{$Cat Power}'s 1998 album {^Moon Pix} continues {$Chan Marshall}'s transformation from an indie rock Cassandra into a reflective, accomplished singer/songwriter. Where her previous works were an urgent, aching mix of punk, folk, and blues, {^Moon Pix} is truly soul(ful) music: warm, reflective, complex, and cohesive. For this album, {$Marshall} moved the recording sessions for the album to Australia, and switched her rhythm section to {$the Dirty Three}'s {$Mick Turner} and {$Jim White}; the lineup changes add new depth and light to her compelling, intricate guitar work and gently insistent vocals. From the backwards drum loop on {&"American Flag"} (borrowed from {$the Beastie Boys}' {&"Paul Revere"}) to the fluttering, smoky flutes on {&"He Turns Down"} to the double-tracked vocals and crashing thunderstorms of {&"Say,"} {^Moon Pix}'s expressive arrangements mirror the songs' fine emotional shadings. {$Marshall} is sunny on the quietly hopeful {&"You May Know Him,"} hypnotic and seductive on {&"Cross Bones Style,"} and poignant on {&"Colors & the Kids,"} where she sings, "It's so hard to go into the city/Because you want to say hi, hello, I love you to everybody." As natural and refined as a pearl, {^Moon Pix} is a collection of fragile yet strong songs that reveal {$Marshall}'s unique, personal songwriting talents in their full glory. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide