Cat Power, Iggy Pop Pay Tribute to Marianne Faithfull With ‘Working Class Hero’ Cover
“Working Class Hero” becomes a double cover on the forthcoming album The Faithful: A Tribute to Marianne Faithfull, out Dec. 8. The record was originally recorded by John Lennon in 1970, then covered by Faithfull in 1979 for her album Broken English. Now, it has been reimagined once again, this time by Cat Power and Iggy Pop.
“Marianne has lived a life!! She is a queen to all who know her, and all who adore her! Her framework of contributions to the world of music is unmistakable,” Cat Power shared in a statement. “Every time I hear her gorgeous vocal sway, I am moved, I am closer to permanence. In a world of dizzying, new fizzling arrows of song and voices, Marianne has always struck the bullseye of my heart and soul. I adore her like no other. A true Dame, beyond words. Royalty forever.”
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Broken English itself represented a resilient return for the singer, who released the album as her debut on Island Records after a tumultuous period in her personal and professional life. “It has taken a long time for me to be recognized at all for the artist that I am,” Faithfull shared in a statement when the album was first announced. “I’ve never let that poison my existence, my love of my work, and my belief in myself and what I do.”
The Faithful also features contributions from Tracy Bonham, Sylvia Black, Tanya Donelly & the Parkington Sisters, Shirley Manson & Peaches, Bush Tetras, Pom Poms, Tammy Faye Starlite & Barry Reynolds, and more.
“I am grateful to the wonderful artists who contributed to this tribute album; that they identify with my art, and that it has moved them in some way, in their own lives, means so much to me,” Faithfull added. “Their interpretations of songs that I have recorded and performed over the course of my 60-plus–year career is incredibly moving. I’m so grateful and feel so much love for all of you!”
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