Ron
Sexsmith – Cobblestone Runway
Label: Nettwerk
America
Hit, *hit or
Miss?: *hit
Rating:
...this
stuff is about as compelling as a book of tax regulations.
When I signed on to write for antiMUSIC
I didn’t know that I’d be covering comedy CD’s. I have a hard time believing
that this album is serious. It’s either that or I’m stuck in some weird
timewarp and ended up in a bad infomercial for a singer/songwriters CD
for K-tel? I haven’t heard anything this slow and boring since the
theme to “Touched by an Angel”. Wait, “Touched By An Angel” rocks harder
than this. Not to be dissin’ on Ron Sexxsmith, the dude can play
and has a voice, it’s just his music will put a speed addict to sleep.
I thought Def Leppard and Chris Robinson’s new CD’s were slow but this
stuff would make a turtle seem like a Porche. Seriously, I can’t figure
out if this dude is trying to do folk or slow country or just thinks that
it’s 1972? At least James Taylor and Cat Stevens had songs with catchy
melodies, this stuff is about as compelling as a book of tax regulations.
I could be totally off base and this guy
may be the musical genius that some people make him out to be, but to me
this sounds like bad coffee house music or music for those aging hippies
still stoned out of their minds living on communes in Oregon or worst yet
songs for the kind of people who tune into to “Seventh Heaven” every week.
If given a choice I might have to go with elevator music over this disc
but if you’re into barbiturates or are deaf you might dig this CD. If you’re
a rocker you gotta avoid this disc like Michael Bolton’s greatest hits,
but expect the SUV yuppie crowd to make this guy a superstar, it’s got
that ultimate level of lameness that Yanni and Kenny G fans might be able
to jell out to it but call me a idiot critic, I think this guy needs to
have a pot of coffee or a couple of Red Bull’s before he attempts to write
music for another CD, either that or get with the 21st century.
Right now one of Ron Sexsmith’s 12 fans
that happened upon this review is cursing me and getting ready to cry,
“Are you nuts? Ron is the best! Even Rolling Stone thinks that he is great!”
That’s fine and all but I just don’t hear it and I could care less what
Rolling Stones says about anything and the fact that they would give Ron
Sexsmith or Eminem higher ratings then Led Zeppelin speaks volumes. There
is no way in hell this dribble is comparable to the great singer songwriters
like Paul Simon, James Taylor and Cat Stevens. He’s not even a poorman’s
Stephen Bishop. Maybe if Ron wrote a song like “On and On,” there would
be a reason to rave but judging by this disc which was torturous to sit
through, Ron Sexsmith isn’t the shining songwriter he is made out to be.
If you want to hear a great songwriter who could tell a story with his
songs then buy any of Harry Chapin’s albums. Ron Sexsmith doesn’t even
come close. I can’t figure out what some of the critics who praise this
guy are thinking? It might be that they are old hippies who fried too many
brain cells or are too young to have heard real singer/songwriters? (I’m
only 24 and I know the difference). Ron Sexsmith is a sign of the times
really. If something this bad can be hailed as great then that must mean
everything it’s being compared against is really bad. After sitting through
this disc there is no need to wonder why his first couple of albums didn’t
sell and he was dropped from Universal records. I will say in his favor
that "Cobblestone Runway" is a fitting title for this disc because this
music is as antiquated as cobblestone. If you like this guy, than knock
yourself out or let the music put you to sleep but don’t mistake this mishmash
of melodrama put to sound as great music.
I keep waiting for my editor to slap his
knee and tell me that this was a bad joke, but I’m afraid that this was
a serious attempt at an album and some yoyo’s are going to be calling this
the album of the year! I know there is a market out there for this as there
are people who think Yoko Ono is a musical genius. Maybe those who praise
this sonic sleeping pill really can’t stand it but they don’t want to seem
uncouth to the clenched jaw types that claim Yoko’s music is incredible?
Maybe I didn’t take enough drugs or was born too late? Who knows it’s just
bad enough that it might go quadruple platinum but for people who are hangin’
here at antiMUSIC unless you’re in a coma I wouldn’t recommend this album
unless I wanted to get my ass kicked! Go buy Aimee Mann’s new disc
instead or if you want a slow disc that has some great songwriting then
Beck’s got a new album out that will entertain without putting you to sleep.
