Cat Power: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Feb. 4, 2019 | Robin Hilton -- Most artists who play the Tiny Desk are at least a little nervous. Performing in broad daylight in a working office full of staring faces is outside the comfort zones of most people. But Chan Marshall, the unforgettable voice behind Cat Power, seemed especially uneasy when she settled in for her set. Rather than taking center stage, close to the audience, she stepped back and to the side to be closer to her pianist and friend, Erik Paparazzi, for much of the performance. She intermittently steadied herself by resting a hand under her chin while clutching a cup of tea, and she ran through three songs without a break, making her set sound more like a Cat Power medley than a series of distinct songs.
Regardless, the music was arresting and beautifully orchestrated, with simple piano lines and brushed drums backing a voice that could only be hers. Opening with "Wanderer," the title track to Cat Power's latest album, Marshall sang of restless love and yearning with a nod toward motherhood and her 3-year-old son: "Twist of fate would have me sing at your wedding / With a baby on my mind, now your soul is in between." She followed with "Woman," another track from Wanderer - originally recorded with Lana Del Rey - before closing with "The Moon," from her 2006 album The Greatest.
As the band played out its final notes, Marshall leaned on her pianist with a look of relief, as if to say, "We got through it!" But she was all smiles afterward, lingering long after the performance to chat warmly with friends and fans - particularly a small group of young children who'd attended with their parents. It was a sweetly endearing end to a memorable afternoon.
Set List
"Wanderer"
"Woman"
"The Moon"
Musicians
Chan Marshall, vocals; Erik Paparazzi, piano; Adeline Jasso, guitar; Alianna Kalaba, drums
Credits
Producers: Robin Hilton, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kaylee Domzalski, CJ Riculan, Beck Harlan; Photo: Jenna Sterner/NPR

[@markblackwell9486]

What a condescending outline of this beautiful set.

[@Youmeandyume]

Agreed. I really didn’t appreciate the description.

[@guythepirate]

Absolutely agree - she is a magnificent artist and shame on whoever wrote/agreed on the description.

[@joepeinado3035]

Whoever wrote that ? Have they ever performed ?.. do they know the magnitude of this artist Chan ? Such a misguided illustration of such a wonderful set … well said sir @Mark Blackwell 👍🏼

[@SpiritWorldTarot]

I agree with you! She Influenced The Majority Of Vocalists' Who Are Just Now Popular Today, Both Male And Female... She Created A Vocal Sound mimicked by Everyone Else I can Think of Whose Voices Have Great Resonance With People Now! Without judgement, It might be possible that the original poster was unaware of how great her influence IS On Todays' Singers...

[@qev32]

It just shows that they didn’t have an understanding of her as an artist. They probably thought they were being high brow by calling her out (all the rage for people hiding behind anonymity these days). And also, it’s very obvious that she is placing her hands underneath her chin to get a feel of her pitch.

[@ryang7759]

Alternate write-up: Chan Marshall, aka Cat Power, gave a stellar performance that gave me the kind of chills I get only once in a while when I see or hear an amazing piece of art. The End. There. Use that.

[@sonicgrub]

She's your guest. Doesn't get paid. And gets disparaged for a beautiful performance. Shame on whoever wrote and okayed the description.

[@vinwulff]

tiny desk guests dont get paid?!?!!

[@joeylantis22]

It’s not at all disparaging. I think it says more about you than anything if you think that is offensive…

[@Jfg-Sounds]

@@vinwulff Apparently not we could see them as a radio station with videos where musicains can expose their music and talent in the simplest and realest way

[@cian49]

Chan deserves so much respect. There is no description required (certainly not a disparaging one like this) we listen to and feel her music.

[@John-uz4et]

Disparaging how? Grow up. Isn’t there an actual victim you could be defending instead of inventing one?

[@omgxwtf]

@@John-uz4et go troll somewhere else

[@John-uz4et]

@@omgxwtf what was that Karen? Your entitled nonsense isn’t being accepted by everyone? Starting to panic? shouldn’t you be calling for a boycott or getting a waitress fired?

