Time Being (Dig)

Ron Sexsmith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 9, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ironworks Music
• ASIN: B000GW8PZ4
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #197,926 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Canadian Ron Sexsmith, though never able to crack the pop-star ceiling in America, has managed to linger as a critics' darling and stay beloved among his peers since his 1995 debut. The boyish quiver so prominent in his voice during the middle '90s has matured on his eighth record, as Sexsmith reenlists his first producer, Mitchell Froom, to watch over his most introspective album to date. Never lacking for candid, hook-driven life observances, the Toronto native punches out melodies that could chill the spines of Ray Davies ("Ship of Fools"), Brian Wilson ("Snow Angel"), and Paul McCartney ("The Grim Trucker"), the latter juxtaposing an infectious chorus with pigs heading to the slaughterhouse. Like a balladeering novelist reading over complementary guitars and piano, Sexsmith carves out vignettes that can be as topically witty ("Jazz at the Bookstore") as they are hit-in-the-gut poignant ("Cold Hearted Wind"). It's an unabashed flair that makes his lacking listenership a mystery as Ron Sexsmith remains a pop music vanguard. --Scott Holter

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Another year, another good Ron Sexsmith album.... June 12, 2006

By Stephen Doig

Format:Audio CD

Throughout his career, Ron Sexsmith has penned many an eloquent and insightful word on the subject of time, and for his 10th and latest release Time Being he's devoted an entire album to it. Whether reflecting on days gone by or ruminating on life left to come, time is never far from his thoughts here. Noticable also, is a creeping realization that his time on earth as a songwriter, however gifted, is decidely finite.

If lyrics focused on mortality, the passing of days, and even - in the case of 'The Grim Trucker' reincarnation, suggest a mid-life crisis beckons, the music on Time Being thankfully doesn't reflect this. No sudden shift in musical style for Ron. This latest batch of tunes sound as comfortable and lived-in as a favourite armchair - the result of an assured, relaxed songwriter who has spent years honing his craft. Mitchell Froom's input can also not be overstated. The veteran producer has a way of bringing out the best in Sexsmith - 95's Ron Sexsmith and 98's Whereabouts are testament to that.

Stately opener 'Hands Of Time' endears itself immediately with one of those fittingly timeless melodies that Sexsmith is so effortlessly good at. It's a wonderful start and it suggests good things to come. And there are. 'Snow Angels' is an achingly poignant song about a dearly departed lover's imprints left in the snow. 'Never Give Up On You' is a pretty, clear-eyed ballad in which Sexsmith promises to stick by his lover through good times and bad. 'I Think Were Lost' conversely, finds two lovers drifting apart from each other and, in turn, with the rest of the world. It too contains another naggingly good Sexsmith hook.
Another highlight is 'Jazz At The Bookstore (and Blues At The Coffeeshop)' which, among other things, looks at the commodification of popular culture. Right from the opening line "Leadbelly's in the background being drowned out by the grind.." you're left in no doubt as to Sexsmith's feelings on this issue. ( Oh, to be a 'sound-architect' for Starbucks). More than anything, the message that comes through loud and clear in all of these 12 songs is to live life firmly in the present.

I could write page upon page trying to get to the bottom of why I love Ron Sexsmith's music so much and probably not get any closer to finding a clear, concise reason. When it comes down to it, quite simply, I just love his songs - and the ones on Time Being are no exception.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Really Wonderful Album, Start to Finish September 3, 2006

By Mark Crilley

Format:Audio CD

I can't believe I'm the first person to review this CD (Come on Ron Sexsmith fans, where are you?). I have only three of Ron's CDs, including this one, but he has already rocketed to the top of my list of favorite singer songwriters of the last twenty or thirty years. Consistently great melodies and lyrics that truly come from the heart: I've yet to hear a bad song by Ron Sexsmith, and most range from excellent to truly perfect.

Just as a point of reference, here are the sort of songwriters/bands whose music I admire: The Beatles, Squeeze, The Smiths, Fountains of Wayne, Rufus Wainwright. If you are a like-minded listener, don't miss Ron Sexsmith!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars another gem from ron December 7, 2007

By John Cunningham

Format:Audio CD

ron never disappoints ,every album has it's magic tracks and always in abundance.his live shows either alone or with support are always full of understated brilliance and he just keeps coming up with the goods.
Time Being has gone back to the simple but beautiful sounds of his early albums but with a touch more confidence noticable in his voice.
not too much because ron and outward confidence are not the best of friends but enough to sense his inner peace.
ron and mainstream pop is not going to happen and thanks for that .those that appreciate the beauty of what he does are all the better for it and hopefully there is enough of us to allow him the pleasure of producing this kind of magic.