Cat Power

For those of you who have never seen Cat Power live, you should know that she is certainly unique. She may not have the stage presence of an MTV Awards performer, but that's why I like her. She was nervous and showed the audience her vulnerable side with quirky jokes and stories. I felt like I was invited into her living room amongst her closest friends. But the woman has a huge heart. She didn't play for the standard 40 minutes to an hour. No. Cat played for THREE hours. She asked the manager through her mic "If I keep playing till midnight, will you be mad at me? I don't care how much extra it costs. I'll pay it." We seriously lucked out. Cat has the voice of an angel mixed in with some Civil Rights blues. It's incredible and I've never heard anyone who remotely compares. If you are ready for an intimate show that reveals more about the singer than just her voice, then this is the show for you. It felt like a rare experience and I am truly honored to have been part of it.

She rocked it as she always does. Full blown vocals in the oh so sweet voice. Unmatchable. Unforgettable!

Awesome experience, Chan is just sublime. The venue - the proper one, very intimate.

I love her music, have most of her cds, but what a let down the concert was! The big problem was that the stage was completely in the dark; all I could see were the silhouettes of the musicians, for the whole show. There remainded a very dim light on her face, could barely see her either. I'd never go back, I'll save my money and just listen to her terrific cds!

My wife and I love Cat Power's recordings. My Daughters love Cat Power's music. Heavy, raspy, sexy vocals. Great cover interpretations. Minimalist, original style. Like most, we highly anticipated this performance at the Uptown Theatre. Wow! What a disappointing live performance. Chan Marshall wandered onto the Uptown Theatre stage as if she had just gone for walk around downtown Napa, taking in the sights, after a day of gardening. No genuine stage presence. Odd hand gestures and movements which didn't seem in sync with the songs. She seemed to be singing mostly to herself, in another world, with surprisingly limited vocal range. The strangest moment was when Chan suddenly left the stage and the band for no apparent reason, for what felt like forever. (By the way, even the band looked dumbfounded). The audience started to shout at the band to "play something!" And then, just as suddenly, Chan came back to sing a couple more tunes and mindlessly throw flowers at the audience, again with no apparent purpose. Now we know why this concert wasn't a sell-out. A tame, leashed performance by Cat Power.

she started late but was incredible. the sound in the uptown was good.

Saw in Napa and I couldn't stop tearing up. I couldn't believe chan was in front of me. Her voice is truly unbelievable. Still smiling. Our seats were awesome.

She and her blues band sounded divine! Good choice of songs played including my favorite "The Greatest." She was nice enough to sign my cd after the show.

Seeing Cat Power perform live was absolutely the most touching convert I have ever been to. Chan Marchall gives so much to her band and audience. I feel so ridiculously lucky I got the chance to see them. (Been waiting years to see her, and I was not disappointed the slightest bit.)

Excellent concert. Were very involved being this close to the stage. Uptown very well restored, however, was disappointed in the speaker system (or mics) for the lead vocal of Cat or opening act. Could not clearly understand the lyrics at all so not relaxing as it should have been for these types of entertainers.

Cat Power live in an intimate setting is the only way to go. I've seen her live before in another venue which was bigger than the Uptown and I didn't have great seats. I remember I was bummed because I couldn't see much since her concerts are always dimly lit. This time I was lucky and was able to get front row tickets and the experience was just amazing. I felt like she was singing just for me at times! She has such a gift and I felt so lucky to be able to see her perform so close! She even gave me a flower at the end of the show!!!! Chan Marshall, thank you for a wonderfully beautiful show! You are the best!!

Amazing voice! Must hear her live to fully appreciate her gift!

Getting there early for a good spot was a waste of time! We stood and stood and stood, after arriving at 7:30. We entered the place at 8, but Cat Power didn't come on until 9:30! There was not opening band, so we were biding our time for the hour and a half. And when they began playing, Cat Power has no chemistry, and she played her album songs in a new (but bad) way. Some of the songs were good in that they were eventful and psychedelic, but she sounded nothing like she does on CD. All her songs sounded the same: droning and uneventful. If you like music that makes you sleepy and pensive, this is for you. But if you're looking for a fun night, look elsewhere.

It was good. She didn't play anything I knew, but it was good.

