20th Century Blues

Marianne Faithfull seems born to cover Kurt Weill’s cabaret anthems of decadent despair. As well known for a life of drug-damaged excess as for her accomplishments as a ’60s pop ornament and ’70s punk chanteuse, her ravaged, sultry tone gives such familiar Weill tunes as ”Mack The Knife” and ”Alabama Song” a harrowing edge. Accompanied by pianist Paul Trueblood, 20th Century Blues may be the first big comeback album of the year.