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Feist- Metals

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On her latest album, Metals, Canadian singer-songwriter Leslie Feist brings a set of songs that feel much older than the tracks that were on her last album, the Reminder. That album was released only four years ago, but Metals' dreary, grey aesthetic makes the distance between these two albums feel so much wider. WATCH THE REVIEW

Feist- "How Come You Never Go There"

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On the first track to drop from Feist's upcoming album, Metals, the instrumentation hits a light groove as the lyrics detail a story about finding a love that was once there. However, all efforts seem to be doomed from the start. The music doesn't come on hard. It functions more on subtleties than obvious pop trickery, which makes this an interesting song to drop before the release of Metals. Will this track be upbeat in comparison to the rest?

The ending could have been more developed, and there could have been more contrast between the verses and choruses. Still, for me, this is a pretty solid tune. I love hearing Feist tell this narrative, and climb to breezy highs and depressing lows with her voice. Not completely filling, but a great appetizer.

WATCH THE REVIEW

Feist- "How Come You Never Go There"

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Hugely successful Canadian solo artist, ex-Broken Social Scene member, and iPod commercial star Feist announced her new album Metals a while ago, but until recently listeners have not been able to hear what the album is going to sound like. Based on this first taster track "How Come You Never Go There," it's going to sound pretty similar to her previous albums--which isn't a bad thing.

The track slow-building, with soulful horns, guitar and some pretty backing vocals. Of course, they're all situated in the mix under the distinctive lead vocals of Leslie Feist herself. Feist was arguably one of the first artists to establish herself with that quirky, female 'indie' voice, and while many artists--Zooey Deschanel and Ingrid Michaelson, for example--have since tried to cop her style, nobody really does it the way that Feist does. It also helps that her lyricism vastly outshines her indie pop songstress competitors.

It's nice hearing Feist explore a soulful side on this track, and if it is an indication of the album's overall sound, listeners can expect Metals to be a pleasant, if not hugely engaging listen. Stream the track above, and head over to its soundcloud page for more information.

Doug Paisley- "What I Saw" ‡ STREAM

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In the midst of all this new technology, music, and studio trickery, it's hard keeping touch with the basic and simple magic of songwriting. Of course, there are guys like the Mountain Goats and the Tallest Man on Earth holding it down for us, and let's one more to the pile: Doug Paisley. His approach may be simple, but it's earnest and down-to-earth like blue-collar worker with a heart of gold.

On "What I Saw," the light bass, drums, and organ quietly complement Doug's kind vocals and small, finger-picked flourishes of acoustic guitar. If the backup vocals are familiar, well, it's because it's Feist. The song is from Doug's upcoming LP, Constant Companion, which is due 10/12 via No Quarter Recs. Stream a track below and let me know what you think.

Stream: Doug Paisley- What I Saw -