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Feinstein : Will She Or Won't She?
We are big fans of Feist, the Canadian chanteuse with an esteemed indie pedigree and smooth, seductive, award-winning sound. She's quite popular throughout the blogosphere, even though her internationally acclaimed record Let It Die just saw its US release in late April. So sending us to see her open for Rilo Kiley was basically preaching to the converted. Unfortunately, we're not sure how many new converts she won over at The Grand Ballroom on Saturday night.
The sold-out crowd had been enthusiastic and receptive during the opening set by The Brunettes, lapping up their sunny co-ed vocals and visual schtick (Mary-Kate and Ashley masks, Village People-style alphabet gestures). The five piece band from New Zealand brought out all the bells and whistles -- including horns, triangles, glockenspiel, xylophone, and noisemaking instruments we haven't seen since elementary school music class -- and truly warmed up the crowd. After all that joyous noise, Ms. Feist took the stage solo and began with a mostly a cappella version of "When I Was A Young Girl," setting a far more serious tone. Feist is the type of artist who never plays a song exactly the same way twice, which is fantastic if you're willing to go on the journey with her but it might not be the best way to win over a crowd of hundreds who've probably never heard her before. Standing in the middle of the increasingly noisy crowd, we kept wishing we were seeing the gig in a smaller venue.
Feist is an amazing singer, songwriter and guitarist and we fully expect Let It Die to land on plenty of year end top 10 lists. We had high hopes that touring with Rilo Kiley would expose her to a host of new fans, but we worry now that her solo subtlety will be lost on crowds that are ready to rock. If you were there, let us know what you think in the comments section.
Listen to Let It Die here and visit Feist's website. (Image from Spin.com.)
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I couldn't get hold of a sold out ticket so I, for one, am going to be really pissed off if she gets no respect from the ready-to-rock first timers.
I got her cd about 3 weeks ago, knowing nothing about her, and I have been totally addicted to it ever since.
Next time let's invite her to sing for us fans privately and then she will be appreciated.
I'm really hoping she won some fans over too. When I saw her open for Kings of Convenience at Great American a few months ago, the crowd was way more receptive. I'm all for your private fan concert idea! :)
I went for Feist and was also a bit disappointed. Playing on a big stage seemed to overwhelm her small club solo acoustic approach. Her frequently requests for audience participation (hand claps, vocal harmonies) had the effect of magnifying her loneliness. It can be terrifying to be alone on-stage, but until you're ready to go it truly alone, it might be best to bring a backing band along. Her voice is great, and her songs are beautiful, but they'd both benefit from a more mighty muscial arrangement.
I missed this show, but she totally won me over opening for the Kings of Convenience a few months back. I didn't know who she was and initially, my reaction wasn't favorable - but then the voice, energy and performance broke through.
Totally agree about a backing band given the situation -- she had one with her when she opened for Stars & Apostle of Hustle at Bimbo's. And the lack of audience participation made me sad. It's nice to see she has supporters here anyway (including ones who couldn't get in to the Grand). Hopefully she'll come back soon and play Great American again.
my sentiments exactly. i was standing a bit further in the back and even though the talking was extremely distracting, i was still amazed by her performance - layering her own voice on the playback, really incredible. i kept thinking how her sound worked so much better at a venue like great american - where the setting is more intimate and crowd more respectful. the majority of the audience (a heavily skewed youngish female contingency) didn't seem to give two shits about feist and that's a cryin shame.