[@omgxwtf]

@@John-uz4et you sound like you need some serious help.

[@katkatkatkat463]

chan's music got me through my teens and saved my life when i was suicidal. i have terrible social anxiety and if i read a description like that about myself it would be very painful. when i saw her play in melbourne i just felt so grateful to see her okay and so proud of her. thank you so much chan. you are so loved.

[@swift-rk1fx]

same, moon pix literally cured my unhealthy sleep schedule, and saved me from suicidal thoughts as well

[@FabioSantos-ip8wh]

The same here and I said it to her! Thank you Universe for people like you for like her!

[@Iamlightning333]

Here’s the new description: Captivating. Sensational. Electrifying. The Goddess Chan.

[@sesshomaru322]

I was really surprised and put off by the description and the narrative it was trying to tell. I watched the performance twice before even reading the description right now as I'm watching her performance for a third time (it was just that good), and she didn't come across uneasy at all. She seemed so calm and at peace with herself. As I'm reading through the other comments, I'm glad that I'm not the only one who felt this way about the jarring and rather insulting description.

[@jesuisravi]

she said, basically, that the woman was nervous....since when is this some kind of put down? It's funny how we all try to be so supercool all the time these days (and probably it has always been so). I would not be at all surprised if the writer showed this to CP and got her OK before she published it. It would be suicidal for a channel to start posting descriptions of performances that offend the performers.

[@marioemanuelperez2317]

Robin Hilton, often provides descriptions of things you may not notice, and may give you a hint of the mood since he's normally present before, during, and after the performance at Tiny Desk. Please reason, if you think Robin means to put down one the performers.

[@adamsymthe5389]

Isn't mentioning stage fright kind of de rigueur when talking about her? Like, they're gonna say something about it no matter how she really acted.

[@jrs0123]

Sometimes journalists have different opinions. Make your own show if you want to write the blurb.

[@randomeyeliner]

I've seen her half a dozen times... she definitely has struggled with anxiety while performing over the years, but also despite that, she's become a better and better performer. As someone with anxiety who also plays music, I find it very relatable and wonderful to see her do that.

[@angelajonbearclaw3863]

I love CATPOWER! her voice got me through some of the rough parts of my life. Thank you Chan Marshall for changing my life in so many ways.

[@niccoloaurelius1587]

What's wrong with the person who wrote the description? Chan is always so beautiful, and a great songwriter/performer.

[@monkeyxx]

that's NPR for you

[@kidsmoked]

Chan was painfully nervous, and I guess the writer felt to defend her, in case she would be attacked.

[@amysiciliani6517]

Exactly, that is the way she always is and it is a perfect expression of her unique shyness and beauty.

[@mjones410]

I guess the description was written by a young person, they always get things wrong. Chan seemed brilliant and perfectly normal to me :)

[@EverAppl14]

I agree, the description is actually pretty cringey, and it misguidedly misinterprets the gorgeous emotional fragility and delicate nature of Chan's delivery and mannerisms- something that all of her long time fans deeply appreciate as part of what makes her such a captivating performer and singer. Chan's rapid blinks when she approaches an emotion or idea at depth are so sublimely sensitive and sensual. Sure, she has anxiety too, but it is not the entirety or the ending of the story. It's merely one layer of her superb complexity as an artist.

[@dipthongthathongthongthong9691]

Chan Marshall! Still as captivating as when I discovered her through Moon Pix back in '99. An underappreciated treasure.

[@beans_thecat]

Such a disappointment to read that description. That NPR writer should be ashamed of himself.

[@TheCaptain008]

Agreed. I read Cat Power: A Good Women. Her story and her performances are very much herself. Very frantic and kind or Neurotic. It's a cool look into qn artist that really does their own thing.

[@StinkyRatMan29]

Jesus... Yeah this description is almost oddly scathing

[@conorhoney7776]

He clearly is an idiot. Anyone worth their measure would recognise Cat as an incredible artist

[@RizzoSphinx]

cat power was the first "alternative" artist i got into in college& i fell in love with everything about her. cat powers music is for the pure of Heart. she is a Legend.

