The title of Ron Sexsmith's 2001 album, Blue Boy, well described a singer who's made a modest career playing pretty, moony tunes about love found and lost. But from the first notes of the sweet-swinging opener, "Former Glo... more »ry," it's clear that on this follow-up, Sexsmith's forlorn folk-pop is in for a reinvention. Cobblestone Runway adds synthesizers and danceable beats to his usual guitar and vocal melodies, and for the most part the new sounds enliven Sexsmith's songs without strangling them. The disc recalls Beth Orton and Jeb Loy Nichols, but not everything will sound alien to an established Sexsmith admirer: "The Less I Know" is a calm, Beatle-esque pop tune, and cuts like "Best Friends" and "God Loves Everyone" would fit on any of his previous discs. Inevitably there are a few missteps--among them the disco-fied "Dragonfly on Bay Street"--but overall Sexsmith's electro-folk experiment proves refreshingly successful. --Anders Smith Lindall« less
The title of Ron Sexsmith's 2001 album, Blue Boy, well described a singer who's made a modest career playing pretty, moony tunes about love found and lost. But from the first notes of the sweet-swinging opener, "Former Glory," it's clear that on this follow-up, Sexsmith's forlorn folk-pop is in for a reinvention. Cobblestone Runway adds synthesizers and danceable beats to his usual guitar and vocal melodies, and for the most part the new sounds enliven Sexsmith's songs without strangling them. The disc recalls Beth Orton and Jeb Loy Nichols, but not everything will sound alien to an established Sexsmith admirer: "The Less I Know" is a calm, Beatle-esque pop tune, and cuts like "Best Friends" and "God Loves Everyone" would fit on any of his previous discs. Inevitably there are a few missteps--among them the disco-fied "Dragonfly on Bay Street"--but overall Sexsmith's electro-folk experiment proves refreshingly successful. --Anders Smith Lindall
"Ron Sexsmith, once again, provides us with another in a line of low-keyed, interesting, flawed and sporadically beautiful albums. Voices like Sexsmith's are not likely to be heard on, say, American Idol. Although he probably nails more notes here than on any of his previous recordings, his voice remains an acquired taste--fragile, frequently struggling with pitch, manifestly human. Like his voice, his songs strive for simplicity and directness. When Sexsmith fails, his songs become sentimental and/or trite. However when he scores, as he does more frequently, his songs convey elegance and purity. This is his most elaborately produced and risk-taking cd, including, believe it or not, a disco track, which may dismay some of his core audience. But we find this his most consistent and listener-friendly record to date. As such, it should expose him, deservedly, to a wider audience."
Solid songwriter stuff
Sanami Fottral | Sioux Falls South Dakota USA | 10/11/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I dont know anything about ron sexmith so i cant give you a comparison with his earlier work, nor can i compare what i hear with other peoples opinions. I work at cd shop and i get to hear alot of new music everyday and much of it is nice for a listen or two. But this album is touching, usually sweet, emotional and optimistic etc... His voice is honest and unique and up close (exaclty like a cross between aaron neville and nick drake), just like he is sitting in your livingroom with a nice quiet band talkin about life with you. Its not a life changing cd like Neutral Milk Hotel's Aeroplane over the sea, or Radioheads ok Computer but its cool, or dylan bringin it al back home but... If you dig chilled out simple sonwriter stuff with a minimal band (some nice spacy sounds) this would be a worthy addition to your collection."
Wonderful
beezh | indianapolis | 06/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"it's a true wonder that ron sexsmith isn't a household name. "cobblestone runway" is a gem and i'm glad i found it in the most unconventional way. "least that i can do," "the less i know," "these days," and "former glory" are ... well, glorious. very much his own unique self, but capable of evoking thoughts of mccartney, van morrison, and even boz scaggs at their best. a great listen on the very first spin, but actually keeps getting better with every play. simply wonderful."
Addictive melodies and voice
E. Laing | Tempe, AZ United States | 04/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had never heard of Ron Sexmith until I saw his band open for Coldplay in Phoenix in Feb 03. My husband I both enjoyed the performance, and decided to purchase Cobblestone Runway. After the 1st listen, I wasn't sold. But after 3 listens, it has become one of my favorite cd's. I can't get the melodies and lyrics out of my head, even after listening to other artists. Truly addictive, and I simply love his unique voice. Give it several listens, and don't judge it on the 1st play. I am in Amazon.com right now to purchase a 2nd cd from Ron Sexmith. Gotta have more!"
The loveliest bunch of songs you will hear this year
KhyberNY | NEW YORK, NY United States | 11/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Don't know if anyone else can write music like Ron's anymore, this album just grows and grows on you. ... Get this album, spin it for half a dozen times, and I guarantee you will fall in love."