Here's to Being Here

iTunes Review

There’s no doubt that Broken Social Scene member Jason Collett is a Bob Dylan fan. His voice shares a similar scratch and his delivery and phrasing have picked up a few of the great bard’s quirks. “Nothing to Lose” could be a lost Basement Tape with its country lope and “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” reach.  From that rustic point, Collett embellishes and expands until a full modern-day band can carry his tunes. “Henry’s Song” adds bursts of sharp, electric guitar. “Charlyn, Angel of Kensington” uses layers of percussion to convey its prickly feelings. Since this is a solo project — his third solo album — Collett can hire and fire at will. He uses his touring band, Paso Mino, and recorded mostly live. Nevertheless, each tune receives the pieces it needs, no more no less. The sound shifts in accordance with where it’s going. The Harry Nilsson-like “Everybody’s Talkin’” country breeze of “No Redemption Song” is spare and haunting. The brooding quiet of “Somehow” reflects the sadcore elements that underpin Collett’s musical sense.