CD Info and Links
Tracks: Former Glory
These Days
Least That I Can Do
God Loves Everyone
Disappearing Act
For A Moment
Gold In Them Hills
Heart's Desire
Dragonfly On Bay Street
The Less I Know
Up The Road
Best Friend
About
the reviewer: Scott
Slapp is the frontman for the wanna-be grung band Greed, a practicing alcoholic
and an antiMUSIC contributor
Fan
Speak - Your Turn, What do you think?
Fan
Speak:
Posted by Hooverfactory:
Ron is one of the greatest songwriter's i've heard. listen to 'from a few streets over' and you'll agree. if you don't, go and listen to your james blunt chart rubbish. i
Posted by penis enlargement:
penis enlargement
Posted by music_guru:
Clearly not everyone can understand intelligent music. I own quite a few Sexsmith cds. After listening to plenty of his music and seeing him live, I've found there's almost a Van Morrison quality to his writing. Simple and melodic with beautiful imagery...This guy could serenade me all night long!
Posted by quinn:
I just saw Ron Sexsmith last week in New York City. He was there to play a benefit show for the homeless. All I have to say is that Ron and his guitar had a crowd of New Yorkers enthralled. He is genuine and real and profoundly talented. I admit that you have every right to dislike his music but I feel that your review in general was mean and harsh. Ron's new album Retriever is a gem. I hope you listen to it with an open mind and not crap on it.
Posted by Perry:
You idiots, different people have different taste. Stop dissin the music, or the people that like it.
you don't find me insulting your fav pop singer do you? you find me insulting britney spears???
Posted by Scott:
You have to be a moron to call someone a moron because their taste in music differs from yours. Folk rock? Yes I got that when I listened to it. So when it came time to see if it measured up I judged it against the work of other artist in that genre. I came to the conclusion that Mr Sexsmith wasn't nearly on par with the likes of James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Early Dylan, David Gray, Jim Croche, Harry Chapin, and more. Can I play an instrument? Yes, I can. But I hardly see how that is relevant to judging Ron Sexsmith against other artists in his same genre and finding him utterly lacking.
Posted by Mike:
You have to be a moron not to get his music. It's folk rock and damn good stuff....Go listen to some suped up rock and u'll be happy. Maybe it's not your style of music....that's fine don't cut up the music......can u play an instrument?
Mike
Posted by DeadSun:
Mind you, A.Devil, I am no fan of Mr. Sexsmith.
Posted by Martin:
This has got to be the biggest piece of self indulgant shyt I have heard in years. What are you bozos raving about. Emotional? No it's dull and really pretty lowbrow attempt at being profound and it's utter crap. You wonder why this generation has not taste with mediocre songwriters like this guy getting praised like he was something special. He's not go listen to some of the old school and you'll see that this guy is shallow and really nothing to write home about.
Posted by El Bumhol:
I'm all for personal taste and agreeing to disagree over music, but your writer must be a complete dumbass not to realise that this album is very good indeed. No wonder he was too ashamed to put his real name on the review
Posted by DeadSun:
For "The Advocate Devil":
I thought your point was well rationalized, and free of contradiction. Keep posting, logicians are a dying breed.
Posted by aG:
I was just bustin' your chops. Well for the record Scott does have the ability to scribe a "traditional" review but when he first came on board he had a tendency to try to be "over the top" but has since mellowed out and taken the job more seriously. This review went up quite some time ago (October). Each of the writers here have their own style and for the most part the editor lets them do their own thing stylistically. Some people are bound to enjoy it and some aren't. When it comes to reviews, I personally play it pretty straight but some people like to use a different approach. I for one enjoy reading a bit off color review from time to time but you are right it doesn't always serve the higher objectives of criticism… Don't get me started on Kelly. I could have provided a more detailed accounting of why I don't think she can sing but that format and the limited space didn't permit it. But the easiest way is to simply listen to her or subject yourself to one of her live performances where she sounds like she is singing in an echo chamber and it doesn't help. Yes most vocalists use effects to enhance their voice but from time to time someone like Kelly comes along and that technology is used to attempt to cover up for a lack of talent and you CAN hear it in her recordings. Ok enough out of me or as Kelly Beast would say. Blah, blah, blah. most profound lyric since He was a boy and she was a girl. Could I make it any more obvious? Or something like that.
