I got to thinking about these two artists and there are some striking similarites (and differences).
Some obvious ones: they both come from abusive families and have used their suffering and resiliency as themes in their work. Both have been through numerous nervous breakdowns; they are known as much for their eccentricity as for their art.
Clearly Sinead O'Connor would be the more controversial singer because of her infamous pope-ripping incident. Although, Chan has run into her fair share of public problems, abandoning shows and tours.
In terms of their music, I know Cat Power's a lot better. And for that reason, I like it more. But I think Sinead O'Connor has been a more dynamic artist, trying many different styles and images. However, they both have recorded recent albums that have been totally unique in their discography, and suprising additions at that. O'Connor made her reggae album and Cat Power her Nashville studio album. This is a good place to start in terms of the music.
I've seen Sinead O'Connor perform and found her intriguing. I've never seen Cat Power perform and would love too, despite her reputation as a show-tanker.
What do you think? Is there any comparison here?
― Freud Junior (Freud Junior), Sunday, 19 February 2006 07:02 (nineteen years ago)
I've just started getting into "The Covers Record," which is quite nice. Of course, Sinead O'Connor got her break covering Prince.
― Freud Junior (Freud Junior), Sunday, 19 February 2006 07:17 (nineteen years ago)
maybe this has something to do with shared part of their backgrounds, but i don't know which part. --i think there is something very raw about them that kinda fucks up the usual diva thing. but its also beyond geniune/natural/effortless. its like even when they are trying, its mystical. they can be human and on the pedestal at the same time...and they often are. natural diva is the only word i can think of, but i'm not sure what causes it. probably cat power more so than sinead. i think cat power's thing is very similar to marilyn monroe's. its like you experience her as all things equally no matter what she's projecting at the moment. you can't deny her. i think it makes people either fall in love or want to destroy her.
― Susan Douglas (Susan Douglas), Sunday, 19 February 2006 11:08 (nineteen years ago)
Yeah, but Susan, it's easy to fall in love with a chimera. I've been in love with one of these women('s) work . . . which means what, exactly?
And yeah, I know there are a lot of open questions in the above paragraph. And I'm deliberately leaving things open here -- is the unfinished footage of "Something's Got to Give" equal to the uncompleted "Greatest" tour shows? --
― Rickey Wright (Rrrickey), Sunday, 19 February 2006 11:22 (nineteen years ago)
i'm not sure what you're asking, if your asking, and what to say!
hmmm....i'm not sure if i would call them chimera's though. that makes me think of just 2 prominent conflicting qualities/sides??
― Susan Douglas (Susan Douglas), Sunday, 19 February 2006 12:05 (nineteen years ago)
Both have covers albums ("Am I not Your Girl?") though to my knowledge only one has been held prisoner by Prince.
― cracktivity1 (cracktivity1), Sunday, 19 February 2006 13:09 (nineteen years ago)