One individual who often gets overlooked when Broken Social Scene is discussed is the immensely talented Jason Collett. Perhaps it’s the fact that he’s not an original member of the group. Or maybe it’s the fact that he was only with the band for a few tours and one album. Or maybe it’s because he was just some backing vocalist/guitarist and he easily faded into the crowded, star-studded background.

Whatever the reason, it’s a shame that he isn’t mentioned more often and that his contributions to BSS didn’t bring him more fame. The man has an obvious knack for song craft, and he’s got a voice so infectious it’ll stick in your head for days. This is going to sound bold given that Feist, Emily Haines, Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning, and Amy Millan have all tried their hands at solo albums, but I think the best solo album to come out of BSS belongs to Jason Collett. 2005’s Idols of Exile is nearly perfect. His blend of jaunty guitar rhythms, Bob Dylan-esque vocal strains, and endearingly witty lyricisms make for an album that is supremely listenable.

That said, this release – Pony Tricks – is utterly lackluster (and that’s putting it nicely). It’s a regurgitated collection of some of his more popular songs, recorded in different (awful) arrangements, and done so acoustically. It also includes two new tracks, but even those aren’t anything to write home about. Some of the older songs are listenable, but only two of them are worth listening to. The re-worked version of “Bitch City”, originally off his latest record Rat A Tat Tat, is a rare look into what a talented guitarist he is, and it truly showcases his lazily beautiful voice. Also, the new arrangement of “Papercut Hearts” is impressive as he swoons in and out of gorgeous, quiet chords. The remaining nine tracks, though? Stick to the studio versions: They’re exponentially better and more true to what sort of artist Collett is.

This is going to sound harsh, but sometimes the truth hurts: You and I would both be better off forgetting he ever released this album and sticking to the studio versions. Jason Collett is an enormously gifted individual, but it is sparsely shown on Pony Tricks.

The singer/songwriter’s new record, Pony Tricks, is a stripped-down acoustic recording that breathes new life into chosen cuts from his back catalogue. Nine songs have been reworked for the effort, while two previously unreleased tracks — – “Pulling The Sun Down” and “My Daddy Was A Rock ‘n Roller” — are also included. According to Collett, the release is to serve as a more accurate representation of his live shows.

“Fans often ask me if I have recordings that are representative of my solo shows,” Collett explains of the inspiration for Pony Tricks in an issued statement. “This release simply aims to satisfy that demand.”

In support of Pony Tricks‘s October 12th release, Collett will embark on the aptly titled “Undressed Tour.” The 25-date journey across Canada, with support by fellow Canucks Daniel Romano and Al Tuck, will begin in Petersborough, ON on October 14th. A pit stop in Collett’s hometown of Toronto, ON is scheduled for November 11th, before the tour comes to a close in Priceville, ON on December 4th. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

For more information and a free MP3 download of lead track “Bitter Beauty”, you can visit Jason Collett’s artist page at the Arts & Crafts site.

Pony Tricks Tracklist:
01. Bitter Beauty
02. Honey I Don’t Know
03. Pulling The Sun Down (new track)
04. My Daddy Was A Rock ‘n Roller (new track)
05. Feral Republic
06. Hangover Days
07. Bitch City
08. Not Over You
09. Motor Motel Love Song
10. Diggin’ In The Carpet
11. Papercut Hearts

