ARTIST:
FEIST


ALBUM:
METALS


KEY TRACKS:
THE BAD IN EACH OTHER
ANTI-PIONEER
CAUGHT A LONG WIND
THE CIRCLE MARRIED THE LINE


"speak plain"




This has been a long anticipated release for me.  Ever since Monarch I've always kept Leslie Feist on my musical radar.  She's one of those artists who's musical career I've loosely followed but enjoyed nonetheless.  At first listen Metals doesn't have those standout whimsical singles that made The Reminder such a hit.  You know, the 1 2 3 4's and the Sea Lion's.  Instead Metals is more of a slow burn, reminiscent of some of those subtle gems from The Reminder like Brandy Alexander and (my personal favorite Honey Honey).  As a result of this combination,  Metals really smolders.  

On the first listen you get all the new textures Feist is experimenting with.  Most noticeably are the saxophones and other string/horn arrangements.  However, Feist still maintains her folk roots by honoring those subjects that the genre holds dearest:  nature and love.  And although an already well seasoned musician and songwriter, I couldn't  help but feel there is a real sense of maturity to this album.  The songs are really fluid, layered richly, and are so much more dimensional than previous releases. 


I also feel that I listened to this album in the right place and the right time.  I was road tripping in rural America when this album came on my iPod.  Let me tell you that this record is meant to be heard outside, in the sunlight, with the wind in your hair.  


The album's opener, The Bad in Each Other is most definitely the finest example of this.  Feist's wispy voice, backed by an entire symphony of clattering tambourines, strings, saxophones, guitars, and a laundry list of other noises is a most satisfying combination.  Feist really showcases those guitar skills on this one putting this riff up there amongst 2011's best.    


Metals is certainly more demanding vocally and it's lovely to hear Feist loud and clear over her music as exemplified best in The Circle Married the Line and Anti-Pioneer.  There's also a noticeable staccato to her voice here which was delightful to hear. 


 Anti-Pioneer is a little jewel box of a track and it embodies all the traditional Feist qualities: guitar, subtle backing vocals, and that comfortable slow paced melody.  What's most remarkable about this track is that it has been 10 years in the making.  10 years to make something so subtle?  For Feist, on this track and the album as a whole, capturing that sort of understated elegance is worth taking the time.   

LISTEN:  THE BAD IN EACH OTHER  |  ANTI PIONEER  |  CAUGHT A LONG WIND  |  THE CIRCLE MARRIED THE LINE

NEXT WEEK:  JAMES BLAKE  |  JAMES BLAKE

ARTIST:

Broken Social Scene

ALBUM:

Forgiveness Rock Record

KEY TRACKS:

Meet Me in the Basement

Forced to Love

World Sick

"Well if you think about it, you're a fool, yeah."  

Broken Social Scene Circa 2006

The above mentioned lyric could not be more true about this dynamic (and enormous) ensemble from Canada.  Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning's Broken Social Scene have been around for quite a while, paving the way for other major acts like Stars and Feist.  What’s interesting to me about them is that despite the years and the constant flux of band members, BSS has managed still to maintain at its core a cohesive musical identity.  

All the sounds that originally drew fans in, are present in this most recent album: the understated lyrics (Ungrateful Little Father), fluttering strings, the distant guitar twangs (Highway Slipper Jam; Art House Director), and the ever present white noise of electronics buzzing in the background (All to All).  Although the lyrics are wonderful, for me the true beauty is in the lovely and understated instrumentals peppering the tracks.  

Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning

What I love most about BSS is that they’re not a cerebral band, It’s not a band that wants you to pick apart it’s lyrics.  It’s melodic, mysterious, and cryptic, without pushing it which adds more to the music.  It’s a mindset, a sense that everything is cool, everything is good.  Tying in with the above featured lyric, you’re a fool to spend your time listening simply for the lyric meaning when really the true beauty is in the lush melodies and vocals.  That being said, the true triumph of the album is the instrumental gem Meet Me in the Basement.  My god the drums in this track!  This album’s been out awhile now.  If you haven’t given yourself the pleasure of listening to it. DO.   

                                   LISTEN NOW:  Meet Me in the Basement  |  Forced to Love  |  Water in Hell

NEXT WEEK |  Massive Attack  |  Heligoland