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!

Comments

"Chang-E" - Emmy the Great (new album out 10/9)

Emmy the Great drops her new album tomorrow on Bella Union - the fastest album she says she's ever created. "April /月音" was completed after a trip to to her birth city Hong Kong in 2017. In early 2018, Emmy the Great made "April /月音" in a two-week period in Brooklyn - which was delayed for release until now because of her maternity leave. After recording this album, Emmy moved (for good) back to Hong Kong. Since her original trip to Hong Kong, things have become quite tumultuous there. Said Emmy. "I’ll never know why the city called me back, but I know what it gave me. In return, I want to give it this album. That Mid-Autumn, nobody could have predicted what was to come, neither the atomization that began with the anti-Extradition Law protests in June 2019, nor the struggle for democracy that continues now, through the Covid-19 pandemic. To witness your birth city in its greatest moment of need is a powerful, humbling event, and I know I watched Hong Kong

Give JR a Break

Recently, I've been reading some sites that have criticized James Roday, the lead actor on the USA show PSYCH for an apparent weight gain. But you know what? Who gives a flying fizzle stick if James Roday is slightly larger than he was 4 years ago. Apparently, it wasn't enough to scare away his current girlfriend/ co-star Maggie Lawson. (Who is one hell of a Catch!) And NO they are not engaged. That seems to be nothing more than a rumor, but there is a very high chance of it happening in the near future. Anyway, as long as PSYCH continues to entertain I don't mind about James Roday's waist. He, and Dule Hill, and Corbin Bernson too, can eat all the fried broccoli they want. The last episode of PSYCH wasn't so smashing, but I don't blame it on dietary issues. QATFYG: Are you keeping up with Psych? And who is hotter, James Roday or Maggie Lawson? (Trick Question but idk why) PS: If you have heard any more news on Roday and Lawson becoming Roday-Lawso

movies you should see: hiroshima mon amour

Hiroshima, Mon Amour this movie has been on my mind a lot lately, due to the recent events in Japan. when I saw it about a year ago, it easily made an impression on me. easily. it was just so beautiful, in every way thinkable. it follows the story of a French actress and her Japanese architect lover, having a conversation together as they lie in bed. the majority of the film is told in flashbacks of their lives in WWII (the film was made in 1959, so there's a ten year gap there). he was directly affected by the dropping of the atom bomb in Hiroshima; she was ostracized due to her involvement with a German soldier. the reason I was propelled to see it was the song "Burning Hearts" by My Favorite- "I was an architect, she was an actress, I drew the Eiffel Tower upon her dress." (really good song too, by the way! RIP My Favorite). luckily, you can find the movie online. here's a portion of it: I HOPE YOU LIKE READING FILMS it's given credit (so I am

The Useless Critic 2.0

Search This Blog