Cashing in: Feist (PLUS ALBUM NEWS!)

I'm not sure why I find this one so odd, but "Gatekeeper," the opening track off Feist's "Let It Die," is being used in a commercial for the financial company HSBC Direct. I was on the couch working the crossword when I first heard it last week, and the song was so unexpected, so out of place that I had to run the lyrics through my head until I got to the chorus to figure out what it was — even though I've heard it a million times.

Word is she turned down McDonald's request to use "Mushaboom" (one of the best songs of the past, oh, say, five years) in an ad, but she did give it up to Lacoste to promote a new men's fragrance. Now if only wearing it would make her come running...

If you don't have, "Let It Die" do so now. All the adjectives have already been used, but smart, soulful and delicate immediately come to mind. This is a can't-miss album for Valentine's Day, too. It sets the pinpoint perfect mood for dinner time, cocktail time or bedtime.

Plus, Feist recently announced that new album "The Reminder" will be out May 1. Rejoice! I'm already all warm and tingly.

If you need something to tide you over, I am Fuel, You are Friends has MP3s of Feist's rare 1999 album "Monarch (Lay Your Jewelled Head Down)." Hear what she was like before she was the blogging man's pinup girl.

"Monarch (Lay Your Jewelled Head Down)" post

And just in case...
Feist — Gatekeeper (MP3)
Feist — Mushaboom (Postal Service remix) (MP3)