Wonderful, mesmerizing, the band especially the giarist and drummer were amazing

Cat Powers was great! Soulful voice + powerful performance. Only downside was the parking situation for the venue ---> Culture room.

CatPower is a soul mover! Also, the Dirty Delta Blues, who back her, were also magic. The Culture Club is such an awsome venue to watch any of your favorite artists. The accustics were awsome, and really showed off her vocals. She was so close, I felt like I had front row seats. Just Amazing! Her set list, music, and attitude made for a magical evening! Bravo!

Beautiful, haunting vocals and a riveted crowd made for a wonderful show. Downsides were it was hot and there was NO LIGHT on the stage so CP was like this ghostly presence that would appear whenever people took pictures of her. Kinda cool, but kinda wanted to see the pretty kitty :)

I personally had high expectations for Cat Power - she's got such a great unique voice, I was really hopeful that she would perform the same in concert. Needless to say, she sounds EXACTLY like she does on her CDs and it makes me happy I bought tickets. She went on late (what else is new for concerts) but she played a fairly short set (only about an hour and a half). She played a good mix of slow and fast but she didn't play the ones I wanted to hear. Overall, I loved the place I saw it (it was small and intimate, although a little smoky) and she has the greatest voice. Definitely recommend for a well-versed fan

The first third of the show was fantastic and the last few songs were great, but the middle chunk was sort of harder to enjoy. It got more experimental and harder to dance to, and I was straining to hear Chan's voice over her band. The drummer was fantastic by the way, powerful but meticulous - really felt she was the driving force of the whole band. I bought the tickets understanding that this is the Sun tour, and was expecting mostly new songs. Still, I think everyone would have enjoyed hearing one or two of her more well-known songs. I like her new music and was happy to hear it live, but I always really appreciate it when musicians give the fans a little of what they hope for. Overall, an enjoyable and easy-going show, but would have loved a nod to the old Cat Power.

Could not hear Cat Power's voice. Waited forever for headliner to come out. The opening acts were poor.

Her voice is off the charts but the venue, view of stage and the fact that she made people wait 'til nearly 10p to kick it off was absurd. Why the 7p time on the ticket btw?

Venue awesome as always. Ms. Marshall gave a deeply unforgettable performance as always. So good to see her "new-found" stage presence. It didn't hurt being front & center on the rail either!

She wouldn't open up and sing, which is frustrating as her beautiful voice was always the reason to go see her. Pretty bummed/disappointed and won't be going to another CP show again.

Cat power killed it but her FOH engineer was a mutt. Sound mix was awful, couldn't hear her voice and kick and snare were way too loud. It's not def leppard, dude! If you weren't standing right by the FOH console the show sounded terrible. Too bad because the band was great!

The opening act, Angel Haze, rapped on stage for a few songs to a recorded track behind. Her vocals and writing were impressive, but as a live show...eh. Cat Power came out strong for the first song or two, but even then you could barely hear her voice. When they finally turned it up, it didn't help: she sang with less range then she uses in her recordings, and did nothing interesting vocally. Overall, the choice of songs could have been a lot better and the progression through the show was not moving. A lot of slow song, which may have been interesting and were clearly heartfelt, but they really didn't deliver. I really wanted to leave in the middle. Even the band members looked like they wanted to leave. Also, it was short, which I guess was lucky in this case. The lights & video on the screen behind her on stage were great.

Cat Power was really good. We were right in front of the stage so we could hear and see well. However, I think there may have been some mic issues. Chan's energy was beautiful and she is very natural on stage allowing herself to be genuine while engaging with the audience. The photography behind the band on the screen was very lovely and went with the song titles. I wish there could have been an honcore but every show I have seen at Terminal 5 does not ever end with an honcore - so why would this one be different. I have a feeling it may be policy - Cat Power is beautiful and I felt honored to take my family to see her perform.

The show was great, only wish it'd been a little longer and included more of her older materiel. The songs she did play had cool, different arrangements. I love the new recording, Sun, and she performed most of it, along with an impressive backup band and some pretty high production values: sound, lights (very nice!), even smoke at one point... The first few songs were a bit dodgy tune-wise on the vocals, seemed she had the flu-- not like she was high or overly emotional as I've heard can happen at her shows. One woman I met at the show said 'You never know what you'll get with her, but it's always worth it" I got what I came for: a rich, live experience from an artist who's fairly new to me. Marshall was professional and after warming up, pitch perfect. I love how you can hear every word when she sings, her lyrics are often very meaningful for me. Very cool.

