Reality Check
March 2008
Let It Die (Already)
Feist’s latest album is called The Reminder...like we need one. From iPod commercials to those iconic bangs, the ubiquity of Leslie Feist By Dory Carr-Harris
True, she has yet to spawn an action figure or “try acting” like many a singing starlet before her, but since releasing her second smash album last year, the artist formerly known as Leslie has become irritatingly inescapable. Not that we’re questioning her considerable talents. We’re just asking: When did world domination earn a place on the indie to-do list?
The do: Queen West hipster babes mimic her signature funky fringe. Similar blunt bangs can be seen on everyone from Kate Moss to Mrs. Tom Cruise.
The rival: Canadian class takes on British brass in one of Grammy’s most anticipated showdowns: Feist vs. fellow iconically coiffed crooner Amy Winehouse.
The nods: “Artist of the year,” says Chart Magazine, “Best of ’07,” according to Amazon Editors’ picks. A darling of the NY Times’ pop culture critics, with props in Spin and Blender.
The show: In November, she strums her guitar and stomps her high heels on the late-night laugh fest known for booking acts-of-the-moment.
The prize: This month, the girl from Nova Scotia is up for a whopping four Grammy awards (tied with Rihanna and The Boss).
The hookup: It would be petty to use the term “sellout” here. Let’s just say that Feist made a lucrative decision to hawk her new album alongside fat-free Frappuccinos.
The fan: Kanye West’s answer to what’s big in music for 2008: Feist. Hip hop’s current king praises her on his blog and on the red carpet. Can a duet be far off?
The bible: On the cover of Rolling Stone—not quite. But her 2007 anthem “1234” (a.k.a. the iPod song) does score a mention in the rock mag’s top 20 tunes of ’07.
The honour: Picked by Vanity Fair (and photographed by Annie Leibovitz) for a November spread on folk heroes, including Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and James Taylor. She’s called—what else?—“The Breakthrough.”
The line: Say yes to iPod, but even lapsed indie acts have limits. The chanteuse turns down a million-dollar deal with the burger giant.
The laughs: Hot on the chat show circuit. Making jokes with Dave and Jay will get you everywhere.
The plug: Following Apple’s aggro ad campaign, “1234” goes from 2,000 weekly downloads to 73,000. Sales of blue sequined jumpsuits presumably see a similar lift.
