Idols Of Exile
by Jason Collett
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. The A.V. Club
    91
    There are 12 distinct songs on Idols Of Exile, united by Collett's light touch and sense of snap.
  2. Filter
    86
    It's a roots record unashamed of its roots, derivative maybe only because it's so unabashedly traditional. [#19, p.102]
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  3. Stylus Magazine
    83
    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.
  5. NOW Magazine
    80
    It's Collett's ability to lyrically and aurally crystallize moments in time that makes this album such a delight.
  6. Slant Magazine
    80
    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.
  7. Prefix Magazine
    80
    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.
  8. Paste Magazine
    80
    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]
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  9. Pitchfork
    76
    Idols of Exile is consistently solid; the songs are fully realized and, ultimately, memorable.
  10. Under The Radar
    70
    One of the greatest singer-songwriter albums to come out of Canada in the last ten years. [#12, p.90]
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  11. Uncut
    70
    Collett's debut album reveals him as an alt.country confessionalist akin to Paul Westerberg. [Apr 2006, p.108]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. ZachF
    Sep 19, 2006
    9
    On Idols of Exile, Jason Collett shows an exceptionally mature and sophisticated singer-songwriter divergence from his work on Broken Social 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.… Full Review »
  2. GarthE
    Jun 18, 2006
    9
    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 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.… Full Review »
  3. [Anonymous]
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Solid, Top to bottom
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