Posted by The Advocate Devil:
Well, AG, it may be "funny in its own way," but the article's not particularly informative and doesn't even take a feeble stab at objectivity. You should make a couple people who write on this site actually read CD reviews that you and Keavin have written, where basic questions like who, what, where, when, and how are addressed (journalism 101). I'm not sure what my first "shortcut to thinking" was, but I'm guessing it was my remark about Kelly Osbourne in your Top 5 list (she deserves to be there, btw, I just thought your reasons were flawed). Anyways, I'll make sure to count my grievances properly next time. 31.4 ... I stand corrected.
Posted by aG:
P.S. I thought the article was funny in its own way. Although I'm sure hardcore fans of this artist would beg to differ. I listened to a couple songs and to be quite honest I didn't hear what everyone is raving about. But that's a matter of taste. Ron didn't appeal to mine but I wouldn't say he sucks because he doesn't appeal to me. Before you get all upset over a review next time consider rule 62.
Posted by aG:
I counted 31.4 not 40. Get it straight next time! That's the second shortcut to thinking I've seen you post this week Devil.
Posted by Scott:
Hey Advocate - Kiss the Clown buddy!
Posted by The Advocate Devil:
Good lord, where does this site get its writers? Don't you think 40 lame metaphors and analogies is a bit excessive? Maybe the album sucks, but man, your writing is nothing to crow about. The actual music isn't even discussed, instead the article is just a litany of comparisons to what else sucks and to people who like sucky things. I think your "editor" should get in the practice of reminding you what your topic is and that figurative speech is like laxative -- use too much and only your toilet will take you seriously.
Posted by DeadSun:
By the by, I have, in the past, found myself guilty of that aforementioned blunder as well. I quote (in my opinion) the greatest of the greats: "The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing." -Socrates
Posted by Jeffery:
Scott, I really appreciate your response to my remarks and considered it to be very fair. I will admit this now. I'm 48 years old so I love James Taylor too. I think he is a good artist to compare Ron to because it is an acoustic guitar genre. James is an American classic artist like Stephen Foster. I believe Ron will be that for Canada but "Other Songs" alone is a masterpiece NOTEworthy of which the world should take notice. Thank you, Jeffery
Posted by DeadSun:
Scott, your BIG crime here is this: you gave a review using emotive, rather than reasonable language, and have offended the intellectual demographic this music clearly attracts, resulting in the subsequent display of comments abounding in verbosity. However; some of this arguement- when stripped of linguistical grandiosity- reveals the following: I like "P". You do not like "P". I therefore conclude that you are not qualified to have a subjective opinion (redundancy) regarding a subjective matter of discussion. The crime here is that intellectuals are trying to hoodwink you, in an attempt to present "inductive inference" as if it were a "deductive inference". Shame, shame, shame.
Posted by SCott:
Also, it wasn't meant as mean spirited but unfortunately sarcasm doesn't relate well to print. This was one of my first assignments with antiMUSIC and given the name and nature of the site I took it mean something it actually isn't. Trust me the other long time writers here have taken me to task about my initial style. Most are musicians and true lovers of music and while they do bash fabricated crap they have nothing but respect for true talent. So yeah I was overboard and harsh but I thought that was expected of me at the time. If I had it to do over again I would have been far more professional and approached it like I do reviews for my day gig and looks at both the merits and shortcomings. Can Ron play? yes. Can he write a melody that's could be considered catchy? yes. Did this excite me at all? no it was far too subdued for my taste and it never did it for me. Maybe I was expecting far more. I researched this before I listened and read all these people equating him to the second coming. But after growing up on James Taylor and Harry Chapin he didn't measure up. Sorry but it's true. Given what music is today, sure I can see people singing his praises but given a historical long view and the greats from the past? Sorry but it he just doesn't come close . IN MY OPINION. But you disagree as well as so many others here have. So maybe I'm wrong and that's fine. To the readers do something smart and just go listen to the song clips on the link and judge for yourself. No matter what any critic says, that's the only opinion that truly counts.
Posted by Scott:
Jeff, I listen to this a dozen time and never got it. That happens.
