Reviewed by Jonathan Evans

I was browsing through an on-line record store a couple of months ago looking at some of my favourite artists, and I noticed this - 'People who like T-Bone Burnett also buy records by Ron Sexsmith.' So, as a total stab in the dark, I ordered his latest album. By about the fifth day of non-sto listening I think I was beginning to annoy my wife, so I have to listen in secret now. I met a friend who, like me, listens to obscure singers, and, quite proud of my discovery, and confident he wouldn't have heard and Sexsmith, told him about the CD. 'Oh yes',' he said. 'He's good isn't he? I've got his second album.' Rats, and I thought I got there first! I don't need to tell you much about this album, because my enthusiasm says it all. The songs are beautifully crafted, with some great lyrics and melodies that stay with you all day. A songwriter in the mould of Harry Nillson, with hints of Ray Davies musically, you have to hear it! Why am I writing this review for Cross Rhythms, a christian magazine, since I know nothing of Roy's beliefs? After all, a dedication to God, which he slipped in, can mean anything. Two reasons really. The sense of hope that comes through all he of the songs. Whatever goes wrong, we are encouraged to look forward. Some quotes - 'Is it too late in the game to change anything'; 'But all is not lost...There's still time'; "And from the pavement flowers grow...I'm feeling stronger with every passing day.' Secondly, a standout song 'The Idiot Bot' that talks about our tendency to mess up, but that God has put in us something that yerns for something better, and in one verse, 'God so loved the idiot world, he gave it his only son to kick around,' and later in the song, 'In a world that drags you down God so loved that idiot boy.' Uplifting, joyous, wonderfull, buy it!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.