Customer Reviews

Time Being (Dig)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
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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!

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.

Thank the maker for Donald Sutherland, who begat Keifer, who signed Ron to his record label to release Time Being. Full of beautiful and catchy songs, the track "Snow Angel" is such a jaw dropper you'd best pull over while listening to it. You cannot go wrong with buying any album by Ron Sexsmith - his consistent brilliance is almost terrifying - but this one would be a great place to start.

DGM

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.

I don't know what else to add - I'm in unity with the choir of praise from the previous reviewers. This guy can do no wrong. These tunes are incredibly melodic without feeling contrived to be catchy - they convey complex emotions in a simple way without being trite - the are intelligent and clever without being smug and precious - and, (big and) they remain with you long after the cd is over. Yes, there is hope... Oh and goodness, that uniquely beautiful warm tremolo of a voice...

I've listened to Ron since his first self titled release back in 96. He is truely one of the best singer/songwriters on the planet...a wonderful talent who can turn the simplist of songs into perfection. This new release follows his previous ones in the same fashion. He's back with Mitchell Froom as producer....the best match in my opinion......and the result is a beautiful tuneful pop album. Number one on my top ten list for releases in 2006. Standouts on this release include "Snow Angel", "Never Give Up", and "Reason for Our Love"....but every track is great. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD!

Sexsmith's songs are wrought with meaning but very mellow. He's great to put on and kick your feet up in the back yard or while you are driving home from work in the middle of rush hour. He's got a big heart and so does his music...

The man not only can't make a bad album, that goes without saying, but he also delivers gems, if not full albums, every time out.

Time Being is no exception. "Snow Angel," the amazing "The Grim Trucker", or "Reason Fort Our Love"--the latter a reminder of the best of Blue Boy--are beauties. More than anyone else is the spirit of McCartney that reigns over these tunes without ever implying than Sexsmith is his own man as a writer. Think of a lineage like Lindsey Cunninghan's debt to Brian Wilson. "Cold Hearted Wind" and also "Jazz At The Bookstore" worth mentioning.

Time Being may not take Ron Sexsmith to a new musical dimension but it is solid. There's more good music here than many of his contemporaries and peers may be able to claim.

Ron Sexsmith is one of those artists that you can't help but fall in love with. He's got such a child like innocence and naivety in every album he creates. He dares to contemplate a better world than the one we are living in, yet at the same time loves being part of that same world. He doesn't feed us ridiculously abstract lyrics and doesn't write as though he's better than anybody. He is pure; he is genuine; he just is.

While this isn't up there with "Retriever," it certainly is refreshing to hear him again and gives me hope not just for the music world, but the world in general.

My wife thinks his voice is too "froggy," but I think Sexsmith is one of the most under-rated songwriters of ou generation.