SOFT FOCUS HOST IAN SVENONIUS ON CHAN MARSHALL
Some people have probably said that Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power) “has the soul of an innocent, a real life ingénue whose strange and unworldly art mesmerized the masses and thrust her-ambivalent—into the leering ogleficating of the public arena.”
And perhaps, if someone has ever said that, it might possibly be true. Once, like a wood sprite lured by a carny onto a sideshow, she seemed uncomfortable with her role as translator of the soul’s most abstract expectorations. Marshall’s profound compositions and singular singing style were cited on stage with a deconstructive approach that left unprepared audiences equal parts seared to the bone and perplexed.
More recently though, Cat Power, collaborating with the Memphis Rhythm Band featuring Teeny Hodges of Hi Records/Royal Recording/ Al Green/ OV Wright/ Syl Johnson fame, has transformed into one of the most confident, must-see barnburning live shows around.
Soft Focus was honored to be debriefed about such things by Chan Marshall during a conversation and—since the proceedings just happened to be videotaped by some quick thinking individuals using what must have been very expensive cell phone cameras—we can invite you to join us.
Painful to watch. Looks like she's got some issues. Better she keep to singing than the talk show circuit.
Posted by: moose | March 05, 2007 at 12:29 PM
She always seem a bit nervous, at gigs as well. She's enjoys writing music and singing but is afraid of going up on stage.
Or well, that's what it seems like.
Posted by: jocke | March 05, 2007 at 11:59 PM
soft focus = love
Mr. Svenonius stay the way you are!
love from germany
oli
Posted by: oli | March 06, 2007 at 04:54 AM
So beautiful
Posted by: shawn | March 06, 2007 at 05:33 AM
Cocaine's a hell of a drug.
Posted by: Jimmy | March 06, 2007 at 05:58 AM
She seems to get a lot more comfortable in the second part. I really like her though. I mean, I've always liked her music, but she reminds me a lot of people I know, which is neat.
Posted by: Murphy | March 06, 2007 at 07:34 AM
chan = love
chan + ian = great family
Posted by: oli | March 06, 2007 at 05:25 PM
the thing about ian is... his guests just give him the slightest glimpse of the real thing, then his eyes get a bit wider. then that's that. on to the next bit of foreplay. his guests never open like a flower... i don't know... he should learn certain unsaid dynamics maybe....
maybe he should take some lessons from that epicly laterd dude...
Posted by: lit | March 07, 2007 at 12:08 PM
this interview is off the hindges!
Ian does a great job tapping in to the CAt power vibe, creating a very funny, and exciting interview with one of the most all around beautiful artist out there.
Posted by: ammon rost | May 03, 2007 at 06:29 AM
spooner oldham's daughter? (part 3)
Posted by: sals | August 26, 2007 at 06:32 AM
wow, never knew how unbalanced she was. It was uncomfortable just to watch.
Posted by: rocky dennis | September 25, 2007 at 11:32 PM