The kind of show where you just leave this world for a while and swirl away into the sound and visuals. (And no, I wasn't on anything except a couple brown ales.) Chan Marshall's soulful, soaring, unique vocals are a thing of amazing, other-worldly beauty, and her unusual but powerful stage presence locked me in. I've loved her music for many years, but the show wasn't what I expected - more electric and muscular and kinetic than I thought it would be (though there were many passages of quiet, aching beauty, too). She played mainly from her newest album (Sun) and did only a few of her earlier songs. She didn't "dialogue" with the audience much at all, which would usually have the effect of making the performance less intimate. But in this case the intimacy was all in the music itself, and it worked just fine. She did at one point - suddenly and oddly - tell us that she hoped we wouldn't get the flu. She made some other gestures that I think indicated maybe some of the band were ill ...and perhaps that's why they didn't do an encore ...which was the only disappointment I felt all night. Well, that and the fact that she didn't play "He War."

I got into Cat Power in the Moon Pix then the Covers albums. I don t love all the songs or even know them all but the ones that I do love\u2026.I really love. Cat Power was music I never thought I would get a chance to see performed live. So, I could not believe it when I saw tour dates with Austin listed. I went in with no expectations, I figured she would play new songs and the old stripped down emotional songs are not great for music halls anyway. I was partially right; she played a few older songs that pretty much brought down the house. The opening number was a slow mix up that was just perfect. I was impressed with the sound of the band, the lights and visuals where really cool and I got to see an artist that has been on my list and in my own heart for over 15 years. Her voice was amazing. In Austin there is always a show to see, but seeing Chan Marshall is something else entirely. The ACL Live crowd gave her at least a 3-4 minute standing ovation at the end. I think so many people never thought they would see her live and frankly did not want to let her go. It was almost sad; like we were all worried we would never see her again. She must have felt that as well, because she just kind of lingered on stage and did not know how to get off. Pretty powerful.

Man what a massive disappointment. Cat looked wasted and the voicals were so low that you couldnt even hear her voice. During a few songs what looked like improvision was more like drunk mumbly. I love here music but the show was so band we left half way through

fantastic. way to grow Chan.. so has maintained her depth.

The set list consisted mostly of her new album. She had a couple of her older songs. She didn't do an encore, but the atmosphere through out her performance was great nonetheless. Chan Marshall interacts with the audience (not so much as a group, but individually). So if you're ever hoping to get recognized by an artist that maybe they'll touch you or look at you, there's a great chance that that will happen at a Cat Power concert.

I have been following Cat Power for over 15 years - have every CD and have seen her several times (some better than others). Was so excited to be in Oakland CA for the night of the elections and to celebrate with some great dancing and music. Opening band was an assualt on my senses and Cat Power started late, lacked Power, cohesion, overall entertainment quality or sincerity. Opted to go to the lobby to watch the President's acceptance speech. Will probably not see her again, but will always love her music and keep sending her appreciation for her beautiful voice, insightful lyrics and ability to be adventurous and always willing to change her music style and expression.

Awful, off her face, band had to cover for her distractions. Support was terrible too. Most disappointing evening ever...

It was great! She was amazing! i would not have picked the band she did for opening though!

Chan and her band sounded fantastic! I love the spiritual nature of her music and the venue was a perfect setting for her latest album.

Made us wait too long and came out loaded! Will never see her again. It's a shame I paid $100. I was a Big fan but no longer

beautiful. too bad the crowd looked like a bunch of mummies.

stage, lights, decor, etc., it was like a more mainstream performance. sad to see her change from the unknown, raspy singer to a celebrity, but overall still enjoyed the show, and the music quality was top notch.

The House of Blues is a horrible venue. It's difficult to see the stage, and the sound is just awful. It was far too big of a venue for Cat Power anyway. The Paradise would have been much better.

