Feist

Having sung with Canadian indie-popsters Broken Social Scene and female rapper Peaches to the Kings, Leslie Feist has paid her dues. But it’s not till her recent solo debut Let it Die, that we finally get a grasp of her surpising talents. Offering sticky elements of pop, Bossa Nova, funk, soul, jazz and trip-hop on her debut Let it Die, Feist proves to be the Norah Jones for the Coachella sect.

The standout tracks on Let It Die are many and include the R &B flavored “One Evening” with just enough groove and soul to make it a long lost Motown hit. The current radio single, “Mushaboom” plays with a Joni Mitchell inspired melody atop some modern acid jazz. Flavored songs like “Leisure Suite” is dinner party music for the Portishead crowd while the title track will satisfy those for a weak spot for Sade. The French flavored “Tout Doucement” shows the songstress’ true strengths lie within her delivery and simplicity to her lyrics. Covers of The Bee Gee’s “Inside and Out” and Ron Sexsmith’s “Secret Heart” are also equally indulgent. With Let It Die, Feist has clearly moved out of the shadow of her “other” bands to prove that if there was more money behind this release, it might be up for a Grammy. Yes, it’s that good.