[@Blackoutproject]

So trancendent, so natural, such talent. Like a conversation with the wind, emotional and real. Just beautiful.

[@charliehorse2241]

This woman's words got me through some bad times many times and she continues to be great much love

[@marioabadfernandezdelacigo8893]

Agree with all the comments on the description. She went there and did what she had to do, which is sing, and that she did amazingly well. Talking about her being nervous is showing how little you know about her circumstances.

[@wyndgrove9452]

The Moon is one of the most elegant and beautiful songs ever written. Every time I hear it, it's a revelation.

[@anablozano]

I’m crying I adore this woman

[@barbedobarbados]

That description is ridiculous. I am a shy person myself and I would *hate* if someone wrote this about me in an yt channel or magazine. I'm sure Chan *hates* this kind of judgement - and most of all, you guys are music critics you should be writing about music!!

[@robertodoveris6785]

This NPR description is so out of focus! She's been performing for more than 20 years, and yes, she's particular, but that's what she is... if she doesn't fit in your standards and preconceptions of how a singer should behave maybe is just you who's missing the point.

[@rayanneflowers]

Her voice is still so beautiful and haunting ❤️

[@ilariacanova1782]

Still?

[@bdhjbazekduve]

Chan Marshall, I've been in love with your music for sixteen years. Happiness tears are running down my cheeks whenever I watch this video. Thank you so, so much.

[@thomaskantor]

re/Chan Marshall: never explain yourself re/Robin Hilton: you might have to

[@unsinkablemb]

^^^This 1000 times

[@pepperoniseas]

That first paragraph is insensitive. Make it even worse for a nervous artist by noticing AND writing about it in the description, why don't you? I would never even have noticed if it weren't for that pre-empting the performance.

[@solarsatori]

She is iconic. What's the deal with the description tearing her apart? I'm honestly surprised she even did a tiny desk as someone who's been in the music biz for so long and could literally play any venue she wanted.

[@barbedobarbados]

This new slow version of "The Moon" is even better than the original. Takes me back to 2014 when i first heard it

[@e.m.medrano7976]

Vasco Barbedo LoL. Wow, all the way back to 5 years ago? Don’t you mean 2004? That’s closer to when it was actually recorded.

[@deadbird1229]

Anyone familiar with Cat Power knows that Chan has suffered from varying degrees of stage fright throughout her career, paralyzing in some instances. The description NPR put here is indefensibly in bad taste, cruel and frankly insulting.

[@NOIRTHIRTEEN]

drownsoda I couldn’t agree more... I’ve never heard them EVER describe someone in this way. Really rubbed me the wrong way.

[@Dermot2927]

I didn't get that from it at all.

[@chalkeev]

Why is it bad taste? I am a huge cat power fan and it sounded right on the money. She is not perfect and that's ok. They seemed ok with it. Maybe they expected it to be longer? They are entitled to have expectations. It didn't seem to be resentful.

[@juliepowell5616]

Sounds very much like how men write about women

[@soumyajyotimukherjee4752]

Yeah.. NPR screwed up big time.. They shouldn't have done that

[@GemmaFurbank]

Chan is so endearing and I love her vulnerability. I still doubt she realises just how special she really is. Her voice, like slow molasses. Love her.

[@pinksugarbee]

It's like birds singing in my ears! What beauty of voice, what beauty of band! 👏👏

[@Sethonious]

Beautiful soul with an amazing voice who has to fight her own demons each time she decides to share herself with us. I am always thankful when she is able to grace us with her gift.

[@RayPaganJr]

What I see here is a beautiful performance by Chan and her band. Cat Power, awesome.

[@PandasUNITE]

One of the greatest songwriters of our generation.

[@gonzaloquintana7616]

Perfect. Just perfect .... always moves me.... always moving.

[@gpeddino]

I love how her songs are ever evolving. Each performance is totally unique.

