This week in indie rock
April 27, 2006
[b]Chan Marshall saved my life.[/b]
I mean, Chan (the woman behind Cat Power) didn't pull me out of a burning building or anything -- she just writes good music, and good music can save lives. [b]I probably should say straightaway that I am a consummate Cat Power fan[/b]. Most of my friends think it's become an obsession -- tracking down deleted singles and LPs, reading up on all the latest gossip, writing her label, Matador Records, to ask her to play in Seattle (I like to believe that I had something to do with her upcoming show) -- [b]all the standard symptoms of a full-blown case of complete infatuation[/b]. It's gross. [b]But I'm going to flaunt it just a bit more. This week in indie rock: Cat Power.[/b]
Known for her quizzical nature and capricious onstage behavior, [b]Marshall evokes those enigmatic qualities of folk music mythology[/b] -- a sort of contemporary Nick Drake. Earlier albums are characterized by an abrasive, unpolished presentation and her signature sincere, hauntingly personal lyrics. [b]Reviewers are quick to cite her as a crazy, tortured drunk wrestling with her muse. The Greatest, however, seems to indicate a songwriter very much at the reins[/b].
The Greatest was released in January of this year to a plethora of positive reviews. If you whittle down all the interviews and features, it's basically: "Yeah, we know she's got this rep for being crazy and shit, but now Chan Marshall is more mature and less drunk and went to Memphis to record a badass Southern soul and roots-rock album."
It is Cat Power's seventh full-length album and follow-up to the highly praised 2003 album You Are Free. In addition to being an achievement of indie-folk, You Are Free was the first truly accessible Cat Power album. (The 2000 Covers Record was also uncharacteristically accessible, but -- as the title indicates -- is a collection of cover songs.) [b]Matador Records approached Chan for a new album, asking her what her dream record would be. Soon thereafter she was on her way to Memphis to record a Southern blues and roots-rock album[/b], complete with a full backing band of legendary session players. The result caught many off guard -- it is a tremendous stylistic departure from all previous albums.
In keeping with her unpredictable behavior, Marshall canceled the tour in support of The Greatest in February, citing health reasons. What a tease. However, the tour -- including The Memphis Rhythm Band -- has resumed. As it stands now, the tour is a national 11-date affair. [b]Cat Power plays a seated Showbox this Monday, May 1[/b].
Reach Intermission reporter Alan Hui-Bon-Hoa at [url='mailto:alanhuibonhoa@thedaily.washington.edu']alanhuibonhoa@thedaily.washington.edu[/url].
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