2011, Cherrytree/Interscope
Leslie Feist has never been aboutbeing cool. Her quirky voice and off-beat musical style has always allowed herto stand apart from the crowd, and her willingness to try almost anything hashelped her to be innovative both as a songwriter and interpreter of music. Feist'sfirst forays into performance were with a Calgary punk outfit called Placebo(not THE Placebo); this led, years later, to Feist joining Toronto alt-starsBroken Social Scene. Feist has also toured or recorded with Noah's Arkweld, ByDivine Right, Peaches and Kings Of Convenience. The placement of her song"1234" in an Apple commercial in 2007 turned the plucky songstressinto an international sensation. The song, an Indie release, rose to #8 on theBillboard Pop chart on the strength of downloads alone, and resulted innumerous awards.
This sort of success can either be acatalyst to greater things or the downfall of an artist. Many a songwriter hastripped on their own attempts to re-create such success. With Metals,Feist tries a novel approach, seemingly pretending it never happened. Ratherthan change course based on commercial pressures, Feist does what she's alwaysdone - follow the currents of her own muse wherever they might take her.Consequently, Metals is perhaps even quirkier than her previous works.Feist's salty, breathy voice bends itself through sounds that seem almostimpossible to create at times, opening a window on her worldviews song by song.
"The Bad In Each Other" isa stripped down and primitive blend of Electro-folk and rock; an intriguingtake on the phenomenon that happens when two good people with the best ofintentions simply do not work together. Feist's insight is subtle yet distinct,highlighting the accident rather than the aftermath. "Graveyard" is ahaunting, disjointed pop venture that's dark in aspect and incredibly varied insound. Even within the bounds of standard pop song construction, the achingurgency of Leslie Feist's vocal line is the sort that stops people in theirtracks. "Caught A Long Wind" struggles a bit, getting lost in its ownesoteric arrangement, but the vocal is stunning.
Feist digs in with a soulful soundon "How Come You Never Go There", giving herself over to an edgy,string-based arrangement on "A Commotion". The quiet urgency in thisnumber is compelling, perhaps even highlighted by the simple two-tone verse incontrast to the full-bodied, angular chorus. Feist settles in with fineperformances on "The Circle Married The Line", "BittersweetMelodies" and "Anti-Pioneer", lulling the listener into awell-satisfied and comfortable musical slumber. Taking everything down a notchfurther, she swoons into the fuzzy and effect-filled "UndiscoveredFirst", transforming the experience into a power, anti-pop realization.The quiet genius of this song may not appear to you the first few timesthrough, but will grow on you over time.
Feist strips the arrangement bear on"Cicadas And Gulls", a lovely folk ballad featuring guitar and voice.This quiet moment shines bright amidst its peers. "Comfort Me" is anacknowledgment that all is not as it appears. The urgency of this discoverygrows in the energy and power of the song, a musical and emotional slowcrescendo that breaks over the listeners like a rush of slow-moving emotionjust before the song concludes. Feist wraps up with "Get It Wrong Get ItWright", a contemplative, dreamy number illuminated by a gorgeous melodyand a matching vocal performance.
Feist does the only thing a trueartist can do on Metals; she ignores the previous accolades and justkeeps creating along the lines that please her most. Metals warmsslowly, taking a few listens to really find a comfortable place in thelistener's head, but those extra listens are very much worth the effort. Thereare many acts out there that talk this sort of unbending dedication to theirart, but few live it as completely as Leslie Feist. Metals is neitherthe best nor worst work of Feist's career. Such distinctions mean little here.It is another set of musical children, born of a tremendous talent that seesthe world in bright, illuminating colors, rather than the subtle shades of greythat dominate an increasingly cynical pop world.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about Feist at www.listentofeist.com or www.myspace.com/feist.
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For now, enjoy a clip of Feist from Sesame Street...