[@laurenlochner7035]

I LOVE U CHAN AND especially drawn to your sense of awkwardness.. so lost in your own space and soul 🔥

[@luisg3235]

when she did the moon wow tears

[@islapanorama]

How brave and wonderful is the fact that, even dealing with stage fright, you accept doing a live show in plain daylight facing the audience? Chaaaan ♥♥♥♥

[@specteratthefeast9667]

I saw her again last night. Last time I saw her she was so nervous, she got through it amd of course it was amazing. This time, with each song she came more out of her shell,making jokes between songs and full on laughing. For the last song, she had all the lights turned on so she could see every face in the crowd, it was so special ❤️

[@janneharkio]

She's amazing, beautiful voice...

[@Rybreadsandwich]

My dad has been playing her ever since I can remember can’t wait to show him this

[@ladyaurora6949]

Rybreadsandwich how old is your dad? That’s awesome

[@Ec0Static]

That was actually so fucking beautiful oh my lord

[@barbedobarbados]

Agreed!

[@melatara]

I am so thankful this came up on my feed. I really needed this today. Her song meets my heart on a level of frequency that is hard to put into words but so very deeply felt. I was feeling sad and built up over the world today. And i cried tears of sweet sadness to see her face and hear her sing again. It has been a while....she always has my heart. 💜

[@ndr_ea]

Cat, you're beautiful and your musicians too. Thank you!

[@TrishV1]

NPR, you really need to change that description. It’s super disrespectful and shows no understanding of Cat Power, and who she is. Leave it up to us viewers to decide what we think is happening and not taint our experience.

[@8Ryanaugust]

Green Beauty Trish - 100% agreed...completely unnecessary commentary. NPR writer obviously doesn’t know what it means for her fans to see her perform like this.

[@mikemugs7]

It's like they took offense to an artist not conforming to their ideal format... Pathetic

[@fun_facts_and_music]

agreed. no need to focus on anxiety & stage fright like that. poor.

[@thedreamsoldierful]

NPR got too cocky after blowing up

[@t.adamcollins2162]

@lucaboden "It is what the writer felt and wrote." I really don't care what the writer feels. Reading these descriptions, written by a hack who doesn't know how to use an em dash, is jarring and unnecessary.

[@blabla-sv4pm]

Amazing Cat Power! Thank you so much, Tiny Desk!!! One of your best, for sure. So much emotion and talent... It is more than music, i've just heard : it is jewellery.

[@firebrnd13]

So beautiful. Thank you Chan and other musicians.

[@andrealambertucci9310]

She is a rare and authentic gemstone

[@grantcrockett]

dang, what a treat. also, if she was indeed moving towards the pianist, it could have been to get away from the vibes of the person who wrote that uncouth description...

[@mnmlst1]

Good one!

[@reginabordon4076]

THIS 1000% !

[@bridgek737]

Exactly.

[@alfredstcloud]

Unacceptable. The description is really low.. can you get rid of it? Chan is AMAZING

[@emmanuelgaille3523]

the guy who wrote this doesn't know Chan's gesture and way to be. And probably doesn't know what is Cat Power... That's why.

[@dorothy6361]

Totally agree! Her sets are always like medleys and it was obviously planned that way, not a result of her being miserable and anxious and in a hurry to get through it (which the description implies). The description here is insulting to the artist.

[@kidsmoked]

She was nervous. There's no crime in that.

[@5a55y5a55]

What I didn't know I needed until I heard it. Cat Power is just amazing😍

[@PreviousOne]

you should listen to Sea of love By Cat Power

[@5a55y5a55]

@@PreviousOne oh I referring to seeing her on Tiny Desk. I have loved her music for ages❤

[@mizpappas]

Totally

[@zhulia]

I am so grateful for this performance because it shows a level of whimsy and cold and depth that I've not found in other performances. Thanks to Chan and thanks to NPR for making it happen.

[@riccardomusiu510]

Very beautifull!!! Cat is beautiful! has a heavenly voice, made me excited a lot, thank you very much you're very good! 👏👏👏👍😊😘💕💕💕Greetings from Italy! 🇮🇹

[@lightningminded]

why review (judgingly describe) her body language? She shouldn't be critiqued in this way.

