Feist - Let It Die Universal / Polydor (2005) Genre: Easy-Listening/Sophisti-pop/ Adult Contemporary - A+

If hindsight can be 20/20, is it possible for foresight to be the same? How do you package the lyrics of life's normal struggles? Canadian's Leslie Feist and producer Gonzales have finally returned after a five-year hiatus with what will be remembered as something Norah Jones wishes she released. While Dobson was off blowing the budget at Lollapalooza, my summer trip ended with a remedial evasion of all personal unrest. I needed a strict realignment with honest clarity, and this album posed a partial solution (or distraction) to my mess. Feist's structure is sexy, their traditional groundwork built upon since their last outing, existing in deference to modern legends like Sade, Arto Lindsay, PJ Harvey and Astrud Gilberto. Feist's sound and approach seem deliberately icy, her delivery and voice aloof, whisper-like, deadpan, sometimes cold, sometimes warm, yet always seeming honest. Slick production, quasi-jazz backing, and clever samplings will seem to register with audiences thinking they are hearing some type of jazz vocalist minus the range. It will be hard not to enjoy the personification of cool, emotive, poignant singing, seldom extending or embellishing lyrics, registered emotion with enough subtle inventiveness that the group eschew a brand of smoky, dusky songs. Other standouts include the French showtune-esque "Tout Doucement" and a cover of the Bee Gee's "Inside Out" which would do the brothers Gibb proud. A stunning easy-listening album you're bound to either enjoy or happily pass on. - CM

Standout tracks:
"Mushaboom", "Let It Die", "Inside Out"
If you enjoy this try:
Sade, Norah Jones, Arto Lindsay

Super Cozi - Luxury Addict Hypo=espresso Records (2005)
Genre: Ambient/Lounge/Funk/ Electronica - A

If you have ever had the pleasure of experiencing the sublime reclusiveness derived from staring blankly at a late afternoon sunset perched lazily at Kudeta's forgiving throes of lounging heaven in Bali over the last year, then chances are you were lulled to the samplings of Cozi (aka Supercozi). The resident DJ has made the island her home for the last year or so with her equally resplendent and legendary DJ partner (Gus Till), remaining somewhat of an enigma amongst the local music scene. She has recently released her first local solo full length on the Hypo=espresso label proving she packs as much punch as flair for a distinct ambience we all aspire to blanket ourselves with in these tropical times. Envisioning a spell of compulsory introspection amid perfect waves and tropical rapture, it is easy to allow the olive-skinned Japanese bombshell to weave ambient tradition and subtle suggestiveness. Her fine-featured supermodel face, brown eyes, perfect smile, ornate jewelry and textbook beauty, oozes with an unregimented openness. Her aura is exemplary. Her music speaks equally for itself. Personally, it is her pre-sunset musical sets that reign supreme over her post-sunset splurges, but either way you'll never really know what she throws into an impromptu ornate mix. This album delves into the two just like the menu of Kudeta's drink list, packed tight with flavor and fresh citrus; add the waves, sunset and laidback social flair of the place and she's packaged the heartache for when you have to leave. - CM

Standout tracks:
"Vanilla", "Bonnie and Clyde (Gus Till Remix)", "Lost in Seminyak"
If you enjoy this try:
Thievery Corporation, Groove Armada, Nitin Sawahney

Kanye West - Late Registration Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records (2005) Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap - A+

Kanye West is one hot mother: on the cover of Newsweek, televised dissing GW Bush's disastrous face-plant in New Orleans, and creator of the Most Excellent Hip-Hop album in recent memory. Kanye's the next LiveStrong bracelet, the next Low-Carb Atkins Diet, the next Tickle Me Elmo - the next fad all the drones are going to be aping. Why is West so hot? His Roc-A-Fella work is a far cry from the tired Gangsta Rap and Crunk genres. He makes rap sound fresh, layered, soulful and smart. Kanye even plays magician by squeezing unexpected musical talent out of guest appearances by Jamie Foxx, Adam Levine (of Maroon 5) and Brandy. Kanye's rap gets the head bobbing and the mouth humming like the best pop songs. Late Registration has at least 4 songs that should be major billboard movers. Still sore about being the last to see Napoleon Dynamite? Wishing you got that butterfly ankle tattoo before all the Soccer Moms did? Don't delay buying Late Registration then - it's the next 'Can't Miss Big Thing'. - MD

Standout tracks:
"Heard 'Em Say", "Gold Digger", "Diamonds from Sierra Leone"
If you enjoy this try:
Jay Z, Nas, Common