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indie-snob>+!#
you are free by cat power
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8 The first album in all too long released by indie legend Chan Marshall brings a wonderful folk rock album with guests Eddie Veder and Dave Grohl. Yes, really. Veder and Grohl. Really. "I Dont Blame You" is a beautiful, soulful opener of light, airy vocals and piano. Songs like this remind you that there still is a spirit of good, Americana folk in even the best of artists, whether you'd like to admit it or not. This brilliant, laid-back vibe is shared by much of the album, ready for you to sit inside on a drizzling spring day or ride in the car through a light snow. The songs captivate the listener with quiet elements of a tranquil elsewhere. "Werewolf" reminds me of an even more lo-fi version of the brilliant band Hem, resembling (both topic wise and sound wise) of their song "Cuckoo." Marshall demonstrates her lonely, old-fashioned sounding voice to the best of her wonderful abilities her. Other songs like "Free" ensure that if Chan Marshall wanted her songs to be dancefloor smashes, she could. An infectious blend of folk and keyboard rock without the keyboards make you want to get up and think about dancing and quickly sit back down again. "Good Woman" is surely a highlight of the album, with backup vocals by Veder that are barely detectable and utterly mysterious along with some wonderful strings. The songs showcases Marshall's near-brilliant songwriting abilities with down-home lyrics and bitter-sweet melodies. Another highlight is the more rock-filled "He War" reminding me of Sleater-Kinney gone folk with capturing riffs and throw-your-hands-in-the-air melodies. Grohl joins in on "Speak for Me," playing drums and bass. The barely audible vocals and feel-good chorus make you want to go find Marshall and give her a big hug: "The found are leaving and they're tryin to forget / the old world, the whole world is..." Unfortunately, the vibe of the album is lost a little on "Baby Doll," however her spirit is not, still blatant in her wonderful lyrics. "Maybe Not" makes me feel like all is right in the world with beautiful guitar and piano and heart-wrenching vocals. In fact, the second half of the album shares this feeling, with "Names," "Keep on Runin'" and the wonderful finale "Evolution." The album loses points on sounding repetitive and at times too lo-fi for it's own good. Nonetheless, I recommend this album and believe it's a strong contender for the top 10 of 2003 (although, we will have new releases from Radiohead, Idlewild, the White Stripes and oh so many more, so we shall see). |