Jason Collett – Song and Dance Man

Everybody clap your hands for the 'Song and Dance Man', Jason Collett....
Jason Collett : Song and Dance Man
8.1 Arts & Crafts
2016 

Jason Collett : Song and Dance ManJason Collett has been an established singer/songwriter for many years now, from his time in the early days of Broken Social Scene (QRO spotlight on) to his current solo career. He’s fashioned a well-worn Americana sound, with elements of everything from smooth seventies to today’s alt-collective. He’s relaxed with nothing to prove on Song and Dance Man, yet still does even more.

Song and Dance is a decidedly unwound record, but not in any way lazy, thanks to Collett’s skill. He also manages to pull off being world-wise without either being defeated or cranky; the title track’s take on the music business these days could be sanctimonious, but instead is just spot-on and enjoyable. Collett’s wisdom on songs like that, the following “Forever Young Is Getting Old”, and “Singing American” is with a winking eye, not a wagging finger. But Collett can also do the sad Americana (despite being Canadian…), such as the lonesome closing elegy “Staring at the Sun”, or the somber, almost luau “If She Don’t Love Me Anymore”.

It’s almost too bad that Collett’s been around so long, because if he was new he’d be a bright new thing, taking people to church and whatnot. Instead, it’s just yet another great Jason Collett record.

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