Of Feist and Introspection

QUEEN QUEEN QUEEN

This past Friday brought with it the release of the much-anticipated Feist album, "Pleasure."  Of course, this was a major deal, because "Metals " came out in the dark age that was 2011.  So that's six years, Fiona  Leslie.

She has hinted via social media that this may be her final album. She's also back to the Broken Social Scene bizness, so it's logical.  No one wants to spread themselves too thin.

"Pleasure" is just that - a pleasure. It's Feist at her most raw and therefore her most powerful. Her greatest asset is her voice, which is unbelievably beautiful and strong.  You have singers like Adele and then you have singers like Feist. I prefer the latter.

It even contains a duet with the legendary Jarvis Cocker, but oddly it's not an album highlight. For me, the first half of the album is superior to the last half. All of it, though, is amazing - and fits together seamlessly.

Make no mistake, this album is superb.  I would rank it higher than "The Reminder" but somewhere below "Metals" and obvs "Let It Die."  "I Wish I Didn't Miss You" and  "Any Party" are standouts. The aching behind "I Wish " hurt to listen to for me.  But "Any Party ?"  "I would leave any party for you, " she sings in it. Ah man, don't make melt Leslie. 

Interestingly, and here is where my millennial self shines brilliantly, Feist albums are alwaysssss tied to life events for me. I snagged "Let It Die" right as my time in high school came to a close. "The Reminder" was the background to university for me (lonely first two years, nothing after that really.) And "Metals?" When my life in New York went to hell in a handbasket, there was Leslie Feist.  I can't even tell you how much I listened to "How You  Come Never Go There " from my barred-in pre-gentrification Bushwick apartment. I am left to wonder what precipice I am now on. Well my 20s are almost over so, that might be it.

TL;DR - Feist occupies a sacred place in my heart. And I am eager for a new soundtrack.

Feist is currently touring. Catch her while you can!