Both enchanting and open-armed, Leslie Feist's The Reminder is full of winking jazz-rock and theatrical country tunes. It can overpower a radio and indulge soft headphones at the same time.
We should be glad that she's not recording a bunch of covers this time and choosing to show off her strikingly intimate, and at times, anthemic abilities.
Not only is there a unique charm in the scratchiness of Feist's voice, but the way The Reminder blends upbeat with sensual makes for an ideal relationship. It's moody, but never emo, and coasts beautifully. The opening track "So Sorry" is an earthy, low-key acoustic track that immediately nips any pretention in the bud. The next two rhythm-heavy tracks, "I Feel It All" and "My Moon My Man" are as catchy as anything this year, especially the latter. The Reminder has no shortage of mellow moments, and insulating the louder, equally-inspired moments like "One Two Three Four" is where the genius lies.
The Reminder is unmistakeably organic, as each song has amazing looseness. Whether strumming an acoustic guitar, tapping a piano, or getting electric, Feist mixes girl-next-door simplicity with "Most Talented" girl in school ability.
Parts & Labor, the latest noise-punk band to come out of Brooklyn, have taken a huge step forward with their powerful sophomore LP, Mapmaker. 
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