Jason Collett 2010 Tour Dates:
10/14 – Peterborough, ON @ The Red Dog *
10/15 – Burnstown, ON @ Neat Cafe *
10/16 – Kingston, ON @ The Grad Club *
10/17 – Ottawa, ON @ Irving Greenberg Theater *
10/19 – St. John’s, NL @ The Ship Inn*
10/20 – Halifax, NS @ Carelton *
10/21 – Halifax, NS @ Carelton *
10/22 – Fredericton, NB @ The Capital Bar *
10/23 – Montreal, QC @ Il Motore *
11/09 – Barrie, ON @ Kenzington #
11/10 – Waterloo, ON @ Jane Bond #
11/11 – Toronto, ON @ Church Of The Redeemer #
11/12 – Guelph, ON @ Dublin Street United Church #
11/13 – London, ON @ Aeolian Hall #
11/17 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre #
11/18 – Regina, SK @ The Exchange #
11/19 – Saskatoon, SK @ Amigo’s #
11/20 – Edmonton, AB @ Haven Social Club #
11/21 – Jasper, AB @ Royal Canadian Legion #
11/23 – Calgary, AB @ The Republik #
11/24 – Canmore, AB @ Communitea Cafe #
11/26 – Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret #
11/27 – Victoria, BC @ The Lucky Bar #
11/28 – Duncan, BC @ The Duncan Garage Show Room #
11/29 – Duncan, BC @ The Duncan Garage Show Room#
12/04 – Priceville, ON @ Stodhart Hall #

* = w/ Daniel Romano
# = w/ Al Tuck

According to the Montreal Gazette, the 2010 award honors albums released from June 1st, 2009 to May 31st, 2010. The prize, whose potential winners are chosen by 200 Canadian music critics, went to Fucked Up last year. But it’s not just a fancy, schmancy award. Along with bragging rights, the winners receive a big fat check for $20,000. (Probably more money they’d make otherwise on the actual album.) Pretty sweet deal, all in all.

You can take a peek at the 40 nominees below. Just from a quick glance, stand outs include: The Besnard Lakes, Broken Social Scene, Caribou (who won in 2008), Frog Eyes, Owen Pallet (who won in 2006), The New Pornographers, Tegan & Sara, You Say Party! We Say Die!, and Zeus.

As always, stay tuned to for the shortlist and the eventual winner.

2010 Polaris Prize Nominees:
01. Apollo Ghosts – Mount Benson
02. Bahamas – Pink Strat
03. The Besnard Lakes – The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night
04. Blue Rodeo – The Things We Left Behind
05. Brasstronaut – Mt. Chimaera
06. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record
07. Basia Bulat – Heart Of My Own
08. By Divine Right – Mutant Message
09. Caribou – Swim
10. Jason Collett – Rat A Tat Tat
11. Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles (II)
12. Amelia Curran – Hunter, Hunter
13. Fred Fortin – Plastrer La Lune
14. Frog Eyes – Paul’s Tomb: A Triumph
15. Hannah Georgas – This Is Good
16. Ghostkeeper - Ghostkeeper
17. Holy Fuck – Latin
18. Karkwa – Les Chemins De Verre
19. LeE HARVeY OsMOND – A Quiet Evil
20. Greg MacPherson – Mr. Invitation
21. Dan Mangan – Nice, Nice, Very Nice
22. Misteur Valaire – Golden Bombay
23. The New Pornographers – Together
24. Owen Pallett – Heartland
25. Plants And Animals – La La Land
26. Radio Radio - Belmundo Regal
27. Justin Rutledge – The Early Widows
28. The Sadies – Darker Circles
29. Shad – TSOL
30. Elizabeth Shepherd – Heavy Falls The Night
31. The Slew – 100%
32. Meaghan Smith – The Cricket’s Orchestra
33. South Rakkas Crew – The Stimulus Package
34. Tegan And Sara - Sainthood
35. The Wooden Sky – If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone
36. Hawksley Workman – Meat
37. You Say Party! We Say Die! – XXXX
38. Young Galaxy- Invisible Republic
39.Yukon Blonde – Yukon Blonde
40. Zeus – Say Us

Our travels took us to a slew of different showcases and parties with lineups featuring heavy hitters, old favorites, up-and-comers, and relative unknowns. We traveled to Stubbs on Wednesday to watch Sharon Jones bring the funk, Broken Bells make its SXSW debut, and Spoon deliver a hometown show. We checked out acts like Titus Andronicus, We Are Scientists, and Local Natives on Thursday. We ate cookies, played video games, jammed to The Protomen, and hung out with Rock It Out! Blog on Friday, all before stumbling into The Parish and watching Broken Social Scene deliver a two-and-a-half hour set of the week.

