The Greatest

'The Greatest', which contains all original compositions written by Cat Power aka Chan Marshall and is not the "best of" hinted at in the title, was recorded in Memphis at Ardent Studios under the supervision of Stuart Sikes.

It features the great Memphis sessions musicians Teenie Hodges [composer of Al Green's 'Take Me To The River' and 'Love and Happiness'] on guitar and Leroy Hodges on bass [both were members of Al Green's backing band and the legendary Hi Rhythm Section], drummer Steve Potts [who began his career with Chico Hamilton in '67], Jim Spake [has played horns on key releases by Toots Hibbert, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles etc.], Hubby Mitchell and other music legends.

The combination of Marshall's superbly evocative and flexible voice - a soul voice even back when she was playing with indie rockers - with some of the greatest Southern soul players still alive, has produced nothing short of her most compelling, consistent and enjoyable work. The songs explore themes of Southern loss, longing and marginality. From the title track, a story of a boy who longs to become a boxer but struggles against his poverty-stricken background, to tales of prostitutes, alcoholics and other marginal figures, most eventually triumphing against the odds.