Loved Cat Power 10 years ago. Saw her live in New York in a small venue. I bought her new album, which is ok, i think she was better without the band. Went to the concert with my wife with high hopes. No doubt about it She has an amazing voice, but we left after four songs very disappointed. I think she is just not an entertainer and although her album sounds good, it did not in the live setting. Usually i am inspired by performing artists, but there was nothing but disappointment from this show, and the warm up one man band "nobody" was a joke. I feel like i was ripped off, as i felt the artist put no effort in to entertaining the crowd.

One of the best shows of the year!!! She was incredible... Warm, fierce and gorgeous...

I've never been so dissapointed by a show... I knew about her troubles with performing in the past, but I didn't expect it to happen all over again tonight. I can't decide what was worse, her voice, the versions of the song she decided to go with, her band, the sound or the stage...so I've done something l thought I would never have to do- I ve left in the middle of the concert, because it was just too pathetic to watch it.

Why is it always skinny jeans and black leather when you want to be seen as a rock star? Not just Cat Power but her band. They troll through the cliches of the rock group, starting off with an eighties British indie sound, and an ambivalence to the audience. If mystery equates with coolness, Ian McCulloch said that, then keeping your trap shut in between songs is the key. Cat Power seems comfortable up there though in the dry ice and the lasers, stalking the stage in her six inch heels. The band go through most of the new album. The songs aren't that cliched, it's not all verse chorus verse chorus, and it's good to hear her distinctive cross key voice breaking through the chords. My favourite moments are the bare ones when she gets to howl and yawp and wail with minimum accompaniment and the light show flares at the crowd. The times where it fell flat were when she behaved more like a rock star, trying to instigate a clapalong at one point. The New York crowd had none of it but did applaud at the end. She is scared of the numb days, that's why she is up there, we don't all get to share that much pain and get paid. But it's not luck. There is real talent in the writing and the voice. My wife can't believe she bleached her hair though.

Ben Rat fall-off-a-cliff of the NY Times panned the show with faint praise. I don't believe he was actually there. Complaints need to be directed against the Hammerstein Ballroom clown at the soundboard. He missed the chance of a lifetime: Chan Marshall was in a room full of friends and never for a moment stopped reaching deeply inside herself. We who were there can bare witness to that. If only the show had been at a broadway theater or Lincoln Center where the technicians are up to the job when genius stands before them.

Acoustics terrible in hall, but she has an extraordinary voice!

I didn't know what to expect. I'd heard comments about Cat Power shows that got canceled or interrupted, but except for one moment when the in-ear monitors didn't work and she had to stop the song, the concert was sublime. The band is excellent, the stage design, projections and lighting are innovative yet simple and in sync with the music. The sounds, in general was good. And Chan Marshall gives out her heart and soul. I was all the time on the verge of tears.

After listening to the new Cat Power album a gazillion times couldn't wait to catch it live. The entire show was off. Chan seemed off vocally and the band never sync'd up. The entire show was weird. I have never left a concert in my life and couldn't take the pain my ears were enduring. I had to leave for two reasons. First it was just not fun and at times i felt embarrassed for the band. Second, I didn't want to hate cat power for their live show. They provided me w a ton of musical enjoyment since they hit my radar. Maybe it was an off night and that can happen or maybe they are really a studio band. I'm just reviewing what I saw on 10/23/12.

Cat Power opened for Pat Benator and it was horrible. I would never go see them again.

Very disappointed. Ibought my wife and I tickets to see "Cat Power". She played five songs and left??????

Chan's voice sounded good except for a few off-key blunders while ad-libbing. The band (keys/guitar, drums, bass) was tight and the sound filled the room very nicely. Most of the show went smoothly enough, but toward the end of the set there was some odd banter between Chan and the band, with some songs ending abruptly and others being played over because she "wanted to sing in another octave." During the last song Chan had a minutes long monologue apologizing to the crowd for being "such a f*** up" and saying something to the effect that she "has so much to learn." She then walked off the stage with the keyboard player following shortly after. Guitar and drums played awkwardly to a conclusion and I left before asking for an encore. I would not recommend Cat Power.

It was very pleasant to see Cat Power for the second time. This solo performance was so intimate, even though it was a big venue. I would have loved to see Cat Power in a Duo with someone to support her on the piano / guitar and vocals. But Frankly, she delivered a performance like no other. Her voice was as magnificent as it sounds on track. She was generous and seemed to have forgotten how people love her music.

