Cat Power Claws at New York, New York

Might those vagabond shoes be longing to stray?

Start spreading the news, in the key of a sleazy 80s siren. Idiosyncratic indie crooner Cat Power has decided to channel Frank Sinatra in a distinctively sped-up, blues-infused version of the “New York, New York" theme from the film of the same name. Her cover of this ode to skyscraper-sized ambition appears as the first track on her new album, Jukebox, released this week.

Preview her take on a classic here at the Matador Records Web site.

Paw over Cat Power after the jump!

When last we checked the vitals of Chan Marshall in October, her forthcoming album of covers and two original songs had yet to be named, and the track listing remained mysterious. While her selections from Joni Mitchell, Hank Williams, Janis Joplin and even James Brown and Billie Holiday hardly surprise, given her earthy and soulful proclivities, her foray into the hallowed territory of Ol’ Blue Eyes and Liza Minnelli stands out like stilettos in a snowstorm.

Whether that’s hot or not, listeners will need to determine. See Cat Power in New York, New York, among other places, in February.