- When Chan Marshall (Cat Power) finished Wanderer, and showed it to her (former) record label (Matador), it was rejected. The label was allegedly concerned about a lack of hits and even went so far as to give Marshall an Adele album so she could hear what a pop album should sound like. It wasn’t the first time a record label made a poor decision. Warner Bros. had the same reaction when they hear the Wilco masterpiece, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, only for their subsidiary, Nonesuch to end up buying the album off the band. Needless to say, Marshall went elsewhere and has released an album that is unique and artistic.
Wanderer is Cat Power’s first album since 2012. Previous release, Sun, was a vibrant affair, replete with synths and heavy on the arrangements. Wanderer is presented in stark contrast. The album is predominantly sparse, with some songs featuring little more than a single piano or acoustic guitar. What’s most on display is Marshall’s compelling harmonies which are ubiquitous throughout the album. This is most evident on the opening, title track, an acapella song to deftly kick things off. It’s a chilling introduction if not a portent for the record and something very few artists would be able to pull off.
The minimalist approach to the songs suits them. There's something quaint to most things here, as if these could all have been unrecorded songs from the 1950s. An exception to this is fourth track, Woman, a life-affirming song that culminates in an anthemic chorus. Featuring guest vocals from Lana Del Ray -and not to detract from the rest of what's on offer- Woman is certainly a highlight.
Wanderer is not a masterpiece. It doesn’t need to be. At this point in her career, Marshall would rather make the album she wants to than appease any record label folk. The result is better than any forced pop album could have been. Unorthodox and strange, these are most likely the reasons Cat Power has such a dedicated following. Fans will feel ... repaid with this offering. Wanderer sounds like Cat Power and no one else.
- Jonathan Cloumassis.