Manhattan | Cat Power

I watched Cat Power’s performance of this track on Jimmy Fallon. It was one of the loveliest performances I’ve seen in a while. Not that I’ve seen a shit ton of shows since school started. But this one has just stuck with me.

Despite her beautifully velvet voice, she’s so visibly uncomfortable when she sings. So visibly awkward. But throughout the whole performance she doesn’t hide it. And I love it.

I love how she moves her hands, like she’s trying to reach, or grasp, for something that isn’t physically there. I like her glances offstage, like she’s just making sure her escape routes are still there. And I adore her little wave at the beginning of the performance. Because you know she just saw someone that made her smile…and she doesn’t let being on stage stop her from letting them know that. 

I loved how honest that performance seemed. I loved how frail she came across and how much I wanted to give her a hug throughout the whole thing.  

I think there are two certainties about Cat Power. One: She has gifts. Two: She’s working through her shit. But what I didn’t realize, is that when everyone knows you’re working through your shit, there’s no point in hiding it. And when you stop hiding it, sometimes your gifts shine a little bit brighter. 

I can’t wait for the rest of this album.