Posted by Jeffery:
Ps. The other music you referenced in my opinion is surprisingly good (Especially The Beatles, James Taylor, Beck and U2 so how could you miss the boat with Ron? I think you should take another listen to "Cobblestone Runway" and while your at it listen to "Blueboy" "Whereabouts" "Other Songs" and "Ron Sexsmith and tell us what you think. Jeffery
Posted by Jeffery (Jlomasone@aol.com):
Ok Scotty, I'm a journalist too and a songwriter so I will make this quick and concise. You are certainly entitled not to like Ron Sexsmith. However, my problem with your review is that it is mean spirited about a man who I happen to think happens to be rare because he is real as well as a nice person (I've written him several times regarding his music and he always responds in a prompt and cordial manner and met him in person twice) in conjunction with being a talented performer (I've seen him six times he is incredible). Finally, I think he is the best songwriter on the planet and I wonder what you think Paul McCartney, Neil Finn and Elvis Costello and Chris Martin are missing if you don't care what I think. Ron Sexsmith is a good man and it is totally reflected in his public persona and his music! Also when was the last time you wrote or recorded any music? Jeffery Lomas
Posted by Scott:
Seriously penny, I happen to like a lot of different kinds of music including the "classic" singer songwriters inwhich I judged Ron against and found lacking. Maybe without the comparisons to make I would have warmed to this CD more but as it stands I did not. Some of my favs include Beck, Beatles, Kings-X, Jeff Buckley, U2, Primus, Tool, GNR, Silverchair, Soundgarden, STP, Harry Chapin, James Taylor, The Damned, The Clash. The list goes on. Contrary to what some people think I have a rather open mind when it comes to music. Ron just didn't hit any of my buttons and I had to call it as I saw it. But the folks that run this site had the sense to allow other people to post their own thoughts so everyone who disagrees with my take has had the chance to offer their own view of the CD and go on record why they think I'm wrong. I would much rather hear why people who connect with Ron think he is so great than people wasting their time attacking me. I can take the heat but if I am wrong about this CD then why not tell the readers who stumble upon this review why they should check out Ron and give reasons why you love him that I may have been totally offbase on. You only get one person's view with any review but at least you can be productive here and offer your own views so potential fans have differing opinions to go on.
Posted by penny:
so Scott, we already know what music you dont like, but surprise me, what music do you like, I'm really interested.
Posted by jlomasone@aol.com:
YOU ARE NUTS! Perhaps even certifiable. Go put on some Eminem or some Motley Crue whatever you like and return to your mindless bliss! Jeffery Lomas
Posted by MAx:
It is sad what passes for musical genius today. Ron Sexsmith is musical God? I think not.
Posted by Mitzi:
Good for you Scott, nice to see not all employers discriminating against the mentally impaired, beat serial killing eh?
Posted by Samantha:
Nikki? As in Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue? That's an opinion I'm gonna take- NOT!
Posted by Ronny Rocket:
Hi Scott, you`re saying you can`t take this cd serious...well, I can`t take your review serious! You must have had a very bad day. Did your girlfriend leave you ? Or did you have some bad acid ? Cobblestone Runway does have some very catchy melodies, it`s excellent songwriting with intellegent lyrics that mean a lot to his fans. You`re saying that this cd is so slow that it puts you to sleep...well, I guess you`re already dead or your brain cells are to slow to capture the beauty of these songs. Hey Scott, I think you need some rest. BTW they don`t call it "grunge" anymore, it`s called "NuMetal" nowadays. And "Greed" is not a very original name for a band (there`s already a band called "Creed").
Posted by David:
The word moron does is not enough to describe this reviewer. I think his description should also include 'wanna-be' music reviewer! The reason that great artists such as Ron Sexsmith don't get the success they deserve is because radio stations and the music world are full of people like him who haven't got any taste outside of what their 'in-crowd' tells them to like. Go to hell and take your bad spelling with you! Let's hope we never hear anything from Greed in the future!
Posted by Dave Nick:
Well done Scott, It used to be that know-nothing philistines would advertise their stupidity with tattoos - or by buying Ted Nugent albums. It looks like the the modern way is to display ignorance by wilfully missing the point. And posting it on antiMUSIC. And no, I am not a Kenny G or Michael Bolton fan. Don't you understand? Ron Sexsmith's songs are thoughtful, melancholic, self-searching and sensitive. If you are so limited that you can't appreciate the wide variety of music out there, I pity you. I guess you are within a year or two of 22 and think everyone should like Band X or Band Y and everything else is crap. We've all been there. I am sorry if I have read you wrong on this. But just show a little maturity and realise what a dull world it would be if we all liked the same stuff. So don't dismiss people for enjoying this kind of thing. I like to think I have a wide musical taste. This last 12 months I particularly liked stuff from Jim White, Moby, Lianne Hall, James Yorkston, White Stripes, Neil Young, Loudon Wainwright, Clem Snide - even Sophie Bextor Ellis and many others. Why don't you lighten up and listen without prejudice. As a music lover aged over 50, I promise you that life will be a whole lot better. And you need never hear another Kenny G track in your life. If grunge is your thing, why not try The Kills or The Sights or The Bees and see where the next big things are coming from. With best wishes David
Posted by MightyZimbo:
This is not a question: "I can’t figure out what some of the critics who praise this guy are thinking?" Find some punctuation lessons or sumthin'!!!
