How James Blunt can be a big success instead of this man is mindboggling. He's probably too good for his times. A classic, truly great singer/songwriter who could possibly have had more success in the 70s or 80s. Always nice to see someone give him the attention he deserves! But ranking his albums is almost impossible, they are very even. And so very good...
Don't agree with all your assessments but then, that's the beauty of putting these kinds of things out there. Ron has been sadly neglected by too large a segment of the music buying population. He has written some truly beautiful songs, such as Secret Heart, Pretty Little Cemetery, Former Glory, Least that I Can Do, Fool Proof, Still Time and especially Strawberry Blonde. I know what you mean about Love Shines. That song played acoustically is perfect. But the heavy production on the record makes it overwrought. But it's great to see Ron get some love and respect on UA-cam. As a fan, thanks for shining some, ahem, love on Ron's incredible body of work.
Great artist. Great list. And great choice of an all time favorite RS song (which is to say my choice as well!): Former Glory. For me, this guy is up there with Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach and Elton John and a few others as one of the most gifted melodists of our time.
Hey Jason, really glad I went back through the archives and found this. I have always thought that Ron was super under appreciated which is a huge shame and as your great rundown states his songwriting deserves so much more attention. I only have 3 of his, self titled, Other Songs and Blue Boy. I always reached for BB for some reason, probably as I associate it with being in my early/mid 20s and discovering people like Ron and Ryan Adams around this time. it also soundtracked the 9/11 period also sadly. Anyway, thanks for tipping me off on a load more Ron I need to listen to.
Long Player, Late Bloomer - so often put down, but for the life of me, I can't understand why. It's simply outstanding. There's no smothering of anything by the production, in my opinion. It all takes flight beautifully. I love so much of Ron's catalog, and am a proud owner of a lot of his CDs, but I think lots who like a certain aspect of his style have complained so much about this particular album, we've been robbed of further such full-band sounds from Ron. There's room for this. Cobblestone Runway, Other Songs and Long Player, Late Bloomer (in no particular order) are my top three, so far.
Hard job doing this but a very thoughtful effort. I will never understand the lack of recognition of Ron's talent by the masses. He really is unmatched. Also a wonderful, humble human being
Very insightful, poignant, yet always fair comments! And your admiration of Ron's work always shines through. And we share the personal favourite tune: "Former Glory". What a tender and comforting kind of song that is...
Great idea first off to give this man some love for his oeuvre! He is really along with Stephen Merritt, Marshall Crenshaw one of the most melodic songwriters of the last decade. When my CD burner was working I put together like 5 CDs of the best songs of his chronologically and sometimes had trouble keeping like 80% of some albums off of them because of the fantastic consistency of his work! Anyway the first album I got of his was his first album. Elvis Costello, of whom I also am a great fan spoke of Sexsmith so highly that I had to check him out. But I somehow after that did not get hooked, pigeonholing Ron as more of a folk act and I usually do not purchase much in that vein. Next time I caught up with him I bought Cobblestone Runway which was more produced and fleshed out and had a couple of masterpieces on it and I bought Other Voices which had a kinks vibe I loved. However I did not get hooked to the point where I simply buy every single thing he puts out until afterward. Anyway, because of the way I listen to him now (on these compilations I have made) it is hard for me to chime in on your ratings. I would say this: Carousel One may well be my favorite and I know...heresy perhaps I would put cobblestone pretty near the bottom of his best of list. Second and third let's go with Blue Boy and Retriever with Long Player 4th. The production there, while different for him, doesn't kill the songs at all and even gives them a more rock'n presentation I think- get in line, love shines and Late Bloomer are all great and should have in that form been his ticket to being a household name. Other Songs and Exit Strategy for the Soul come next and are still to me top tier Sexsmith. I also agree that The Last Rider is not his best work (though still some tremendous songs like Evergreen, Only Trouble Is Shoreline) I purchased Hermitage and have not been able to give it much of a chance. My favorite song ever of his? Varies over time but at this moment let's go with Lord Knows, Poor Helpless Dreams, Love Shines and Just My Heart Talkin' and APril After All and While You're Waiting....ah forget it...too hard to choose!
i saw ron sexsmith 2 times in Vienna, Austria: the first time was with an excellent band of NY-musicians (stand up bass) and it was a magic night - really perfect. Second time he was alone in a small club and it felt kinda depressing .. .