Please find the end results below, courtesy of Mr. Alex Young and Mr. Cap Blackard. Until next year Austin, good riddance/we’ll miss you.

Free Energy:
Paste Party, March 17th

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Freelance Whales
Paste Party, March 17th

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Here We Go Magic
Little Radio Presents, March 17th

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Born Ruffians
Canadian Blast, March 17th

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Jason Collett
Body Parts, March 17th

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The Walkmen
Stubbs, March 17th

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Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Stubbs, March 17th

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Broken Bells
Stubbs, March 17th

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Spoon
Stubbs, March 17th

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Shout Out Out Out Out
CoS + Sled Island, March 18th

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Titus Andronicus
CoS + Sled Island, March 18th

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Elevator Fight
Phoenix, March 18th

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The Champman Family
Phoenix, March 18th

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We Are Scientists
Phoenix, March 18th

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Local Natives
Emos, March 18th

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Light Pollution
CoS + Rock It Out! Blog, March 19th

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Surf City
CoS + Rock It Out! Blog, March 19th

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Look Mexico
CoS + Rock It Out! Blog, March 19th

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Sweet Apple
CoS + Rock It Out! Blog, March 19th

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The Protomen
CoS + Rock It Out! Blog, March 19th

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Billy Bragg
Mess With Texas, March 19th

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Zeus
The Parish, March 19th

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Broken Social Scene
The Parish, March 19th

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We should also note that if you’d like to check out South by Southwest from the perspective of a video blogger, you might want to check out the Rock It Out! Blog.

On Wednesday, we’ll team up with our internet buddies Elbo.ws and The Music Slut and the awesome Austin promoters Knuckle Rumbler to help kick off South by Southwest with a bang!

What: Body Parts
Where: Peckerhead’s (402 E. 6th St)
When: Wednesday, March 17th, 1 – 8pm CST
Who: Theophilus London, Broken Social Scene’s Jason Collett, The Death Set, Drink Up Buttercup, Acrylics, Gemni Club, Maps & Atlases, The Depreciation Guild, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, and Dignan
Extras: Free So-Co + tacos!
How: Free, but please RSVP

We’re particuarly proud of our Thursday event, and for good reason. We teamed up with one of our favorite music festivals, Calgary’s Sled Island Music Festival, and put together a lineup that rivals all. At least, we and some 4,700 others seem to think so.

What: CoS + Sled Island’s 1st Annual SXSW Day Party
Where: Republic Live (301 W. 5th St)
When: Thursday, March 18th, 12 – 7pm CST
Who: Titus Andronicus, Surfer Blood, Rural Alberta Advantage, Of Montreal’s James Husband, Jukebox the Ghost, Garotas Sueces, Brasstronaut, and Royal Bangs + a ???.
How: Free, but please RSVP. Please note that this event will likely be at-capacity, so we suggest you get there early to ensure entry (First come, first serve).

Then, on Friday, we’ll look to cap it all off with a rather intimate event, personally curated by CoS’ Michael Roffman. “Lo-Fi Friday” presented by CoS and the Rock it Out! Blog, features music that lives up to the events name and lots of cool goods. Plus, we’ll have pizza!

What: CoS + Rock It Out! Blog present: 1st Annual “Lo-Fi Friday”
Where: Republic Live (301 W. 5th St)
When: Friday, March 19th, 12 – 7pm CST
Who: The Protomen, Sweet Apple, Hurricane Bells, Light Pollution, Surf City, Look Mexico, You Say Party! We Say Die!, The Happy Hollows, Male Bonding, and Chaperone
Extras: Blu Energy Drink + 8-bit gaming station + Pizza!
How: Free, but please RSVP.

We hope you can join us! Also, be sure to follow CoS on Twitter for all the latest SXSW updates as well as opportunities to score guest list access to all three of these events.

