Cat Power

You Are Free - Matador 2003

Tracks: 1. I Don't Blame You / 2. Free / 3. Good Woman / 4. Speak for Me / 5. Werewolf / 6. Fool / 7. He War / 8. Shaking Paper / 9. Babydoll / 10. Maybe Not / 11. Names / 12. Half of You / 13. Keep on Runnin'" / 14. Evolution

Comments:

Most songs on "You Are Free" are, as was the case with the highly acclaimed "Moon Pix", quite simple, both in arrangement and compostion. In focus are Shan Marshall’s fine vocals and often slightly quirky melody lines that can lead the mind toward artists such as Alex Chilton, Lisa Germano and Kurt Cobain.

However, there are also a handful of songs where there is a more band-type approach; through guest appearances by Dave Grohl, Eddie Vedder and Warren Ellis. A few songs have also got string arrangements by David Campbell. My favorites are mostly among the most produced songs. One exception is the fine opening song "I Don’t Blame You", which is Chan Marshall alone with her piano, and on which she sings in harmony with herself.

Otherwise I could highlight "Free", which can almost be described as a rocker, with electric guitar, bass and drums. On the equally fine "Speak for Me" Dave Grohl is behind the drum set. He is also featured on "He War", which has some great electric guitar lines.

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