"Gold in Them Hills" and "God Loves Everyone" still moisten my eyes each time I go back and listen. I am a huge RON SEXSMITH fan. I have listened to many of his albums over and over. If you are looking for another under-recognized artist to feature, may I suggest the PERNICE BROTHERS? Sexsmith responded to my tweet in which I shared this video. His reply: "This was interesting! RS"
Thanks for your assessment. It seems I have so many great RS records to explore and enjoy. Interesting that Long Player, Late Bloomer is ranked so low, along with the self titled album, as I love both of them. I've listened to these extensively along with Blue Boy but not so much some of the others. Looking forward to the adventure. His latest Hermitage is outstanding as well.
Well done. I've enjoyed all the episodes I've seen. I was living in Chicago and he was doing an in-store performance at Hear Records. I was/am a huge fan. I asked if he would play Several Miles, kind of an eerie what he described as a Cathy/Heathcliffish song. He asked if I was going to the show that night and he said I was. During the concert he said that Several Miles was requested that morning but his band didn't know it, so before starting the show, when he could have just been kicking back, he taught the band the song and then dedicated to "whoever you are out there." Pretty freaking nice thing to do. It reflects his humility that combined with his brilliant songwriting and singing make him among my favs. He did a Fresh Air show with Terry Gross that's quite good and worth a listening.
I got into Ron Sexsmith about a decade ago. He has a great voice and really well made albums. The only complaint is that his music can get pretty samey after a while. But then again, you can say that about many musicians. I need to explore more of his deep catalogue. Great video Jason. I like when you highlight these more obscure artists. Did Ron ever place a album in your yearly top five? And if not, why not?
Scott Gage That’s awesome to hear. I definitely don’t do episodes like this one for big views, but if I turn one person on to the music of someone like Ron Sexsmith then it’s worth it. Enjoy working your way through his catalog. Thanks for watching the channel!
I suspect Ron would agree with the comments about the production on Long Player Late Bloomer (though he probably wouldn't admit it). But I disagree. Just because the sound is slightly different doesn't make it a lesser feat. In fact, along with his latest album, The Vivian Line, I regard it as one of his best. It's the album that introduced me to Ron - for which I shall be for ever grateful. And it certainly doesn't undermine any of the songs, in my opinion. I've also ranked each of his songs (200+ and counting) and shared the list with Ron. I know he wouldn't agree - in fact, I wouldn't agree myself now, as my favourite Sexsmith songs change by the day. That's the beauty of his achievements.
I agree that it's difficult to categorise Ron's albums as better or worse than the next one as they're all so good. If you haven't done so yet please buy a CD. I am positive you won't be disappointed.
Great job! As you said, it's difficult to choose between them. There some of my favorites on Whereabouts: Seem to Recall and In A Flash, as well as the ones you mentioned.
I don't know exactly what it tells me about Ron's music but if you hunt around for opinions on which are Ron's best records there is a surprising LACK of agreement! I've been listening to Time Being a lot recently and really enjoying it - but when I look on line I'm surprised it often isn't rated that highly - here you have rated it well - so I speculate that either there really isn't a lot to chose between them all or maybe it says something about the differences in all of us as listeners - that we connect with different elements on the albums. Interesting to hear your choices though.
Thanks for doing this video. Criminally underappreciated artist. Carousel One didnt really connect with me for some reason and I have yet to buy the follow up. All of his albums have nice songs and good performances. Did you see the video documentary Love Shines? It mostly chronicles the recording of Long Player, Late Bloomer. Really interesting for fans. He had a ton of solo acoustic cover songs on youtube that are quite nice.
@@TastesLikeMusic i found it on pirate bay. It's really good film. It does a bit of career retrospective in addition to focusing on the bob rock sessions. Rusty Anderson from Mccartney's band is in the film and on the album.
LPLB was the album that introduced me to Ron.Also my favorite,but i understand why other peers musician talking about his early stuff. Lebannon Tennessee ,Speaking with the angels are both Gems
As you say - meaning I agree with your comments that all his albums are great, but i could easily reverse your order - I just LOVE The Last Rider. I got into it a few years after it came out interestingly, it really grew on me. It's a very British/Canadian sound to my ears, which i quite love about it - Breakfast Eternal, West Gwillimbury, Radio, Dead End Dream, Who Are We Right Now - all gems imho. My favourite RS album keeps changing, which in my mind is the stamp of a great artist.
