Flaunting the playful, bluesy voice that has kept him popular for almost two decades, folkie extraordinaire Martin Sexton returns on Seeds, his first new set of songs in seven years (not counting 2005's holiday-themed Camp... more » Holiday). Of course, for a renowned road warrior like Sexton recorded work isn't really the point, as this release like all the others is just more fodder for his famously blistering live sets (memorably captured on 2000's Live Wide Open). Still, it's a welcome dose of the man's music--a mix of broadly appealing jams, Van Morrison-esque drama and Sexton's earthy pipes, reminiscent of R&B greats like Otis Redding. "Happy" opens it up with a cheery, gospel-tinged vibe, riding easygoing organs and guitars straight into the equally summery "Thought I Knew Ya." Later, an electrified vocal track plugs a charge into the hop-a-long tune "Marry Me" while guest Nils Lofgren's juke joint guitar vibe livens up "How Far I've Come." Sexton can get a little corny with his lyrics ("Wild Angels" contains a few samples), but as a musician his overt earnestness is the secret to his success. It's not always subtle but the guy has an absolute knack for classic roots music. With the energy of a true believer, Sexton manages to infuse a timeless appeal into every track. --Matthew Cooke« less
Flaunting the playful, bluesy voice that has kept him popular for almost two decades, folkie extraordinaire Martin Sexton returns on Seeds, his first new set of songs in seven years (not counting 2005's holiday-themed Camp Holiday). Of course, for a renowned road warrior like Sexton recorded work isn't really the point, as this release like all the others is just more fodder for his famously blistering live sets (memorably captured on 2000's Live Wide Open). Still, it's a welcome dose of the man's music--a mix of broadly appealing jams, Van Morrison-esque drama and Sexton's earthy pipes, reminiscent of R&B greats like Otis Redding. "Happy" opens it up with a cheery, gospel-tinged vibe, riding easygoing organs and guitars straight into the equally summery "Thought I Knew Ya." Later, an electrified vocal track plugs a charge into the hop-a-long tune "Marry Me" while guest Nils Lofgren's juke joint guitar vibe livens up "How Far I've Come." Sexton can get a little corny with his lyrics ("Wild Angels" contains a few samples), but as a musician his overt earnestness is the secret to his success. It's not always subtle but the guy has an absolute knack for classic roots music. With the energy of a true believer, Sexton manages to infuse a timeless appeal into every track. --Matthew Cooke
"Marty's done it again! A nice production, but not so overproduced as to ruin his earthy musical charm his audience enjoys when he plays live. Some Amazon reviewers of his Christmas CD complained of it being too raw, whereas some complained of THE AMERICAN (his major label debut) too overproduced and polished. Even those naysayers may find some common ground with this release, as the music touches upon the many genres he's played, yet maintaining a cohesive album "flow". A remarkable feat, for sure. A little tribute to Tom Waits (Keep It Simple, the closing track) breaks some new musical ground, without sounding to "experimental" (read-"out there"). The fans have been hungry for a new studio CD from Marty for some years, and this should not disappoint, and maybe even expand the fan base a bit! BUY THIS NOW!"
Remember "Black Sheep" ? ...
J. Blilie | Twin Cities, MN | 04/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"... this is back to the original MS in my opinion. MS knocks this one over the Green Monster. He teams up with Crit Harmon again (Black Sheep) to produce this one. Remember the clean sound (production values) of Black Sheep? It's back! The songs hit you in the gut, the music makes you tap your toe. They swing and rock. Marty's voice never sounded better, and he's keeping it under control -- just enough control.
I don't know if he'll ever again hit the lyric highs he hit on Black Sheep and In the Journey. But this is vintage MS, the reason I buy all his records without hearing them (been a little bit disappointed a couple of times -- but I still own them and they do grow on me.) No disappointments this time."
AMAZING!
Kat | Ann Arbor, MI | 04/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Martin Sexton is amazing, full of soul, original, and inspirational! I am so excited to be listening to this new album and I can't wait to hear him perform it in concert. Martin Sexton is in my opinion the greatest performer, singer, and song writer. His music soothes my soul!"
From Boston busker to buying his own home in the country
R. Kyle | USA | 07/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"According to his April interview on NPR, that cabin just got running water, but this is Sexton's dream.
"Seeds" sows some joy along with the music. Gross describes Sexton's song as 'setpieces'. Sexton took his inspiration from Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny among others, that he can sound any way that he wants to. All the voices in this CD are his--even the gospel choir. He even can 'replay' his voice speaking backwards--which literally made me wonder if something had gone wrong with the radio.
"Marry Me" has recorded sounds from his cabin in the Adirondacks. Listen close and you'll hear dinner bells, salt and pepper shakers and all kinds of low tech devices.
"Failure" is even inspiring. In this song, Sexton thanks God for failure because he believes that a man learns when he fails. To me, Sexton's reached that contented place we all wish we could find and it rings true in his music. The CD's worth listening to again and again because you never get the whole message the first time."
Vintage Sexton!
Carl LaCascia | Montgomery, NY United States | 05/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Once again, Martin Sexton has created a collection of new hits which hopefully will make their way to our airwaves and give him the artistic credit of which he is so long overdo. Martin Sexton is one of those rare, raw vocalists who leaves his heart and soul on every lyric he sings. Whether performing live or in the studio, Martin's voice always rings strong with his reverential resonance especially on the lead track "Happy" and continuing on thru his politically laced and hopeful "Wild Angels". Spiritually soulful overtones carry on "There I Go" just as a carnival feel runs thru "Right Where You Belong", "Marry Me" and "How Far I've Come". But believe me folks, every song on this record has a way of embedding itself in your cranium to return later for you to enjoy even when the songs are not playing.
I remember seeing Martin live and hearing "Failure" prior to the new album and have to say it is one of my favorite tracks right along with the ballad "Still Think about You" which are both stand outs on this new album for me. "Keep It Simple" took a little time growing on me but as with some of Martin's other songs, it takes some time to fully enjoy them until you have had a chance to absorb all the sounds and songs created by this clever and creatively unique performing artist!
Thanks for a great CD!! Martin Sexton's SEEDS is a must own for EVERYONE!