We should also note that because of our travels, regular programming on the actual website will be limited this week. Please check back next week for a complete recap of both our travels and any news we might have missed. In the meantime, whether you’ll be joining us in Austin or sitting at home in envy, please enjoy your week!

And yes, the picture in this post is absolutely pointless aside from the fact it features “Don’t Forget.”

Unlike many others, Collett has sense of humor about his influences; “Rave on Sad Songs” finds him doing his best country-fried Dylan. It’s off-putting at first, but with additional listens, you see he wants to show there’s something to explore in the ruins that modern music has been built upon. But that ethos isn’t always so pleasing. “Winnipeg Winds” is a song where the Dylan worship hurts; what’s a lonely and deserted blast of ghostly wailing and ultra-sorrowful musicianship is bogged down by a Droopy impression.

“Lake Superior” feels like it was made in the ’70s after your standard balls-to-the-wall acid trip. But there are other small elements that make it feel several galaxies apart from originals and rehashed modern-day tracks. With vocals like George Harrison’s, the song is filtered through the lens of a more contemporary influence, The Flaming Lips. There’s kind of an absurdity to the noise, an unidentifiable vibe permeating through the sluggish guitar that further demonstrates Collett’s ability to combine various sounds and trademarks. “Love Is A Dirty Word” is the first half’s most musically interesting little gem. It’s a throwback to a simple pop song a la John Mellencamp, but there’s some kind of doo-wop backing vocals, with the instrumentation being a blend of light folkloric guitars and an odd mechanical piano/keys part with this dirty rhythmic guitar. It’s an oddly danceable beat that best exemplifies his dedication to himself, everyone, and nothing. “Bitch City” is a bit of the same, some of that funky ’70s rock that has to work together with vaguely electronic elements. But it’s more open with the flirtation, leading to a pre-ending cacophony of spaced-out synths that melt right back into Collett’s distinctly rural vocals.

“Cold Blue Halo” is as experimental as previous amalgamations, but it feels much more resonant and warm, not just sounds for the sake of exploring. Collett’s voice steps up to an ethereal high (for him), and the backwoods guitar and elegant piano line build upward. With the punctuation of roaring noises, things get sinister, furthering your auditory embrace of those more sweet and wholesome sounds. Here, the call of a picked guitar sounds like a wild animal, and the gentle banjo and lullaby backing vocals are like a setting sky. He’s created a whole Dreamtime-esque world with a few small plucks. “Love Is A Chain” also creates a whole kind of universe around it. It spins like a disco track and is heavy on the horns. But with a drumline like some galloping horses and plenty of sex appeal to it, it’s a great example that you don’t have to be an audiophile to get down to Collett’s stuff.

“Long May You Love” and “The Slowest Dance” also have less going on musically. They’re a couple of stripped-down jams where everything is, save for a few tweaks here and there, in line with any standard rock meets country made by anyone from Kris Kristofferson to other Collett peers in the U.S. and Canada. While these less-experimental songs are not as interesting as others, the joy and uncertainty of those boundary-pushing tracks make for an album that is above and beyond those of similar singer-songwriters without ever forgetting the importance and core fundamentals of the music that surrounds them.

Check Out:
“Love is a Dirty Word”

And the best part is the lineup is as good as the name. On Wednesday, March 17th, aka the first official of the music component of SXSW 2010, we’ll round up — drum roll #3 — Theophilus London, Broken Social Scene’s Jason Collett, The Death Set, Drink Up Buttercup, Acrylics, Gemni Club, Maps & Atlases, The Depreciation Guild, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, and Dignan and bring ‘em all to Peckerhead’s in downtown Austin, Texas.

Sounds fun, right? Did we mention it’s free to attend? Or that they’ll be free tacos and So-Co, courtesy of Taco Cabana and Southern Comfort respectively? Yep, all your body parts will thank us from your ears to your toes!

Please click here to RSVP. A special thanks also goes to the Best Buy Music Instrument Store for all the fresh gear that will be banging through your earholes all week. And of course Knuckle Rumbler who helped put this all together!

