unfortunate, because I think her voice is essential to the album. Update: Okay, I'm listening to this again, and another good song is "Sing Me Spanish Techno." Great name too!