I heard the import singles and now have the domestic full CD (even though the import version contains two bonus tracks NOT on the cheaper U.S. version)...simply put, this is simply BRILLIANT. While not really her "debut" (Feist has been in several Canadian bands like Broken Social Scene, self-released her own Monarch CD a few years ago, and popped up with roomie Peaches on some projects), it's a definite keeper. It's so rare to hear a CD nowadays that, from the moment you hear the opening chords and voice, you are immediately hooked, pulled in, and instantly addicted til the last note. Not a bad apple in the bunch, but standouts are her amazing, gutsy, sexy cover of Bee Gee's INSIDE & OUT (who woulda thunk?), ONE EVENING, MUSHABOOM (getting spins on KCRW now), and her understated cover of Ron Sexsmith's classic overlooked SECRET HEART. With spare, expert production from pal GONZALEZ (who has put out some interesting electro/faux-rap efforts on his own), it's all about HER VOICE: breathy, rich, ethereal, sensual with confident yet carefree phrasing and tone. The kind of voice you hear once and never ever forget. I know that if Interscope puts some serious marketing muscle and money beyond Feist's CD it can be a contender for a Grammy sweep - it's THAT good. Handsdown the BEST album of 2005, bar none. (Here's hoping for the remixes soon! Ewan Pearson & Mocky, do you feel me?)

Feist is a complete original, although she pays inadvertant homage to so many others: Dusty Springfield, Sade, Jane Siberry, even Billie Holliday. Her covers are impeccably chosen, including songs by Ron Sexsmith, Blossom Dearie and, oddly enough, the Bee Gees (she does an incredible version of their old '70s disco chestnut "Inside and Out"). But it's her own songs that really grab you, especially the title song, which is one of the most wistfully sad songs I've ever heard, and the eighties-ish "One Evening," which sounds like something Sade or George Michael might have cooked up.

For the record, the extended UK CD is even better, because it includes Feist's own lovely, lovelorn "Amourissima" and a fabulous cover of the Francoise Hardy song "L'Amour Ne Dure Pas Toujours," which both confirm that Feist knows her way around a chanson. In short, Leslie Feist is extremely wonderful.

This is a beautiful album. It is one of those wonderful albums which you discover new things you love about it with each new sitting. At first One Evening hooked me in. I listened to this track on repeat for around 6 hours non-stop before I explored else where on the album. Then I couldn't get over Feist's reworking of The Bee Gees Inside & Out, it is the sort of heart break disco that Sister Sledge made with Thinking of You, dance away your tears. One of my fave all time singers is true jazz original Blossom Dearie but Feist's take of Now at Last puts Blossom's in the shade and rips your heart out with its beauty. I'm still discovering the beauty of tracks I never focussed on at the beginning as much....Mushaboom, Amourissima, Secret Heart, When I Was a Young Girl...WOW!

Feist is a trully wonderful singer with that rare combination of vunerability, power and purity. Gonzales' production is a great example of how less can be much much more and Let it Die has to be one of the most beautifully recorded albums (sonically speaking) ever. I believe this album will grow in stature and it will continue to find a new audience until it is recognised as a modern classic.

Even better this edition has bonus tracks.

I have never heard of Feist before, but a friend's recommendation and the critical acclaim of the Canadian music press (it was on a lot of "Best of 2004" lists), I picked this album up and was very surprised at what I heard. This is perhaps one of the most pleasant, relaxing and lyrically intriguing albums I own.

Who is Feist? She is a singer from Toronto who has her musical roots in hard rock, having played in a punk band in high school, and then having played guitar for the Canadian band By Divine Right. Now she has changed direction totally with her debut album. Her style of music is very similar to Norah Jones crossed with early Everything But The Girl, but more ambient and less jazzy. Songs like "Gatekeeper", "Let it Die", "Lonely Lonely" are very summery, relaxed chillout songs, while "Mushaboom", "Leisure Suite", "L'amout ne dure pas toujours" and "When I was a young girl" are more lively and ambient pieces. The highlight of this album is her voice, which is absolutely angelic. Her lyrics are almost cryptic at times, but she sings with passion and spirit. "Let it Die" is the perfect soundtrack to your laid-back moments.

Because of all the critical acclaim, Feist will hopefully find a larger audience outside of Canada, where she has a dedicated local following. While her music is best appreciated live, she has produced one of best albums of 2004 and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

I feel the same way about Feist as I did about Alecia Keys--a sigh of relief. It is wonderful to know that soulfoul, but fun music is still out there. I have bought this CD for 5 people. Perhaps the best thing I can say about this CD is that I liked it so much that I bought it for my ex-girlfriend. I thought she should have it because it was that good.

Thank you Feist.