Chan Marshall takes a lot of shit. The majority of press written about her (under her stage name, Cat Power) focuses on her stage fright and unpredictable performances, rather than her songwriting or recorded output. Most people would much rather ruminate over whether or not she'll have a nervous breakdown or do her laundry at her next show, rather than give her credit for putting out great albums.

So I find it sad that her newest album, You Are Free will most likely go unnoticed. The songs rank among the best she's written and don't wear out their welcome like some of her older, lengthier songs have a tendency to do. But most articles you'll read about Marshall probably won't get much further than her terrible shyness.

Well, I have yet to see a Cat Power show, but I do know that the woman writes some amazing songs. You Are Free starts things off with "I Don't Blame You," a minimalist pop song consisting of little more than a piano riff and Chan's melancholy southern drawl. The next song, "Free" is a four chord anti-celebrity anthem strummed and crooned over a drum machine, which is probably a first for Marshall.

On Cat Power's last proper album, Moon Pix, Chan enlisted the aid of The Dirty Three to add some extra layers to her simple melodies. But this time around, Marshall decided not to fuck around and went straight for the big guns: Eddie Vedder and Dave Grohl, credited as E.V. and D.G., respectively.

Vedder's lends backup vocals to the outstanding gospel-tinged "Good Woman," one of the more beautiful breakup songs of late. Grohl, on the other hand, gets behind the drums on "Speak for Me" and "He War," the two loudest, most "rock" moments on the album, and probably in Cat Power history.

The five years we had to endure before hearing new, original Cat Power material has paid off. You Are Free is Cat Power's best album, and proof positive that those expecting Marshall to freak out just aren't giving her the credit she deserves.

Similar albums:
PJ Harvey Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea
Shannon Wright Flightsafety
Spinanes Arches and Aisles

Download at




Jeff Terich
11.24.2003