Not Your Mom’s Duet - Uh-huh, Uh-huh...

The praise of all things vinyl continues with this item in your favourite neighbourhood record store today. Now this may be one thing you’d least expect to hear, but Constantines and Feist have teamed up to record a cover of the Bee Gee’s penned “Islands In The Stream”. This one has been released as a seven-inch single by Arts and Crafts in Canada on cool beige, marble vinyl.

Made famous in 1983 as a duet by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton and a favourite of Constantines, Feist and my Mom, the song was recorded together in Toronto one chilly day in early February following a game of ice hockey and a round of hot chocolates. Their “decelerated and intimate” version of “Islands in the Stream” was produced by Jeff McMurrich, who also worked with Constantines on their new album, Kensington Heights, due for release on April 15, 2008.

No word yet though if the Cons will be opening any chicken roaster restaurants anytime soon.

Feist - Centennial Hall, London - December 5, 2007

This week marked the end of this leg of Leslie Feist's The Reminder tour. If you were fortunate enough to attend this closing show at London's Centennial Hall you will probably be still smiling as you read this. Truly one of the best shows in London this year, the cold December night was warmed considerably by Ms. Feist's amazing presence and singular artistry. The evening's highlight, and last minute addition to the setlist was a wonderful cover of Ron Sexsmith's Secret Heart. The playful Brandy Alexander a close second. (See the setlist below for the many others.)

Another highlight was the sublimely beauftiful visual projections that accompanied the music. Simple and so effective, they'd beat those solar powered laser beam guitars any day.

The mighty Great Lake Swimmers warmed up the crowd with their unique brand of countryfolkpopamericanada.

I can't think of a better way to spend a cold, nearly winter night. Leslie Feist is a national treasure.