Cat Power & Iggy Pop cover 'Working Class Hero' for new Marianne Faithfull tribute album The Faithful

American singer-songwriter Cat Power has teamed up with punk icon Iggy Pop for a rendition of Marianne Faithfull's 1979 cover of John Lennon's 'Working Class Hero.'

The track has been rerecorded as part of a forthcoming tribute to Marianne Faithfull, The Faithful. The second cut to be released from the record, 'Working Class Hero' sees Cat Power croon alongside a gravelly Iggy Pop, who rasps the song's iconic refrain over a brooding soundscape of eery synth and driving bass.

Iggy Pop at All Together Now 2023. Copyright Trevor McGrath.

In The Q Records & BANDBOX, along with the Women of Rock Oral History Project recently announced the benefit record, which features 19 covers of Faithfull's legendary back catalogue, with contributions from the likes of Shirley Manson of Garbage, Peaches, Sparks, Lydia Lunch, Tanya Donelly (Belly, The Breeders), Cat Power, l7's Donita Sparks and Iggy Pop, amongst others.

Cat Power at The Academy, Dublin 1.11..2022 Copyright Colm Kelly/ hotpress.com

"My hope with this record is that Marianne sees how loved, respected, and appreciated she is by her successors," explains Tanya Pearson, founder of the Women Of Rock Oral History Project. "I hope that these versions of her songs introduce a new audience to Marianne Faithfull and inspire them to buy her records. I hope that Marianne Faithfull gets the respect she deserves; preferably in this lifetime."

The Faithful album cover. Artwork: Jill Emery

A passionately curated love letter to British singer and cultural icon Marianne Faithfull, proceeds from the record go directly to Marianne, as she recovers from long covid, having lost her voice during the pandemic. The double LP also features exclusive artwork from former Hole and Mazzy Star bassist, Jill Emery.

The Faithfull: A Tribute to Marianne Faithfull coloured vinyl edition

Of Marianne Faithfull's legacy and career, Chan Marshall aka Cat Power said: "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! 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..."

The upcoming album will be available on streaming platforms on December 8th, with special edition vinyl variants available for pre-order via In the Q Records and BANDBOX.

Listen to Cat Power and Iggy Pop's cover of 'Working Class Hero' below: 

Full track List for Faithful: A Tribute to Marianne Faithfull:

Disc One – Side A

Tracy Bonham – 'As Tears Go By'
Tanya Donelly & the Parkington Sisters – 'This Little Bird'
Josie Cotton – 'Summer Nights'
Sylvia Black – 'Sister Morphine'
Cat Power & Iggy Pop – 'Working Class Hero'

Disc One – Side B

Shirley Manson & Peaches – 'Why D'Ya Do It'
Pom Poms – 'Brain Drain'
Bush Tetras - 'Guilt'
Joan As Policewoman – 'Broken English'
Tammy Faye Starlite & Barry Reynolds – 'The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan'

Disc Two – Side C

Honeychild Coleman – 'Over Here (No Time For Justice)'
Adele Bertei – 'Times Square'
Nicole Atkins & Jim Sclavunos – 'Strange Weather'
Lydia Lunch – 'Love, Life, and Money'
Cynthia Ross (the B Girls) & Tim Bovaconti – 'Vagabond Ways'

Disc Two – Side D

Donita Sparks – 'Sliding Through Life on Charm'
Miss Guy – 'Sex With Strangers'
FaithNYC – 'Kissin’ Time'
Feminine Aggression – 'Before The Poison'