Posted by dave f:
hey scott i'm a sexsmith fan and here's waht i got to say: nothing. young snot, i'm not taking the bait :P
Posted by No one special, just literate:
I think I can't think after reading the pap of Scott Slapp. I know this is *just* the WWW, but jesuschrist, come on, we need *some* standards! This yokel couldn't write himself out of a Phonics book, so it doesn't surprise me that he doesn't *get* R.S. Oh, and that he's an aspiring "grung" [sic] musician says it all. Grammar counts!
Posted by Jackson:
Scott, it sounds to me like you've born witness to that terrible disease that's running rampant on the airwaves these days. It mainly effects those that listen to over-hyped songwriters. It's a condition called "Non-Melodica". But don't worry about it; It's "not-catchy" Your in luck, because I've got just the cure. www.broadjam.com Artist name: The Modes
Posted by Heath:
I listened to both of the last two Sexsmith albums back to back. A few of the ballads are washy, but he obviously has a command of form and basic composition. Any first year music student can see that he has talent. Maybe this is the wrong form for that discourse. Anyway, he has way more talent than the vast majority of current recording artists have. That is why it is so easy to lump a guy like Sexsmith into the 70's singer/songwriter bag. Those guys actually had to have some talent to get a deal. Sexsmith is obviously writing the songs, not contriving them. Sexsmith doesn't seem to care about staying in one or two genres. The song is the heart of the presentation, not the composer himself. That is refreshing. This kind of approach is especially rare in this day and age where most pop artists are going for a fluid set of sounds that will sustain them through another album(if lucky). What did Greg Brown say about us all striving to become one bland place? But he is old and hangs out with musicians that even you probably like. Sexsmith has already turned the heads of terrific producers and musicians. Good luck.
Posted by Glen:
Hey Scott Slapp, you spelled Ron Sexsmith wrong. That says a lot.
Posted by Joshua:
I'm just f*cking with you. I do like Ron Sexsmith. But I don't care what anyone says. Reviews are for people who don't buy records. No hard feelings. I really couldn't care less. Nice talking with you.
Posted by Scott:
I would expect someone with as dull taste as you to say such a thing. Do us all a favor and don't procreate.
Posted by Joshua:
P.S. Oh, and that review you wrote for Loudermilk's new album was the worst kind of meandering tripe I have ever read. Maybe you should save your applaud for a band that doesn't suck. Loudermilk is some of the worst music I have heard in years. Just wanted to let you know. Oh, and thank you again.
Posted by Joshua:
Just give it up. That last post was just sad. There's nothing worse than hearing someone rant and rave about something they have no knowledge about. Just do me a favor. Never make music. Thank you.
Posted by Scott:
ha ha ha - I have an ear for music, I like good music not this lame ass sominex coffee shop music. amazing? amazingly boring!
Posted by Joshua:
Everyone who doesn't think this album is freaking amazing should be drug out into the street and shot. It blows my mind that pseudo-intellectuals like this Scott Slapp are allowed to write reviews when he so obviously has no ear for music. And that's just sad.
Posted by Stevie:
Stumbled upon this site by mistake...what a bunch of unbelievable wankers. Whew...there's 90 seconds I ain't gettin' back. Scott Slapp - "practicing alcoholic"? Way too "edgy" for me, man. Adios...gotta scrub clean any cookies...
Posted by Robert:
F*ck ... you're both morons.
Posted by Nikki:
I just listened to the sound bites on that link and you are right this is total crap! Someone called this the album of the year? Are they high? Why in the hell would a rock site like Anti-Music review this old people music anyway? cut and paste this link and listen to this shytwe turned that posted url into a link since it was rather long and messed up the format of the page. -admin
