Feist is the solo project of Canada's Leslie Feist, a prolific artist who has also played in one capacity or another with Broken Social Scene, Kings of Convenience and half a dozen other bands. The Reminder, her third release, comes from the same well of quiet, appealing songwriting, and delicate vocalizations that made 2004's Let It Die such a sweet treat. This one is a bit more hushed and ballad heavy, closer to Cat Power than Peaches (with whom Feist has also worked with in the past) but maintains an indie-minded blend of confessional pop, jazzy folk, and lo-fi torch songs. The comparatively upbeat single "My Moon My Man" splits her voice off into unexpected harmonies, just dissonant enough to stick in your head. It's hard to predict where her melodies are going to end up; "Brandy Alexander" starts with a simple snap-pulse, and gradually unfolds into a cathartic chorus of sweeping vocal overlays. Throughout, the record profits from a simple, unfussy aesthetic that keeps the production minimal and the emphasis squarely on Feist's cracking, wistful vibrato. Everything sounds deliberate, but not obsessed over, like an e-mailed wedding invitation. It's a low-pressure vibe, welcoming and content to linger. And linger you will. --Matthew Cooke
Feist's diverse musical talents have taken her on many paths, from band member (Broken Social Scene, By Divine Right) to guest performer (Peaches, Jane Birken) to respected solo artist. Whatever the project, there has never been a question that the Toronto musician is heavily respected by her peers. When the call went out to remix Feist's work, her respected contemporaries were quick to come on board. Such is the basis of Open Season, a collection of remixes and rarities from Feist's heavily-acclaimed 2004 release Let It Die. Curiously, more than a third of this music comes from remixes of just two songs from that disc, specifically four different versions of "Mushaboom" and two takes of "Gatekeeper." Some of the re-workings arguably exceed the original cuts, most notably The Postal Service who turns "Mushaboom" into a synth-driven track with Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie) offering joyful harmonies throughout. K-OS' strong take on the same tune follows a hip hop feel, complete with his MC skills front and center. The CD's sweetest spot, however, comes in the form of an emotive acoustic offering of "Inside + Out," captured during a BBC performance. Also worth noting is Feist's softened cover of "Lovertits" a track originally recorded by her famous former roommate Peaches. For casual Feist fans, this may not be the best introduction to her talents. For Feist aficionados, however, it certainly shows the level of respect that other musicians have for the singer, and will provide some great audio candy until her next full-length release. --Denise Sheppard
