Tonight’s show at the Hollywood Bowl was a meeting of two feminists from very different eras. Opening the show we had Chan Marshall, also known as Cat Power, with a younger (but similarly acclaimed) artist Lucy Dacus performing with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. If you took a time machine from the early 00s, you probably wouldn’t be shocked that Cat Power was opening a show at the Hollywood Bowl. However, if you learned she was opening for Lucy Dacus, you might be surprised. Dacus has had a steady and solid career arch, releasing critically-acclaimed record after critically acclaimed record over the last 10 years. Together, the pairing made perfect sense, as it scratched an itch for the older indie set while providing a refreshing taste of modern alternative pop.
Cat Power was up first, performing her landmark 2006 album The Greatest. Incredibly, it’s been 20 years since the album was released on Matador Records, and this show was a stop on the anniversary tour that began in February. While music trends have ebbed and flowed, this album has remained as a constant landmark in the indie scene. Part of that is likely due to its timeless roots in blues, soul and alt-country.
With the stage set up for a full philharmonic ensemble, Cat Power’s band was a simple guitar-bass-drums-keyboard arrangement. The sparse stage and empty orchestra seating was appropriate for the set. Marshall was often cast alone on the Bowl’s screens, her voice carrying the bulk of the songs. As many full album sets are, The Greatest was very faithful to the original work. Marshall was mostly stationary behind a mic stand at center stage, though she moved around for songs like the standout “The Moon.” Towards the end of the set she addressed the audience at the greatest length of the night, reminding us to “be gentle to yourself from the moment you open your eyes till you close them,” and “fight the power, where you can.”
After a short break, the philharmonic started to gather in their seats. Anticipation built as the performers started warming up to “Calliope Prelude” and Lucy Dacus took the stage. She was wearing a dark-hued, glittering dress that would catch the eye throughout the night. But all attention was on Dacus and her chemistry with the LA Phil and conductor Thomas Wilkins. Dacus’ music relies on her rich, thought-provoking lyricism; flourishing her indie pop songs with rich orchestral arrangements takes them to another level. This is particularly true when the arrangements are performed live and lack that canned “authenticity” of studio work.
She introduced herself to the Hollywood Bowl with “Hot & Heavy,” from her final Matador album, Home Video. Next up was another of her biggest songs, “Ankles” from her major label debut Forever Is A Feeling. She continued with “Mogdialani,” “Limerance,” and “Talk” from that album. Dacus addressed the crowd later. First, she charmingly waved to someone in the audience like a youth soccer player would wave to a friend. Then, she admitted, as she gazed up at the Bowl crowd, “I have to pretend like I’m someone this is normal for.”
After a few more songs Dacus brought out Phoenix Rousiamanis, who wrote the arrangement for the show. An accomplished musician who has worked with Dacus on previous projects including her most recent album, her work was worthy of applause. Remember, Dacus’ music has rich arrangements, but not necessarily those that line up one-to-one with a philharmonic ensemble. Towards the end of the set Dacus called attention to the fact that it was her dad’s birthday. She called out to him in the audience, before performing “Pillar of Truth.” Before the song she admitted that she might cry if she didn’t go into a no-feelings zone. This wasn’t Dacus’ first time at the Bowl, having performed with her supergroup boygenius (with Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers) a few years ago. This was her carrying the venue alone. Facing the challenge, she performed impeccably, her voice carrying the orchestral arrangements. As the set wound down with the title track of the entire album and tour, “Forever is a Feeling” and “Night Shift,” Dacus teased taking a break. After walking off stage at around 9:30, it seemed likely an encore would happen. And of course, it did. She performed “Historians” out into the Hollywood night.
Cat Power Set List:
The Greatest
Living Proof
Lived in Bars
Could We
Empty Shell
Willie
Where Is My Love
The Moon
Islands
After It All
Hate
Love & Communication
Lucy Dacus Setlist
Calliope Prelude
Hot & Heavy
Ankles
Modigliani
Limerence
Talk
Cartwheel
Big Deal
For Keeps
Come Out
Triple Dog Dare
Kissing Lessons
Thumbs
Pillar of Truth
No Thank You I Love You Goodbye
Forever Is a Feeling
Night Shift
File photo: Jenna Houchin
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