One of the few artists featured on your channel I never had heard of before. I've only heard his latest, The Vivian Line, once when it came out, but the other ones I've heard a couple of times. 16. Grand Opera Lane (1991) ★½ 15. The Last Rider (2017) ★★★ 14. Destination Unknown (2005) ★★★ 13. Forever Endeavour (2013) ★★★ 12. Hermitage (2020) ★★★ 11. Carousel One (2015) ★★★ 10. Time Being (2006) ★★★ 9. The Vivian Line (2023) ★★★ 8. Long Player Late Bloomer (2011) ★★★ 7. Exit Strategy of the Soul (2008) ★★★ 6. Blue Boy (2001) ★★★½ 5. Ron Sexsmith (1995) ★★★½ 4. Other Songs (1997) ★★★½ 3. Cobblestone Runway (2002) ★★★½ 2. Whereabouts (1999) ★★★½ 1. Retriever (2004) ★★★½ ★★★★★ - Masterpiece ★★★★½ - Really great ★★★★ - Great ★★★½ - Really good ★★★ - Good ★★½ - OK ★★ - Bad ★½ - Really bad ★ - Awful ½ - The worst Top 10 songs: 10. Seem to Recall (1999) 9. This Is How I Know (2008) 8. Who We Are Right Now (2017) 7. You Don't Wanna Hear It (2020) 6. Whatever It Takes (2004) 5. Tell Me Again (2001) 4. In a Flash (1999) 3. Get in Line (2011) 2. Secret Heart (1995) 1. Gold in Them Hills (2002)
A difficult list to make, to be sure; however, couldn't disagree stronger that his self-titled debut and Whereabouts are not at the very top (Other Songs is in the right spot, near the top). Two of the most gorgeous albums of all time, in my opinion; and, certainly shouldn't be below any of his newer albums.
Interesting. He's never made a terrible record for me. Even the weaker ones tend to contain 2-3 great songs, though the production has quite often (and not just on Late Bloomer...) let the songs down throughout his career. Here's my list, though it would probably change if I did it again tomorrow. 1 ‘Ron Sexsmith’ (1995) 2 ’Time Being’ (2006) 3 ‘Forever Endeavour’ (2013) 4 ‘Whereabouts’ (1999) 5 ‘Destination Unknown’ (2005) 6 ’Retriever’ (2004) 7 ‘Other Songs’ (1997) 8 ‘The Vivian Line’ (2023) 9 ‘Cobblestone Runway’ (2002) 10 ’Blue Boy’ (2001) 11 ‘Hermitage’ (2020) 12 ‘Long Player, Late Bloomer’ (2011) 13 ‘Exit Strategy For the Soul’ (2008) 14 ‘The Last Rider’ (2017) 15 ‘Carousel One’ (2015) 16 ‘Grand Opera Lane’ (1991)
hard to hear 'time being' so low on the list - maybe one song removed from near perfection - great that you would even put up such a list though - on a master craftsman of the lost art of melody - his skill with this most difficult aspect of songwriting would have seen him lauded in any generation - and perhaps more rewarded
Really subjective on Ron isn't it? My attention from some of the more recent records went for a while so I'm not equipped to judge, and will spend a lot more time on them. I'd put 'Whereabouts' higher though (weirdly didn't really connect with 'Riverbed' and 'Doomed' from that record. Everything else on there - to me - is at an incredibly high level of songwriting... possibly only a very few people could achieve it at all) . But well done on your list. Any spotlight on the songs of RS is much appreciated.
TOTALLY DISAGREE putting his newest record at the bottom, super entertaining record and shows a refreshing growth in his songwriting and production. Its crazy to not put his very first album (the 92 one) at the bottom of the list.
Its obviously subjective but he did a really good job separating the material and I think his descriptions were very fair and on the whole accurate. I personally prefer Ron just on acoustic which lets the songs breathe, but there are exception like RIGHT ABOUT NOW, JAZZ IN THE BOOKSTORE and classic WHATEVER IT TAKES etc etc Very insightful so thank you and well done... Pete Woodroffe Music
So you must be subscribed to the rawnboy UA-cam channel. He has done so many solo versions of classic tunes. So many personal favorites of mine. Now he is mostly doing acoustic or piano versions of his own songs.