Theophilus London – Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, this rapper is not at all picky when it comes to the musical genres. Not only does he cite everyone from Michael Jackson and Prince to Kraftwerk and The Smiths as influences, but back in 2009, he, in collaboration with Machine Drum, released This Charming Mixtape, a confluence of  The Smiths (the name) and Elvis Costello (the artwork). Soon afterward, Theophilus would release his proper studio debt, This Charming Man, which was executive produced by 2x DMC World Champion DJ Iemerge and features productions from MachineDrum, Jimmy Edgar, and Letherette.
Check Out: “Humdrum Town”

Jason Collett – In addition to being members of an amazing band, members of Broken Social Scene also have a history of shelling out quality side-projects. Take Jason Collet for example. Next week, the Toronto native will release Rat a Tat Tat, the fifth album in what has become quite the solo discography. Backed by Toronto outfit Zeus (who will also be joining him at the party), the album hears Collett’s acclaimed singer/songwriting teamed with the likes of Andrew Whiteman, Tony Scherr, and The Stills’ Liam O’Neil. The end result, according to label Arts & Crafts, is a “remarkable and honest example of a storyteller documenting and soundtracking his experiences and surroundings with distinct and precise ability.”

The Death Set – Back in 2008, the Australian outfit caught the music world by storm with the release of Worldwide, an album which fuse punk rock sound and energy, electronic music production, and hip hop sampling. NME touted the band as the “#1 biggest hope of the future,” while Allmusic picked the album as one of the best of the year. Two years later, The Death Set look to one again kick it off a notch with what should be a jaw dropping performance at our day party.

Drink Up Buttercup – The Philadelphia outfit is one of those bands that took to CMJ Music Marathon last fall, subsequently blew audiences away, and is now the hottest thing in all of music. Plus, word on the street is that these cats swing pretty hard live, with their song content containing subjects varying from star-crossed lovers to bad trips and fairy tales. Got your attention much? Sound like a jangly Tom Waits? Definitely.

Acrylics – If you need any reason to like these Brooklyn natives, then look no further to the fact they are signed to the label of Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor. What’s more, they’re recently released debut EP, All Of The Fire, was recorded in a converted church. Oh yes, and they’re currently touring with A Sunny Day in Glasgow and the Morning Benders. Seriously, what’s not to like here?

Check Out: “Molly’s Vertigo”

Gemini Club – Chicago represent! Fusing the energetic and precise aspects of DJing with live vocals, synthesizers, guitars and bass, this trio has been catching Chi-Town by storm since the release of Future Tidings last August. They call themselves a “rock band from the future.” We call them kick ass.

Check Out: “Mary’s Day”

Maps & Atlases – Also hailing from Chicago, this quartet sports one of the more impressive resumes of any band to hit South by Southwest this year. They’ve toured RX Bandits, Matt & Kim, These Arms Are Snakes, Foals, Portugal. the Man, and more. In 2009, they were listed as the new band in Illinois as part of The Boston Phoenix’s 50 Bands, 50 States supplement. Finally, they have an impressive discography, including one, yet-to-be-titled forthcoming effort that was recorded Jason Cupp (Finch, Nurses). (We already know it will be good.)

Check Out: “Pigeon”

The Depreciation Guild – There’s always room for dream pop, right? Another one of music’s new “it” bands, this Brooklyn outfit has essentially captivated the music blogosphere since the September re-release of In Her Gentle Jaws and subsequent U.S. tour with the Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Cymbals Eat Guitars.

The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt – There’s really nothing not to like about this New York band. On May 5th, the outfit will release the amazingly titled Love You. I Love You. I Love You and I’m in Love with You. Have an Awesome Day! Have the Best Day of Your Life!, on Luaka Bop, the label started by David Byrne of Talking Heads fame. And the best part is that they’ll be giving it their all in support of the release. Per the band’s Neil Fridd: “[I] wanted to make a band that was a band that people went to concerts of not just because they had good songs or Pitchfork liked them, but because they knew that they would have a fucking blast at their show.” Sounds like this will be really good.

