The Paul Simon album Feist can listen to “15 times in one day”
Although Feist is often regarded as an integral part of the early-2000s juggernaut of pop singer-songwriters, her music remains an other-worldly presence that transcends time and space. By fusing elements of folk, acoustic, and indie rock, along with her sultry vocal tones, Feist possesses the rare ability to bring genuine warmth and authenticity to her music.
From an early age, fusing charisma, poeticism, and on-stage charm was a matter of foundation for Feist, who looked up to huge figures like Elvis Presley. Her fixation began around the age of six and grew into a passion so strong she once declared she would one day marry him – but “collapsed on the floor weeping” the moment she learned of his death.
As she got older, however, her musical palette broadened, and she became exposed to artists like Sinéad O’Connor, the Eurythmics, the Police and Kraftwerk, mostly due to hearing them through her brother’s bedroom door. It’s easy to hear the influence of musicians like O’Connor in Feist’s work as she navigates delicacy and folk tradition in a way that creates complete musical magic.
Given the fact that Feist’s first ever concert was Tina Turner, she also remained in close contact with her affinity for great charisma, recognising the power and value of energy and viscera when it comes to live music. “The scene in my hometown was pretty amazing,” she told EW, sharing her appreciation for catching glimpses of many Canadian greats during their early years.
Perhaps that’s where her ability to blend liveliness and rawness came into play as she continued to be drawn to various fresh emerging talents while still admiring tradition. She loved new music, but she also owned a tape of Paul Simon’s Graceland, which she could listen to “15 times in a day when I get into that mode.” During moments where she seeks comfort, her mind goes to Graceland or Beck’s Odelay, two records which provide the soundtrack to car rides and the spaces where freedom and inspiration collide.
Identifying the various reasons why Feist may have enjoyed Graceland isn’t too difficult a task, especially considering her earlier love for a certain Memphis-born musician. In fact, Simon once rented a car and drove up to the late singer’s home, which gave him an influx of lyrics that would make it onto the album. As Simon later reflected, the album became about a journey of healing, and Graceland became the perfect muse for that self-reflection.
Although Graceland was initially inspired by a series of instrumental South African accordion music, finding comfort in it makes complete sense, especially the title track, which seems entirely made for introspective drives down a long, empty highway. Maybe that’s exactly what Feist experienced in her car – an intimate, exclusive bubble where it felt like the music was made only for her.
