Customer Reviews

Whereabouts

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On his third album, Ron Sexsmith employs a larger band and busier arrangements than he did on his first two efforts, but as usual, the songs themselves are so arresting that you barely notice the instrumentation. "Every Passing Day" and "Feel for You" are perfect pop numbers, but without a doubt the best selection here is "Seem to Recall," an searingly honest ballad about lost love. Sexsmith's songs are at once familiar and utterly unique. Do not miss this wonderful, soul-enriching music!

On this third album, the instrumentation is a bit wider, richer than on the two previous ones. So the sound is even warmer. For the rest, it's business as usual: a voice full of emotion, wonderful melodies, clever and concise lyrics. Ron's music is lifelike. A great talent, and one of the nicest artists I've ever met. Come the success he deserves !

only got the album today in the mail and it's a stunning, beautiful piece of work, i only recently starting listening to ron and am amazed by the ease at which he turns out seemingly simply lyrics that are so touching, and the most beautiful melodies in the world....words cannot describe this artist, do yourself a favor, listen to this or any of his albums for 4-5 times and you will fall in love......this ranks right up there with Other Songs and Cobblestone Runway, superb.

Ron Sexsmith is definitely one of Canada's musical treasures and it's quite unfortunate he hasn't gained more exposure in Canada or abroad. Fortunately, Ron has a cult following and I am quickly becoming one. Ron's songs are always melodic and beautiful and his lyrics are pure poetry. Ron is one of the few musicians in todays music who write from the heart and always have something important to say. Fantastic artist all around!

This album suffers by comparison to Other Songs, and it's a shame, because it's really hard to hit two grand slams in consecutive at-bats, if you'll excuse the baseball metaphor. There's nothing here to match Strawberry Blonde, Pretty Little Cemetery or So Young (to name but a few), but there are many nice moments to be had; and some listeners may even like this more because the subject matter is a bit more upbeat and more fleshed out instrumentally...more listener-friendly and geared toward the mainstream. Cuts I particularly liked were the melancholy but hopeful Still Time, the stately and melodic Riverbed, and Right About Now, which is almost soul. All in all, I recommend this album, because Sexsmith is a major talent and even his mediocre stuff is better than some people's best...but I think Whereabouts is a step sideways and hope he can top this one next time.

For unparalleled songcraft, charm and beauty look no further than Ron Sexsmith's Whereabouts, it really is a pleasure to own this album. Sexsmith has garnered a cult following over the past six or seven years and it's easy to hear why - his are songs that are as captivating as they are lovely. There is a deceptive simplicity to tunes like 'Riverbed' or 'Seem To Recall' in part due to Sexsmith's superb voice fitting his material like a glove; it's clear that in terms of songwriting he's in the zone - it all comes off with seemingly apparent ease. 'Still Time' is a wonderful opener with Sexsmith's natural modesty, oddly, shining through; "..we may never win, but while there's still hope - there's still time." Befitting of the cover art, 'Right About Now' is decidedly autumnal - measured, poignant but quite splendid all the same, as is most everything throughout. As a whole this record is a shade better than Ron Sexsmith's much heralded debut, and when it catches you on the right day Whereabouts is Sexsmith at his most beguiling and graceful best.

Very much in the style of his first two discs, Ron Sexsmith's Whereabouts has more melodic grace and lyrical economy than we have any right to expect in the 90s. From the opening notes of Still Time, the listener is in some kind of McCartneyesque haze of tuneful writing and inventive settings (brass and strings add colour when needed). The lyrics are simple, yet powerful and the whole package is delivered in a melancholy, unhurried style occasionally reminiscent of a particularly laid-back Ray Davies or Harry Nilsson. Ultimately, though, Ron Sexsmith's style resembles no one's. His writing and performances continue to add to a body of work that, with Whereabouts, has established him as one of pop's major artists.

Bernard Perusse

Usually we recommend the first album to start. We can do the same for Ron Sexsmith, as all his albums are worth the purchase. But if I should recommend only one, it would be this one, simply because it is his best, to me (but a new one is to be out in October 2002, called "Cobblestone Runway"...). Twelve songs, very nicely scored, a perfect example of what is good songwriting today, and if you listen to the tunes carefully, you'll note this Ron Sexsmith is certainly one of the most subtle melodists of the planet at the moment. I suppose I don't need to say more for music lovers.
Other favorites of mine are Lucinda Williams "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road" and Wilco's "Summerteeth", if it can help to convince other people to get this one.

This is one of those albums that just keeps getting played. The sweetness of the melodies, the honesty in the voice and the quality of the songwriting just keep me coming back for more. I think this rates as Ron's best album to date and is in my top 5 for 1999.

How happy I am I discovered Ron's music. Just an excellent release and I'll soon add his other's. Strong songwriting through-out - melodic, holding up to many listens. It is his voice that brings me back again and again. I even heard one song off this CD on tape at my grocery store! Does this mean fame is arriving for him? Beautiful record.