Last time I saw Cat Power (Chan) was at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in support of "The Greatest", an album I cannot recommend enough. That show was a trainwreck as Chan was struggling mightly, it would appear, with drink and depression. Songs were abandoned so that she could chat with audience members whose clothes she liked, or she would just abaondon them outright for no apparent reason, etc. I had read she had gotten some help recently with her personal issues so I picked up a couple of tickets. This performance at The Paradise was more consistent in that she wasn't abandoning songs anymore, but the arrangement (Only Chan on guitar or on piano) made for a boring time. Lots of two chord numbers that got thin very quickly. Her voice is her gift. That and some very good songwriting/lyrics. However when left to her own devices on stage her strengths dissipate. I feel she would benefit from a full backing band. Give the show some structure and discipline. I'm still a fan. Just not her in-person engagements.

Cat Power, I love you, but you needed a backing band. With only a guitar and piano, there was no heartbeat, every song was 80 bpm or under. Your voice is amazing, you're a woman for the ages, but give the people more of what they want. Play songs off of "Sun," talk to us more between songs, and reflect some of the love and respect back to us that we will always have for you. Congrats, though, on the beautiful baby boy! Xoxo

Chan Marshall is a force of nature; saw her at the House of Blues -- the most unforgettable experience that exceeds all other concert experiences.

Honestly, I love Cat Power; the tone in her voice alone is harrowing. However, this was the WORST live performance I've seen in a long time. She was late, she was fumbling with the instrument, she was forgetting lyrics. She even said at one point that it was a horrible showcase. It was sad to watch as a fan for so long.

Strange, sad, beautiful, mesmerizing, tormented, odd and lovely. Though early on the onstage sound was a distraction for her Chan held the crowd mesmerized in near silence for the first of her two shows. Showing up almost 50 minutes after the posted start time is not acceptable for most artist the crowd still seemed to appreciate every quirky, delicious note she played. She tried to make up for her late arrival, she said, by playing as many songs as possible. Moving almost continuously from song to song for a little over two hours with barely a break she played a wide variety of her recordings from over the years going all the way back to her earliest. Their were plenty of rearranged versions of her songs as one might expect and the performances were all wonderful. The lighting made the mood very intimate, if a little odd, as it was almost impossible to see anything with just dim red light. People were near silent throughout the show with one coked up stalker who kept yelling "I love you" and wouldn't stop talking near me until someone told him off. Overall it was a fantastic, if slightly erratic, show with a classic Chan Marshall gritty, weird and wonderful vibe.

Didn't come out until 2 hours after she was supposed to. Be a professional.

I absolutely love her voice... her lyrics... her piano and guitar skills... she is an incredible artist. Unfortunately, her live shows leave something to be desired. She arrived on stage at 7:45 for a concert whose doors opened at 6:00 and was supposed to begin at 7:00. For a professional 45 minutes late is unconscionable. On multiple occasions throughout the show she would stop and fiddle with the amp behind her for an inordinate amount of time to produce a change in sound that was not discernible in the least. Finally, at the end of the concert she broke into an embarrassing, uncomfortable, self-indulgent diatribe about disappointing oneself versus disappointing others and a 15 minute audience talk back session which ended with her slinking off the stage. By all means, listen to her music... buy the CD's... download the MP3's... but don't go see her live. It breaks my heart to say this, but it's true.

we waited for over two hours and she had not yet shown up--would never go to see her again!!!!!

Cat Power solo was even better without a band. Who would have thought it possible! She played a lot of unreleased material. Leading us to wonder if another original album is in the works, can't wait!!

