I'm going to see Ron Sexsmith on the 13th -- he and Emm Gryner are playing at the Irving Greenberg Theatre. So I've been preparing for the show by listening to his MySpace and his playlist at CBC Radio 3's site, and I've liked what I've heard enough to consider buying a CD at the merch table (assuming, of course, that I have money on me then ).

The trouble is, which one to choose? I'm hoping the Ron fans on here might have some hints for me. If it helps any, my favourite songs of his so far are "Keep it in Mind" and "Not Too Big".

Thanks a bunch!

 

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"There's the shirt that I like!"

"It was nice singing with you this evening."

Hi RP, I was on the verge of updating an upcoming events thread re Ron's current tour schedule when I saw your post.

Since both the songs you mentioned are on Blue Boy, I would suggest you start there.  I'm kind of partial to Retreiver, Time Being (his latest), Rarities and Blue Boy in no particular order.  Destination Unknown, his collaboration with Don Kerr (his drummer), is very enjoyable also.  Definite Everly Brothers influences showing there.

(I should add that these are the only ones I own right now but I'm working my way towards the complete collection.)

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"Over straight and crooked miles
Falling out of favour or embraced
Wondering where was love...
It hadn't happened yet"
~Ron Sexsmith~

Nearest to all things
Patiently waiting
So let the angels sing
Silently weeping

Thanks for the tips, Ann! I shall indeed start with Blue Boy -- makes sense to get the one with the songs I like best.

Destination Unknown also sounds intriguing -- I'm a sucker for Everly Brothers-influenced work. EB rule!! They have such amazing harmonies and sing with so much emotion. I was fortunate enough to catch them when they played Massey Hall in May 2001, and it was a great show. I went in knowing only "Bye Bye Love" and came out a huge fan. So yeah, anyone who is influenced by EB is probably all right in my books as well.

Back to Ron: he is a great songwriter. That's what's I like about "Not Too Big" in particular. The way he describes feeling awkward at parties is so true to life (at least to me). I was reading some of his other lyrics at ronsexsmith.com, and "Jazz at the Bookstore" was another well-written song. It'll be a joy to explore this one's work.

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"There's the shirt that I like!"

"It was nice singing with you this evening."

Just out of curiousity, does anyone know how old he is, approximately? He just seems so young to already have so many albums.

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No way that I can fake it
this times got to be real - JC

He was born in '64, so that would make him 44 this year. Not sure when his exact birthday is though.

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"There's the shirt that I like!"

"It was nice singing with you this evening."

Thanks RP - he seemed younger, but I haven't really seen him very often. Enjoy the Junos tonight, if you're able to watch!

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No way that I can fake it
this times got to be real - JC