Feist - The Reminder

I don’t listen only to classical music. I also listen to jazz. And even some pop and rock and indie pop or whatever you want to call it. Even some contemporary stuff. Like Feist. Last year I picked up Let it die and was taken in by her mix of original, personal songs and tasty remakes. Alright, admit it, you secretly like the Bee Gees, and you know you want to hear some good remakes. Feist did just that.

The Reminder is even better. Ms Feist’s new album is an eclectic mix of songs, not really linked together thematically, though relationships show up again. For me the big draw is the more diverse, even quirky, instrumentation (including a harp!) and rhythms and sounds she creates. All the material is original this time around, some sampling aside, and she shows more range. No, she doesn’t have the best voice, and no she’s not the greatest lyricist ever, and no she’s not the greatest instrumental writer, but she does combine and deliver her ideas in an interesting, gripping, unique, and ultimately compelling way. I do think I like this disc more than Let it die. The only downside is that the sound is variable, and at times sounds hard and brittle. No biggie. A very fine disc.


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