Dignan – Texas’ own will kick off the party with some quality indie that cites influences of “Broken Social Scene and Arcade Fire, to grandparents who specialize in lounge music, to their hometown of McAllen with a 95% Hispanic population.” Having recently spent time in the studio, we’re guessing Dignan will return with a fury.

Check Out: “God Save Us All”

As Broken Social Scene gears up for the release of its yet-to-be-titled fourth studio album, the aforementioned characteristics will once again be on display. For one, the long overdue followup to 2005′s Broken Social Scene features many of the band’s original members. The album was written and arranged by BSS’ current core six-piece, including singer/guitarist Kevin Drew, singer/bassist Brendan Canning, drummer Justin Peroff, guitarist Charles Spearin, singer/guitarist Andrew Whiteman, and (newcomer) gutiarist Sam Goldberg. What’s more, BSS’ alum Leslie Feist, Stars’ Amy Millan and Evan Cranley, Metric’s Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw, Jason Collett, Do Make Say Think’s Ohad Benchetrit, John Crossingham, Marty Kinack, Julie Penner, Leon Kingstone, and Lisa Lobsinger return to lend their musical talents as well.

Still not done… Also appearing on the record are several other indie heavy-hitters making their BSS debut, including Tortoise and The Sea and Cake’s John McEntire, who produced the album, The Sea and Cake’s Sam Prekop, Tortoise’s Doug McCombs, Pavement’s Spiral Stairs!, former Death From Above 1979 singer/drummer Sebastien Grainger, Poi Dog Pondering’s Susan Voelz, Helen Money’s Alison Chesley, and The Weakerthans’ Jason Tait. WOW!

Of course, gathering this mind-numbing collection of artists wasn’t necessarily the easiest thing in the world to do, as Kevin Drew explained in a recent interview with Pitchfork:

“There was a point where it looked like it was going to be a core-member record and we weren’t going to get those people because they were so busy; Stars were making a record, Metric was on the road. We thought, “It’s OK, we can do this without them. We can move on. It’s not like that anymore.” But when we brought Johnny [McEntire] to Toronto and set up it was immediately like old times. So, right at the end, everybody made it on,” Drew said. Where can we send McEntire thank you cards?

Drew went on to note that the end result is particularly focused on “the times” — ” We had lots of conversations about how we could sing about our views and opinions without trying to make a poor man’s R.E.M. song” — and will once again convey quite a bit of emotion. “We’ve always been a band that sings about exactly what’s inside of us and exactly what’s happening outside as well. Like, if we’re screaming, let’s have something to scream about,” he added.

BSS will support the release by partaking in another one of those characteristics — a live concert. This May, the band will embark on dates in both the U.S. an Europe, particularly highlighted by the band’s personally curated Toronto Island Concert on June 19th. Pavement and Band of Horses are also playing. On stage collaboration, please?

This year is seriously kicking ass.

Broken Social Scene 2010 Tour Dates:
05/01 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
05/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theatre
05/07 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
05/13 – London, UK @ Brixton Academy
05/14 – Minehead, UK @ All Tomorrow’s Parties
05/17 – London, UK @ Heaven
05/18 – Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
05/19 – Cologne, DE @ Burgerhaus Stollwerck
05/21 – Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie
06/19 – Toronto, ON @ Toronto Island Concert

More than just sharing a common stage, they’ll be sharing songs as well. So, while you can see each act alone on the stage doing their own thing, expect covers, cameos, and other musical combinations on stage. The tour kicks off March 10th in their shared hometown and winds its way throughout Canada. Sorry, U.S. fans, there’s only one stop south of the border for a series of SXSW shows from March 17th to March 20th. The tour wraps up on April 17th in Kingston, ON.

