Since the release of his second album, 2003's
Motor Motel Love Songs, singer/songwriter
Jason Collett has kept himself busy writing and recording with his music family in
Broken Social Scene. In the midst of completing and releasing their self-titled masterpiece in 2005,
Collett resumed his solo career.
Idols of Exile picks up where the bittersweet melodies of
Motor Motel Love Songs left off. Album opener "Fire" sets the mood with its laid-back acoustic guitars and golden-toned harmonies.
Collett sweetly sings, "The good morning comes like a hit and run." Despite his words packing such a punch from the start, these songs are much more relaxed and inviting. Having his friends in tow -- singer/songwriter
Leslie Feist,
Emily Haines, and
James Shaw (
Metric),
Evan Cranley and
Amy Millan (
Stars),
Andrew Whiteman (
Apostle of Hustle),
Kevin Drew and
Brendan Canning (
Broken Social Scene), and
Charles Spearin (
Do Make Say Think) -- adds to the warm spirit of
Idols of Exile. It's a day-driving kind of record, alt-country melodies sun-soaked in lush soundscapes of social merrymaking, broken hearts, and pink skylines. From the slow dance of "Almost Summer" and
Haines' wispy vocals of "Hangover Days" to the more playful clap-along of "I'll Bring the Sun" and "Feral Republic,"
Idols of Exile isn't much different from what
Collett has done with
Broken Social Scene in the way that it is an honest and decent record. It is a more stripped-down affair compared to
Broken Social Scene's more ambitious material, so fans of the band or those fond of the Arts & Crafts label should enjoy
Idols of Exile.