Jason Collett - Bitter Beauty

All Music Guide

Taking a slice of what has made the Cash Brothers known in alternative country and roots music circles, Jason Collett has created a pretty series of twang-filled vignettes, especially the lush and orchestrated 'Stormy Woman, Salty Girl." But most have a series of Keith Richards guitar hooks and a nice pop-oriented backbeats such as the pretty Americana tune "Runaway." "Revolution Style" could be mistaken for an Exile on Main Street outtake, having the same feeling and confident brashness in the vocals. Fans of Ryan Adams will have a similar appreciation for Collett as he moves between rock and the singer/songwriter milieu with little effort. Songs such as "Bitter Beauty" and the sweet singalong melody in "Diggin in the Carpet" are the early highlights among the ten tracks, all staying in the roots rock area. While Collett does a good job on the record, musically he tends to falter a bit in certain places, such as the repetitive "Something Beautiful." It's a small price to pay, though, ...for the slow high-school-prom waltz during "Honey I Don't Know," which has a beautiful supporting harmony. - Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide Read more Less