I was so excited to see Chan Marshall and "The Dise". I've seen Chan multiple times in the past and she has always been a bit fragile and nervous but always adding to her charm and performance. Unfortunately, she seemed like an utter wreck on 11/18. She was trembling, talking to herself (more than usual), couldn't hit a cord on her guitar, and kept restarting and starting songs while profusely apologizing to the crowd. It was painful to watch from an artist I love. Her performance was not helped by windfans at The Dise blowing her sheet music all over the place. Chan's setlist was great, her singing as good as usual -- maybe it would benefit her to have her band there. She turned down requests because she didn't know how to play a lot songs and felt really bad for it. Her opening performer, Nico Turner, who I was excited to see, disappointed as well. She asked outloud "I thought I tuned my guitar", perplexed over 15 minutes of messing with it at the beginning of the show, and tried to play through it poorly. Her mic wasn't working well, she also restarted many songs and couldn't find her notes, and she just couldn't seem to get her audio-loop recorder right. It was doubly painful. Regardless, she would have benefited from a rodie or Dise staff assistance, as she looked around helpless a lot. She even walked off stage very early (compared to previous reviews of her playing length and song selection) and apologized to everyone. The wait between her and Chan was a good hour plus -- perhaps because Chan expected Nico to stay out there longer. A very bizarre evening--one that I hope can be replaced with a more positive experience at The Dise and seeing Chan in the future. Maybe both Chan and Nico drank/smoked the same bad, paranoid-anxiety-making stuff before the show?!

When I bought the tickets I had no idea what the Paradise Club was. This was a new and different experience for me . (I am in my 60's) My husband really likes Cat Powers and I thought this would be fun. We took our niece (25) who also likes Cat Powers. The shows started so late and I did not enjoy waiting. Cat Powers was not great. Very dissappointing especially waiting until 10 until she finally appeared.

I have been a long time fan of Chan and this was my first time seeing her. I was expecting a soulful experience, like how I feel listening to her albums at home. I was highly disappointed. She took two hours to get on stage, and when she did come out she was clearly beyond intoxicated. Her performance was barely coherent. She stumbled around stage while attempted to play the guitar. It was a hot-mess. With the little money I have, I m disappointed I spent it on her.

Cat power has an amazing voice. However, in absence of a band, her songs begin to sound pretty much the same.

Band was late, people were kept waiting in the fold outside with no explanation, the opening act was unintelligible and Cat was just off her game. i left 20 minutes into her set

Cat Power feels the music. She delivers an honest vocal. Her soulful sound and straight-forward lyrics are affecting live. I wouldn't miss it.

This concert was a mess. Started 40 minutes late and they made everyone wait in the cold because she hadn't showed up. It began with the opening act who I think was high. It is possible she said words, but it is doubtful. The crowd was very confused as to what was happening. It sounded like she was making stuff up. Then all of a sudden that she "that's it." and then walked off the stage. Cat Power was a wreck. She seemed to be sick or on drugs or both. At first it was a little funny, then it got bad, then it was just sad. She couldn't play the guitar so stopped to bite off her finger nails. She has issues and they have been well documented, I get that. However, if people are paying $40 to see you at least be in good shape to play in front of people. If you go to the concert, you are going to be in a rough ride.

I was really excited to see Cat Power for the first time. I had read of her "interesting" shows from her days past and struggle with stage fright. I had seen footage of the more modern Chan singing her bluesy heart out. So I kind of went with little expectations and a lot of love for this talented musician. Besides starting late, the show was awesome. It was not your standard mass produced show where the musicians transitions from song to song are planned and calculated. This was a true artist sharing her raw talent and a piece of herself (perfected or not). She often apologized to the audience and asked "are you mad at me?" Of course we were not mad. Some songs started or ended abruptly...sometimes she said she forgot how to play her songs. And the audience seemed to request all the songs that needed a band (this was a solo show). It was probably at least 50% songs, and 50% Chan. She has a clever sense of humor and is very gracious to her audience. I would go out again on a cold weekday anytime to see her.

I have seen Cat Power several times in the past, so I am use to Chan's issues related to the stage. Even though her antics can be distracting, they are usually kind of endearing. In my previous experiences, the presence of a backup band has allowed her to feel somewhat comfortable. In this case, Chan performed without a band, so her antics were out in the open. When she actually concentrated and got through a song, it was as brilliant as ever. However, she struggled to maintain focus throughout the show. I would certainly see her again solo just for those few brilliant moments, but I wouldn t be willing to pay the same price again. At $40, these tickets were the most overpriced I have ever paid.

Given her history, entered with some trepidation. Great show. Played almost 2 1/2 hours. Surprisingly no songs off last album Sun, but a good retrospective of her career. Her quirks were endearing and she put her heart and soul into it despite a sparsely attended show.

