Sad Beauty
Eugene F. Fama | Pacific Palisades, CA United States | 09/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this because it was high on Elvis Costello's recommended records list (always a good source for new discoveries). I've since found out McCartney and others have raved about it as well. I hesitate to give something I just bought five stars, but it's hard to think of another rating for this record. The main drawback is that it's only 40 minutes long.On first listen Sexsmith seems too simple and maybe a little dreary. He's patently un-hip. Yet he's also unaffected, so much so that when you'd ordinarily find reason to dismiss him he has a hook in and the material starts building in your head. These are the kind of songs that keep you up at night. His melodies are spare and pretty. His lyrics have a direct innocence that is not naive but more like a haiku, stripped down and poignant with a pervasive hint of sadness ("So young we had no choice, we were pulled along by the ancient voice of girls and boys"). His singing is young sounding and direct, like Brian Wilson or maybe like McCartney without all his affectations.This album has a weird intimacy, not like he's talking to you but like you're listening in to his thoughts--even the passing observations ("Standing on the side of the road near the overpass with a sign around his neck that says 'Carwash, Free Balloons' is a clown in broad daylight"). Producers Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake never get in Sexsmith's way; they avoid their tendency to overlay density and textures to the production. You can hear the grass grow on this record. It's quiet and gentle--and sometimes harrowing."
At Peace
KhyberNY | 01/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I dare anyone to come home after a rough day and remain stressed out after listening to this album. I heard it for the first time last night, and I am sure no psychiatrist could have prescribed a better medicine or made me feel more at peace with myself. Generic phrases come to mind, like 'breathtakingly beautiful' and 'poignant lyrics,' yet the album is anything but generic. It is a 'breath of fresh air' in a world that, as he says... "is not the one we used to know and love, Can't help wondering if it ever was." This is my first exposure to Ron Sexsmith, and I hope that he continues to be as inspired and inspiring for years to come. I have found the music I want to grow up and grow old with. Thank you, Ron."
Absolutly Genius
Dusty | Long Island, KS United States | 10/29/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't review a lot of things, but this album is absolutly essential to any music lovers catalog. I seriously think Ron is a better songwriter than Lennon and McCartney... I know I'm stepping on sacred ground, but if he isn't better he's at the very least in the same league. These songs are incredible. The simplistic production mixes just the right blend of emotion in to make for an incredible album. I hope more people can give mr. Sexsmith a chance... Other Songs is definetly worth your money, reguardless of musical taste.-Dusty"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1