marshall has the power.

when it comes to chan marshall, people either adore her or cringe at the very purr of her namesake, cat power. something about her mopey demeanor and laidback crooning, leave little room for indifference.

we've all heard the stories. surely, you or someone you know or someone you wish you knew have witnessed one of her infamous on-stage breakdowns during which she stormed off or cried or spent the majority of the show hiding behind a flimsy curtain of hair, attempting the same song nine times in a row without ever getting it "right". well, relax. according to matador, chan has cancelled her recent tour due to mysterious health reasons, which is an absolute shame because the greatest is begging to be performed on stage.

the newest album draws on the same full sound present on you are free, only this time around there are a few new additions, mainly the plethora of instruments, including violin, viola, cello, saxaphone, trumpet! oh and don't forget the bluesy piano and country twanging geetars. it sounds overwhelming, i know. but buried beneath it all, chan's whole sappy lyrics/sultry voice combination remain completely intact. it's a trademark she will always own, no matter how hard beth orton tries.

though the album lacks any obvious standouts for airplay in weird stores like old navy, you might want to get yourself a blanket and some warm apple cider, and indulge in these last days of winter with tracks like empty shell, and the moon. you'd be wise to save songs like after it all for the long lonely haul of summer.