It was very disappointing being that I took a friend that had never really heard her music. They wouldn't let anyone even in building till after 8pm which that was when it was suppose to start. It was cold outside. It was an hour late, sound system sucked and lighting. Couldn't understand what she was singing (words-that is). Left early with a whole lot of other people. Really sad. However, I do love her music but couldn't stay long enough to hear favorite song.

ADD No Sound Check Too much reverb Unfortunately, Cat is incoherent in-between songs. If she was more cognizant of her own stage presence, her ramblings could be slightly more forgivable. Don't get me wrong, her voice is absolutely beautiful, but only when she is singing, otherwise she is simply a hot mess. And not in a good way. The ramblings off microphone, lack of a sound check, and constant adjustments to the equipment while performing are the majority of the show. There are simply too much of these in between songs to be forgiven.

It's a quiet, intimate share, Cat Power's music entered into my life many years ago and brings a calming sensuality to your heart when you need it. For Cat Power to fill what I think was 75% of Center Stage and be so wasted/drunk/high and ill-prepared on stage was a tragedy. Her loyal fans sat quietly as she fumbled around and we even shouted "I love you" and cheers of support to ease the pain of the awkward silent moments. The logistics of the show were a nightmare, doors opened at 6:30, she gets on stage about 9:30. Cat Power opened her show with a music stand of paper music sheets and clearly didn't create a set list. At one moment the loyal fans shouted out suggestions, desperate to hear something. No planning on her part, no thought behind having someone accompany her so she wouldn't be so alone up there on that big stage, no thought that her home town Atlanta audience deserves better and no thought to get wasted after her performance was over. I can compare first hand as I've seen her at The Earl where she was drunk and then the Variety Playhouse where she was self proclaimed sober. At VP, Cat Power played with a full band, back up singers and it was the soulful charge of energy that she is capable of giving. At CS this Thursday, she underestimated her fan base in Atlanta, despite the hot mess of the show, despite my getting up and leaving before it was over, her fans love her and her music, wish her health, sobriety and the strength to survive in this world. May Cat Power find that sweet spot of healthy living and natural brilliance and bring us her music well into an old age of her life.

If you are a cat power fan -DO NOT SEE HER LIVE; she will ruin the music for you. I am a big fan of the music, however, her live performance is like watching a train wreck. She shows up late, obviously high on something that prevents her from finishing one complete song from start to finish. Her entire set was like watching a sound check; constantly stoping in the middle of songs to "tune" the guitar; Forgotten lyrics, wrong keys being played. She kept looking behind the stage and asking "are you mad a me" and kept saying sorry. To call her show unprofessional would be a compliment. There was an annoyingly loud buzz coming from her equipment that lasted the entire show. Her songs are beautiful on an iPod but I will regrettably never attend her live show again. She ruins the magic of her songs by performing them

The absolute worst live show I've seen in 10 years. We left after the first 6 songs, as did many others. There was loud buzzing and amplifier feedback when she played acoustic and electric guitar. There was miscommunication between Cat Power and the venue staff, as evident by her continuous talking to them between songs and hand signals during songs. She started one song with the wrong guitar and stopped mid -song to switch. It was a comedy of errors. I wanted to ask for a refund but my friends just wanted to leave. Absolutely horrible show.

Had great seats for last Thursday night's show and very much looking forward to it even though general reviews of her performance were not glowing. Unfortunately I have to agree with those reviews. The show started late, I couldn't understand anything out of the mouth of Niko Turner but still held hope that Cat Power would deliver. When she first came out and opened with the Animals "House of the Rising Sun' I was hopeful. She performed a stellar rendition with an acoustic guitar. After that is was pretty much down hill. She had issues hitting chords/keys and let everyone know it by her expressions, apologies and adjustments which was very distracting. In some cases she seemed to just give up and abruptly end the song. I felt like I was watching someone rehearse as opposed to performing a concert...felt very amateurish. Now, I will say her voice it utterly amazing which is why I'm giving the show 2 stars instead of 1. As bad as all the rest was her voice sounded great. I just wish the rest of the show would have come together.

I actually thought this show was EXTREMELY hot (meaning the venue was way too warm and stuffy) and although her performance was interesting, it was a real downer. She sang mostly slow drawn out depressing songs and maybe two more up-beat songs. Overall, it was a bummer.