Customer Reviews

Let It Die

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Does Leslie Feist sound familiar?

If she does, it's because of her musical resume, which includes Canadian indie-popsters Broken Social Scene, rapper Peaches and the Kings of Convenience. That sort of resume also makes you wonder: what will her second solo album, "Let It Die," sound like?

Well, this is what it sounds like: Stripped down, sensual pop music, with a little bit of jazz and trip-hop around the edges. It kicks off with only an acoustic guitar, before Feist jumps in like an orphaned torch singer who wants you to hear her. "Well it's time to begin/as the summer sets in/It's the scene you set for new lovers," she croons.

From there on, Feist doesn't even slow down. She ventures into cheery, catchy pop like "Mushaboom," sensual slow ballads, rippling trippy songs, and smooth torch songs. There's even -- surprisingly -- a cover of the Bee Gees' "Inside And Out," which she gives a funky spin, and a delicately catchy cover of Ron Sexsmith's underrated "Secret Heart."

Additionally, there are several bonus tracks, including a remix and a piano version of one song. But these aren't quite up to the level of the main body of music here. Pretty, yes, but not outstanding.

Feist's music isn't the sort that sets off fireworks and sets you raving about how much fun it is, quality be damned. "Let It Die" is the sort of album that is periodically hailed as being the real deal -- no studio tricks, only a dab of musical polish, and strong reliance on good songwriting and tunes rather than hooks. In other words, this is not a studio creation, but pure music.

But if the music is lovely, Feist is even better. Her vocals are front-and-center, and she makes good use of them. No "American Idol" vocal explosions, no hyperdramatics. Instead, Feist uses her vocals in all sorts of different ways -- breathy, husky, ethereal and coy, and and perfectly in sync with the music.

Not that Feist's voice doesn't mean that the music isn't also good. Because it is -- very good. Most of the instrumentation piano and acoustic guitar, with some additional touches -- snapping fingers, cowbells, a hint of synth and handclaps thrown in. It's very simple and pretty, no matter the style. Only a few songs, like the clunky "Lonely Lonely," fail to be captivating.

After a little-known solo debut and several supporting performances, Leslie Feist moves into the spotlight, and establishes herself with the beautiful "Let It Die." Beautiful soft pop.

i love this cd so much. its just amazing in the way that it can just take you up, up away from daily life. it just makes you so happy its ridiculous. even if you don't like lo-fi music, you'll still fall for it because of her flowy voice.

This album is so lo-fi it could be background music, but Feist's voice and personal lyrics make her music impossible to tune out. Let It Die isn't overproduced and the instrumentation is given a backing role as to not overpower Feist's voice. That's the strong point, as she switches easily between smoky drawls and sweet pop licks. It's a laid-back album with elements of jazz, disco, and pop. The only thing keeping me from giving Feist 5 stars is because her own songs are much better than the covers.

I liked this album more than her next one (the reminder) because it sounded more true to Fiest to me. The reminder has just a touch of commercial that seems too coated, too polished, trying to appeal to sales..? Listening to "Let It Die" on the other hand disarms me.

For people who love Feist, I apoligize. I simply do not think her music lives up to the hype. All her songs seem to teeter on the edge of profound, only to crash back into 'forgettable'. Listening to her music, I am struck by the idea that she dislikes what she does, which is frankly, a little depressing.

I read a lot of music reviews and buy a CD or two each week. I think this is my favorite CD of the year. Sounds a bit like Norah Jones but I prefer Feist. Highly recommended.

Any album that has a cover of Blossom Dearie's 'Now At Last' gets my approval. Her parents must have had 'Eclectic Circus' playing in the background while she was growing up. I get bits of all that was good in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s sounds in there. Lovely!

Re voting buttons! If I knew how do that I would make it happen. Haven't been able to find it!

I don't normally listen to this kind of music, but when I heard the Inside and Out remake, I was amazed by its simplicity and creativity. This is the ultimate mellow-out backgound-music album. Not only that, it's an album that many people out there can relate to. This CD is suitable for anyone's CD collection. Just don't listen to it in the car (you might get too relaxed in front of the wheel)

This album contains some of the best material and arrangements I have heard in years!. Catchy tunes and lots of fun to listen too. My only complaint would be the quality of the recording and the 'chinsy' keyboard sounds and effects used to create these wonderful songs. Someone get Feist and good producer and beef up the sound. I hear horns here???. There should be horns! Real instuments rather than synth effects.

Love the CD anyway though!

I remember I initially heard "Inside and Out" on tv and it took me forever to figure out who sang it. When I did, I ordered the cd and I love it. She has a wonderfully amazing voice, it is so sultry! Amazing CD!