Tuesday, December 13th, 2005
So this week I’m going to talk about the “new” Feist cd, Let It Die. This cd was released in Europe a year ago, but is only about 5 or 6 months new to the US. I try not to write about older cds anymore, but I’m frankly quite smitten with this album and really felt like it deserved a little mention.

So, I’ll think most people have at least heard of Broken Social Scene. Yup, definitely the indie sensation of 2003. Well, Feist (Leslie Feist to be complete) is part of the 16 person conglomerate that is Broken Social Scene. With Broken Social Scene having their break out album, You Forgot It In People, the ground was ripe for Feist to have her own breakout album. Boy, did she deliver with Let It Die. From beginning to end, Feist records an album of pure genius that anyone, from me, to my mother, to my grandmother, instantly begins tapping their feet, snapping their fingers, and humming the infectious melodies.

So this is a rare cd where I think I could write about any of the 11 tracks (or 13 if you’re lucky enough to own the import version). I mean, c'mon, there's even a Bee Gees cover (Inside & Out) on this sucker. The first song, however, that really caught my ear was One Evening, the fourth track. This song is the definition of sultry and sexy. I think you have to imagine listening to this song in a dimly lit lounge watching this little Canadian princess sing as you sip on your cheap well whiskey (yea Scott!). But ladies and gentlemen, Feist is certainly no one trick horse. The seventh song, When I Was a Young Girl, is a spiritual that is propelled by hand percussion and an undulating bass line. Clearly Feist is trying to share a bit of the fantastic voice talent which she was given with the rest of the world. But really, my favorite song at the end of the day (and many listens through this cherished album) is Secret Heart. It begins very cutsey, with some keybord sounds that seem like they’re from the movie Big (you know, when Tom Hanks is in the toy store playing the big piano that you step on . . . c’mon . . . you know it). A Ron Sexsmith’s cover, this song is completely disarming and irresistible. The music is pretty simple, with a good orchestration to support it. It’s the kind of song that you know the next note four notes before it comes, but that’s what you love about the song.

So what more to say about this album.. Katie Black really likes it. Still not enough motivation? Maybe you should check this out. I mean, seriously, anybody with that kind of devestating wit and sarcasm has to be trusted. I ,for one, trust Ms. Black. There, I said it. I trust Katie Black.

Anyhow, it’s pretty obvious how I feel about the latest Feist contribution to the musical world. I’ll give her 5 Kool-Aid mans, especially considering she dogged on KS when she and Broken Social Scene came through Lawrence on Halloween. I laughed at least (and it was a great show . . . at least until Broken Social Scene got all space rocky . . .). Take care all and keep an eye out soon for my top 10 albums of 2005. Coming soon to a Dockboys near you . . .

Feist – Let It Die

-patrick