Its been about three years since Colletts last album, but theres been a good reason for the delay namely the esteemed collective of Broken Social Scene. And just like other BSS members solo ventures, a bunch stop by to help out, including Metrics Emily Haines on "Hangover Days and Stars Amy Millan on "Fire. But lets not dwell not that formidable band, as this is Colletts time to shine, and he makes the most of it. Exuding a warmth and confidence, Idols of Exile is a wonderfully easy listen that touches on straight-up rock, some traditional country and roots-y moments, even heading into to some noodley BSS territory with "Tinsel and Sawdust. The passionate "Brownie Hawkeye shows a great tender side to Colletts voice, ably helped out by some strong trumpet and trombone backing, while "Feral Republic gets the body moving with its catchy-as-hell guitar and country feel. Live favourite "Ill Bring the Sun will easily bring people in with its anthemic chorus and upbeat feel. Without seemingly breaking a sweat, Jason Collett has fashioned an eminently listenable and brilliantly summery album. Chalk up another solo triumph to add to that already bursting BSS mantelpiece.
The title "Idols of Exile brings a feeling of yearning was that the intention? Ive had the title kicking around for a while and wasnt sure about using it, but it just wouldnt go away. As a writer, I sort of learned to trust my gut on things. I cant intellectualise it too much, but I definitely like the texture and, for me, yeah, it conjures up images of a longing for something that isnt there. It made me nervous using the word "idols, but I didnt think about it till afterwards, cause its a word tossed around in our culture so much now.
If someone states theres a real Broken Social Scene feeling to this record, would this be warranted? Absolutely, but in the sense that its the spirit of the family of people and the way that were working. In our camp, theres been a friendly sort of, I dont know how to put it. Its not competition and its not one-upmanship, but theres an energy about whats going on that makes you want to do your best work. Its inspiring. I dont really belong to any particular scene and I think of myself as quite fortunate to end up as a part of this whole scene, because its made me better at what I do, because of whats rubbed off.
(Arts & Crafts)The title "Idols of Exile brings a feeling of yearning was that the intention? Ive had the title kicking around for a while and wasnt sure about using it, but it just wouldnt go away. As a writer, I sort of learned to trust my gut on things. I cant intellectualise it too much, but I definitely like the texture and, for me, yeah, it conjures up images of a longing for something that isnt there. It made me nervous using the word "idols, but I didnt think about it till afterwards, cause its a word tossed around in our culture so much now.
If someone states theres a real Broken Social Scene feeling to this record, would this be warranted? Absolutely, but in the sense that its the spirit of the family of people and the way that were working. In our camp, theres been a friendly sort of, I dont know how to put it. Its not competition and its not one-upmanship, but theres an energy about whats going on that makes you want to do your best work. Its inspiring. I dont really belong to any particular scene and I think of myself as quite fortunate to end up as a part of this whole scene, because its made me better at what I do, because of whats rubbed off.
