Marshall (whose first name is pronounced Shawn) has developed a reputation for erratic live performances that would border on infamy if her fans weren’t such a fervently loyal bunch.

Legends abound of Marshall giving up mid-song, collapsing in tears onstage, or leaving altogether after just a few minutes. Whatever the reason, the will-she-or-won’t-she drama only adds to the concert experience.

In any case, when all goes well, Cat Power draws raves from critics and fans alike.

You Are Free, Cat Power’s first album of original songs since 1998’s Moon Pix, will be released on Matador on February 18.

In 2000, Cat Power released The Covers Album, a collection of intensely reworked favorites, including tunes by such American luminaries as Bob Dylan and the Velvet Underground as well as traditional folk songs. Marshall has also shown a soft spot for recording and performing songs by indie-rock contemporaries such as Smog and Pavement.

Selected dates are on sale now through Ticketmaster, looking to be priced mostly in the $10-$15 range.