The day before the tour kicks off, Jason Collette will release his fourth studio album, Rat A Tat Tat. In a warm-up to the tour, the album was produced by Mike O’Brien and Carlin Nicholson of Zeus and was co-written by Afie Jurvanen, aka Bahamas. Jurvanen, under the Bahamas moniker, is formerly of Paso Mino and released his Bahamas debut back in July 2009. Paso Mino bandmate O’Brien, plus Nicholson and Neil Quin, will release their first full-length, Say Us, on February 23rd. The band previously served as Collett’s backing band and then support band.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Bonfire Ball 2010 Tour Dates:
03/10 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace (CMW)
03/11 – Guelph, ON @ E-Bar
03/12 – London, ON @ Call The Office
03/13 – Hamilton, ON @ Casbah
03/17 – Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/18 – Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/19 – Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/20 – Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/26 – Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore
03/27 – Victoria, BC @ Sugar
03/29 – Canmore, BC @ Communitea
03/31 – Edmonton, AB @ The Pawn Shop
04/01 – Calgary, AB @ The Legion
04/02 – Regina, AB @ The Exchange
04/03 – Winnipeg, MB @ West End Cultural Ccentre
04/13 – Waterloo, ON @ Starlite
04/14 – Ottawa, ON @ Zaphod’s
04/15 – Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus
04/16 – Peterborough, ON @ Red Dog Tavern
04/17 – Kingston, ON @ Grad Club

Some notables: Folk singer/songwriter Jose Gonzalez kicks off the album with a cover of Minogue’s “Hand on Your Heart”, Mates of State tackle Tom Waits’ “Long Way Home”, and James Mercer (The Shins fame) and brother Robert cover Bob Dylan’s “Spanish Harlem Incident”. The album also features covers of songs by Paul McCartney, Paul Davis, The Zombies, and Daniel Johnston.

You can download the album on iTunes right now. See the tracklist below:

Sweetheart 2010 Tracklist:
01. Jose Gonzalez – Hand on Your Heart (Kylie Minogue cover)
02. Grand Archives – Cupid (Sam Cooke cover)
03. James Mercer & Robert Mercer – Spanish Harlem Incident (Bob Dylan cover)
04. Spoon – Love Song (The Damned cover)
05. Elvis Perkins – Teneme en Tu Corazon (Keep Me in Your Heart) (traditional)
06. The Long Winters – Give Me All Your Lovin‘ (ZZ Top cover)
07. Yo La Tengo – You Make Me Feel Good (The Zombies cover)
08. Céu – Eu Amo Você (I Love You) (Tim Maia cover)
09. Diane Birch – I Go Crazy (Paul Davis cover)
10. Jason Collett and Zeus – Every Night (Paul McCartney cover)
11. The Avett Brothers – I Love (Tom T. Hall cover)
12. Mates of State – Long Way Home (Tom Waits cover)
13. Angelique Kidjo – Ne Me Quitte Pas (If You Go Away) (Jacques Brel cover)
14. Hey Marseilles – True Love Will Find You in the End (Daniel Johnston cover)

Well, with the games scheduled to kick off in less than two months, we’re beginning to get a good idea of who will be playing where, when, and how. Since guides are always fun, we thought we’d draw one up for you. Ladies and gentlemen, let us present you with A Music Fan’s Guide to the 2010 Winter Olympics…

The following acts will appear during the Olympic Games (February 12-28):

Kid Koala: Short Attention Span Audio Theatre:

What: This specially commissioned Short Attention Span show features a three-piece turntable section and accompanying visuals. Bingo and other special surprises are also promised.

When: February 12

Where: CODE Live 1 at Great Northern Way Campus

How: Price = $22

Malajube:

What: Montreal outfit whose past accolades include a nomination for the 2006 Polaris Music Prize and a spot in a RadioShack commercial.

When: February 12

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

Wilco:

What: Wilco + free? Enough said.

When: February 13

Where: Live City @ David Lam Park

How: It’s free

Mes Aïeux:

What: This Quebec quintet was crowned Quebec’s best band in 2009.

When: February 13

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

Pierre Lapointe:

What: He’s only 28 and already has more trophies then you’ll ever have.