[@joanna-vv1rk]

Exactly. This performance was so beautiful, I just keep listening over and over acts that idiot focuses on her standing close to the pianist. Must have a wooden ear

[@sneekapeek707]

when the notification came up I couldnt click fast enough! Great to see Cat Power at the Tiny Desk. I love this channel.

[@sallypearl3925]

I don’t know how many times I’ve listened to The Greatest recently! Missed you Cat😂

[@S543-]

I love her so much. Seeing her live has always been a beautiful experience. ❤️

[@coererco4596]

A great voice, a great sound, a great presentation. Thank so much for the feeling and experience you gave to me and the other listener

[@feelslikewater]

chan marshall🥰 the description tho, not here for it. they sound like they’re complaining, and it was a beautiful performance.

[@hondobeans]

I can see that actually, but I do not think it was meant to sound that way.

[@feelslikewater]

i hear what you’re saying. it’s just that anyone who has ever seen her perform, or knows her story, knows very well this is just her, and that she has struggled publicly in the past to the point where venues wouldn’t really want to book her. they’d say things like, boy does that girl know how to clear a room, because her anxiety was so bad, it’d propel her to drink to a point of sobbing sadness that was truly hard to watch. remarks over the difficulties she still struggles with, even after all these years, is a tired talking point that has really hurt her in the past and it’s so unnecessary. she’s able to connect with her audience in a way her fans can appreciate and love her for. she’s deserving of an opportunity to not be criticized over it. i’m happy for her. it appears she has a supportive team around her nowadays and that can make all the difference. all the while, upon rereading it, it could also add to the intrigue of her performances. it’s hard not to get defensive about an artist you really care about and have been following since the 90s and basically shaped your musical interests of today. she’s my favorite and hold her and her music close to my heart.

[@jessicamoore1314]

I went to see Cat back in 2007/2008, she was so frightened that she drunkenly cried and sang only from the wings of the stage. I could understand her fear and sympathized and felt her pain. That being said, I had tickets for this most recent tour and wasn’t feeling so well the night of the show. I chose not to go knowing the likelihood of a good performance from her was not probable. I am happy with my decision, because somehow I prefer an emotionally raw Chan to a distant and highly uncomfortable performance shown here. To me, an artist needs to connect to her audience...it makes me uneasy to listen to a singer who doesn’t really want to sing for me. Her current place is much healthier though, and I am happy she is doing better then she did all those years ago. Her voice on record moves me more than most artists and her lyrics are pure poetry. Love you Chan, even though I don’t want to see you perform for us live. ❤️

[@soumyajyotimukherjee4752]

It was... Wish Metal Heart was done..

[@videotapeses]

Her voice gives me chills

[@666Tagada]

Why bother giving negative feedback ??!! ( 59 at present ) Tiny Desk Concerts are neutral ground for music with a certain level of quality and I for one am so grateful for having been and still being introduced here to all kinds of music I possibly never would come across otherwise. Sacré nom tonnerre - Nom de Chien !

[@friendship6668]

I love her so much. I've been a fan for about 19 years now. She's been w me through some tough stuff

[@alexmarine625]

Their music is absolutely beautiful, great job!!

[@drinajgb2437]

I just love her. She sings with so much passion. This made me cry. Love you CP. Always loved the name Chan. Charlie Parker’s wife was Chan.

[@frustratednoname]

As I look for the Northern Lights tonight I can't think of a better song to fill the night sky with. Beautifully haunting.

[@JJMalchus]

Warm, narrative, and beautifully graceful.

[@BlueTulipe]

She's a true legend ❤

[@renatoaraujinho]

It's so good to live hearing Chan's Voice! kisses from Brazil...Thank you for all this love in the form of friendly voice.

[@MalkyMcMillan]

This is the kind of performance that makes these Tiny Desk gigs unique and memorable. Thanks.

[@kaylaco]

I listen to this on loop. Thank you for sharing your talent with us Chan.

[@ledanannini3031]

Beautiful beautiful ....and so good to see that she’s in a good place now. And her voice, which has aged, is still amazingly beautiful. As for the description, as far as I know Chan has always had issues performing live, especially video, so this is actually a great accomplishment.

