Already favoured by many, there’s absolutely no doubting that Feist will soon make it real big. It seems unbelievable that after releasing not one but two sublime singles – easily some of the best 2004 had to offer – she still hasn’t become a household name. Indeed this striking persona screams talent and means it so much more than any of today’s pretenders to the singer/songwriter’s crown. Re-defining to perfection classic British pop In ‘Mushaboom’, she sounded like the little sister The Beatles never really quite had. Equally brilliant ‘One Evening’ was her take on the seventies West Coast sound of Steely Dan and Fleetwood Mac. Yes like most artists in our post-modern times Feist gets inspired by the greats of yesterday, however the Canadian ex-pat always manages to turn the end result into her own thanks to a her magic touch and distinctive moods. Whether she explores rootsy pop-folk, late night blues or lush jazzy funk, she embraces a particular spirit and brings touching, honest substance to it – instead of blandly mimicking. Another favourite from her essential debut album ‘Let It Die’ is ‘Inside & Out’, a sober yet charming cover of the famous Bee Gees song (produced by pal/mentor Gonzales). Intimate, sexy and uplifting, it should be requested that it gets aired every morning on radio until the summer shows up (102 BPM). As far as clubs are concerned Ewan Pearson provides a couple of mixes in collaboration with Usher (presumably one of his new Berlin acolyte). Unfortunately the pair’s vocal mix doesn’t up the tempo but is nevertheless a lovely interpretation that respectfully sprinkles a bit of disco glitter onto that warm piano chord progression and her sublime vocals. On a different tip their Elektronisher Dub is a druggy electro-house re-rub that fits well with the Kompakt sound of now (113). Second Best pitch things up to 124 BPM for a stripped-down dubby workout that boasts jazzy keys and acidy bleeps.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Jerry Bouthier