When: February 14

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

City and Colour w/ The Rural Alberta Advantage:

What: Lots of songs about Canada

When: February 15

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre

How: Price(s) = $32.50; $37.50; $39.50

Valérie Sajdik:

What: Formerly of the band Saint Privat, the Austrian pop singer has drawn comparisons to Florence K and Martha Wainwright.

When: February 16

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

Feist w/ Gonzalez:

What: A one-off featuring Canada’s favorite indie princess and Gonzales, aka as the dude who holds the world record for longest-ever solo concert

When: February 17

Where: The Orpheum

How: Price(s) = $37.50; $42.50; $49.50

Karkwa:

What: They draw comparisons to Radiohead. And everyone loves Radiohead…

When: February 17

Where: Place de la Francophonie

How: It’s free

Hal Willner’s Neil Young Project:

What: The event of the Olympics features Lou Reed, Iron & Wine, Sun Kil Moon, Ron Sexsmith, Joan As Police Woman, Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew and Jason Collett, and more paying homage to the Canadian rock icon.

When: February 18

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre

How: Price(s) = $74.50; $67.50; $59

Stars w/ Hey Rosetta!:

What: Another Broken Social Scene sighting…

When: February 19

Where: The Orpheum

How: Price(s) = $37.50; $35; $32.50

The Lost Fingers:

What: The Quebec acoustic trio promises covers of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Jon Bon Jovi. Talk about eclectic!

When: February 19

Where: Performance Works

How: Price(s) = $20 Adults; $18 Students/seniors

Corb Lund:

What: A third-generation Alberta rancher turned Country musician. Need I say more?

When: February 19

Where: Whistler Village Square

How: It’s free

Chromeo and Team Canada DJs:

What: Lots of dancing

When: February 20

Where: CODE Live 1 at Great Northern Way Campus

How: Price = $28

K’Naan & Tinariwen:

What: Performance featuring the author of the FIFA World Cup Anthem and a collective of poet guitarists from Sahara

When: February 25

Where: The Orpheum

How: Price(s) = $39; $35; $30

Florence K:

What: Speaking of Florence K, she’s playing too.

When: February 26

Where: Performance Works

How: Price(s) = $20 Adults; $18 Students/seniors

Blue Rodeo:

What: The last day of the Olympics = this Canadian alt-rock band

When: February 28

Where: Whistler Village Square

How: It’s free

Other Olympic related events taking place in the weeks proceeding and following the games:

Steve Earle w/ Joel Plaskett:

What: Two acclaimed musicians team up to kick off the games on a right note.

When: January 23

Where: The Orpheum

How: Price(s) = $39.50; $35.50; $32.50

Martha Wainwright & Jorane:

What: As good as a collaboration you’re going to get.

When: March 18

Where: Commodore Ballroom

How: Price(s) = $32.50

The former Broken Social Scene guitarist recently previewed new material from the album during his 3rd Annual Basement Revue, a series of concerts that take place every Tuesday at The Dakota Tavern in his home city of Toronto. Rat A Tat Tat was mixed by Feist collaborator Robbie Lackritz and produced by the duo of Carlin Nicholson and Michael O’Brien. Nicholson and O’Brien also make up one half of Zeus, who have been both Collett’s label mates and backing band since his 2005 album, Idols of Exile.

So what does the singer-songwriter explore on his latest release? Looks like he’s staying in his own backyard. According to a press release, Collett uses the Canadian backdrop to look into his roots as a national storyteller and to examine human experiences as well as relationships. The struggle of relationships can clearly be seen just in the title of the album’s free download, “Love Is A Dirty Word.” You can get the song on Collett’s page on the Arts & Crafts website for the price of an email address.

Rat A Tat Tat track listing:
01. Rave On Sad Songs
02. Lake Superior
03. Love Is A Dirty Word
04. Bitch City
05. High Summer
06. Cold Blue Halo
07. Love Is A Chain
08. Long May You Love
09. The Slowest Dance
10. Winnipeg Winds
11. Vanderpool Vanderpool