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Idols Of Exile
by Jason Collett

Jason Collett reviews
Critic Score
Metascore: 77 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.6 out of 10
based on 12 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 13 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

Howie Beck produced this latest studio outing for the Toronto singer-songwriter, who is also a member of Broken Social Scene. Many members of that band guest on this record, including Emily Haines and Kevin Drew.

LABEL: Arts & Crafts
RELEASE DATE: 07 February 2006
DISCS: 1 disc
GENRE(S): Indie, Rock, Singer-Songwriter

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

91
The Onion (A.V. Club)
There are 12 distinct songs on Idols Of Exile, united by Collett's light touch and sense of snap.
Read Full Review
86
Filter
It's a roots record unashamed of its roots, derivative maybe only because it's so unabashedly traditional. [#19, p.102]
83
Stylus Magazine
Idols is not quite “country” enough to tackle the road to the prairies, but the headspace of the album is clearly in a place with plenty of room to breathe.
Read Full Review
80
Slant Magazine
At his most direct, he fully holds his own against the likes of [Ryan] Adams or Ron Sexsmith, and for his compositional skill, Idols Of Exile is perhaps a more consistent album than either of those two has released.
Read Full Review
80
Prefix Magazine
Simplicity works here, and even though the album may not have a clear direction, the array of song topics is catchy enough to make this alt-rock/indie/country/folk experience work.
Read Full Review
80
NOW Magazine
It's Collett's ability to lyrically and aurally crystallize moments in time that makes this album such a delight.
Read Full Review
80
Paste Magazine
Collett dispenses with the mundane conventions of the singer/songwriter genre as he forges portraits both intimate and worldly over engaging arrangements and lyrics. [Apr/May 2006, p.115]
76
Pitchfork
Idols of Exile is consistently solid; the songs are fully realized and, ultimately, memorable.
Read Full Review
70
Under The Radar
One of the greatest singer-songwriter albums to come out of Canada in the last ten years. [#12, p.90]
70
Uncut
Collett's debut album reveals him as an alt.country confessionalist akin to Paul Westerberg. [Apr 2006, p.108]
60
All Music Guide
It is a more stripped-down affair compared to Broken Social Scene's more ambitious material.
Read Full Review
60
Alternative Press
[An] interesting album. [Apr 2006, p.204]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this album is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 13 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Zach F gave it a9:
On Idols of Exile, Jason Collett shows an exceptionally mature and sophisticated singer-songwriter divergence from his work on Broken Social Scene's self-titled album. With help from the rest of the Arts and Crafts pool, Collet creates masterful vocal and instrumental arrangements reminiscent of Wilco's A Ghost Is Born, though Idols proves to be an even more traditionally based take on the Indie-Alt-Country angle. A terrific release and a wonderful new asset for the growing Arts and Crafts empire.

Garth E gave it a9:
Fine debut album. The compilation does not fit into one genre. Taken individually per song he keeps to the chosen standard and makes each his own. Can be digested after several listens, but asks you to come back for many more, which is why I gave it a 9.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
Solid, Top to bottom

Max C gave it a9:
This album totally knocked me out. 'Fire', 'We All Lose One Another' and 'Tinsel and Sawdust' are amongst the fines songs I've heard in years. Every song is completely distinct from the other, production is down-to-earth yet unbelievably rich and wonderful. Oh - and you'll want 'I'll Bring the Sun' to be your anthem for the summer the second you fall for its Cure-like hook. Such a great and honest album!

Cables gave it a9:
Surprisingly polished but immediately friendly in comparison to the latest effort from broken social scene. A very powerful pop album.

Americo gave it a5:
déjà vu ...

Ron H gave it a9:
Very nice album. Can't wait to listen to this one in the sunshine.

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