[@chrisscott6727]

Chan is a most beautiful artist, she is an inspiration on so many levels. She is soulful, beautiful and amazing. Her music speaks to my soul and elevates me.

[@MarieGlenna]

CHAN & CO - THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR HEALING MAGIC WITH THE WORLD 🌎. I SAW YOU IN PORTLAND. YOU ROCKED THE HELL OUT OF IT. I JUST CANNOT GET ENOUGH OF YOU. 💫🤩

[@neonseacow]

Please change the description Tiny desk. I agree with many here.

[@blueasbluelive2522]

loved her long ago...love her today...this will never change....gorgeous voice...full of the light spirit

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

I can inform those who are not musicians that being forced to perform in a tiny space can be anxiety inducing! Many artists shed nervous energy with their movements, and Chan uses that mechanism to great effect on stage.

[@itslaenna]

yes!!! i love her so much 💕💕

[@dragonflyobsidian8346]

Been waiting for this. Love it. Thank you

[@samuelglover1434]

Chan Marshall aced it, once again. Super cool and inspirational lady, and the description is a pursed lip farce that does her performance no justice. Love this video, she's in control and it's very pleasant to see

[@chrismeya4552]

I have been listening to her albums for more than 10 yrs.❤️

[@annadabneysmith8842]

Chris Meya 20 here😀

[@meganadamsonsijapati9866]

What a gorgeous performance. I have listened to her since 1996 and her voice is more beautiful than ever! The piano is also so lovely here. Mesmerizing ❤

[@davidmacdonell839]

I love her music beyond words. I just utterly adore her.

[@ExtraPencil2]

Her voice is so beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes.

[@dafnamaor]

When she smiles... it lights up the world. Like her voice. Love.

[@DrellaDel]

Very, very nice performance. Sweet, gentle & warm. Thank you.

[@kennerdskinerd]

Beautiful ! I forgot how much I love Cat Power !!

[@gaiusterran9867]

Thank you, Cat! You and your music are blessings from the gods. ❤️

[@renatoaraujinho]

Thank you , thank you , thaaank you...I am so happy!! Long Life to Chan Marshall! Great show!

[@DnaKGames]

sounds good guys! thanks NPR!

[@cindyo6298]

Wow, an emotional performance. Beautiful.

[@logicparadox5869]

Cat Power has always been legendary to those who know, and this performance delivers

[@UpchurchBrand]

Stoked to hear this and see it!

[@bethere6366]

Chan Marshall is the greatest voice of our time. This performance is Intimate and vulnerable and .... real ..... the writer of this description has no sense of respect for the amazingly nuanced performance that Chan is giving. I am a long time fan of Cat Power, and from my point of view; I want more music from the heart. So much music is just glam and BS..... Chan Marshall is beautiful and her records are considered gospel in my house because of her bravery to be such a beautiful and vulnerable artist. I love her work and this performance brought me to tears. I love it. Thank you Chan !!!!

[@debcllns]

Love this lady soooo much! ❤️

[@davidstisher7389]

Simply beautiful.

[@genXcripple]

definitely still love cat power. thanks tiny desk

[@aktosweden]

Love love love Chan. I was almost turned off from the description. Such beauty. I emphasize with your nervous energy )always have). Keep making music I can relate to.

[@chipy7020]

How I fell in love with this woman's voice and soul.

[@whenwewereseventeen]

First time I've checked in on Cat Power for quite a few years. What a captivating performance. She look so happy and healthy here :)

[@janicehammond4023]

Love this beautiful woman. Beautiful voice, beautiful soul. The one and only...

[@AshaSydney]

so good 😭😭 her voice is so soothing

[@sealevelbear]

Robin Hilton, your description’s first paragraph was unnecessary and in poor taste.

[@mnmlst1]

Yeah, it makes no sense at all. The person who wrote this was definitely having a bad day...

[@daf827]

I’m glad they took the description down so I can appreciate her performance without any negative bias.