I only give a thumbs down as .. not so much as a dissagreement with your list . but more about the reverb in the room . deaden that . wont you ? more rugs . . honestly . its just hard to listen to ..
How James Blunt can be a big success instead of this man is mindboggling. He's probably too good for his times. A classic, truly great singer/songwriter who could possibly have had more success in the 70s or 80s. Always nice to see someone give him the attention he deserves! But ranking his albums is almost impossible, they are very even. And so very good...
Enjoyed watching this, Ron is my favourite ever songwriter.
Don't agree with all your assessments but then, that's the beauty of putting these kinds of things out there. Ron has been sadly neglected by too large a segment of the music buying population. He has written some truly beautiful songs, such as Secret Heart, Pretty Little Cemetery, Former Glory, Least that I Can Do, Fool Proof, Still Time and especially Strawberry Blonde.
I know what you mean about Love Shines. That song played acoustically is perfect. But the heavy production on the record makes it overwrought.
But it's great to see Ron get some love and respect on UA-cam. As a fan, thanks for shining some, ahem, love on Ron's incredible body of work.
Great artist. Great list. And great choice of an all time favorite RS song (which is to say my choice as well!): Former Glory. For me, this guy is up there with Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach and Elton John and a few others as one of the most gifted melodists of our time.
I love Retriever! Incredible record.
"I Know It Well" and "How On Earth" are tunes I love to go back and replay.
Hey Jason, really glad I went back through the archives and found this. I have always thought that Ron was super under appreciated which is a huge shame and as your great rundown states his songwriting deserves so much more attention. I only have 3 of his, self titled, Other Songs and Blue Boy. I always reached for BB for some reason, probably as I associate it with being in my early/mid 20s and discovering people like Ron and Ryan Adams around this time. it also soundtracked the 9/11 period also sadly. Anyway, thanks for tipping me off on a load more Ron I need to listen to.
Long Player, Late Bloomer - so often put down, but for the life of me, I can't understand why. It's simply outstanding. There's no smothering of anything by the production, in my opinion. It all takes flight beautifully. I love so much of Ron's catalog, and am a proud owner of a lot of his CDs, but I think lots who like a certain aspect of his style have complained so much about this particular album, we've been robbed of further such full-band sounds from Ron. There's room for this. Cobblestone Runway, Other Songs and Long Player, Late Bloomer (in no particular order) are my top three, so far.
Hard job doing this but a very thoughtful effort. I will never understand the lack of recognition of Ron's talent by the masses. He really is unmatched. Also a wonderful, humble human being
Very insightful, poignant, yet always fair comments! And your admiration of Ron's work always shines through. And we share the personal favourite tune: "Former Glory". What a tender and comforting kind of song that is...
Great idea first off to give this man some love for his oeuvre! He is really along with Stephen Merritt, Marshall Crenshaw one of the most melodic songwriters of the last decade. When my CD burner was working I put together like 5 CDs of the best songs of his chronologically and sometimes had trouble keeping like 80% of some albums off of them because of the fantastic consistency of his work! Anyway the first album I got of his was his first album. Elvis Costello, of whom I also am a great fan spoke of Sexsmith so highly that I had to check him out. But I somehow after that did not get hooked, pigeonholing Ron as more of a folk act and I usually do not purchase much in that vein. Next time I caught up with him I bought Cobblestone Runway which was more produced and fleshed out and had a couple of masterpieces on it and I bought Other Voices which had a kinks vibe I loved. However I did not get hooked to the point where I simply buy every single thing he puts out until afterward. Anyway, because of the way I listen to him now (on these compilations I have made) it is hard for me to chime in on your ratings. I would say this: Carousel One may well be my favorite and I know...heresy perhaps I would put cobblestone pretty near the bottom of his best of list. Second and third let's go with Blue Boy and Retriever with Long Player 4th. The production there, while different for him, doesn't kill the songs at all and even gives them a more rock'n presentation I think- get in line, love shines and Late Bloomer are all great and should have in that form been his ticket to being a household name. Other Songs and Exit Strategy for the Soul come next and are still to me top tier Sexsmith. I also agree that The Last Rider is not his best work (though still some tremendous songs like Evergreen, Only Trouble Is Shoreline) I purchased Hermitage and have not been able to give it much of a chance. My favorite song ever of his? Varies over time but at this moment let's go with Lord Knows, Poor Helpless Dreams, Love Shines and Just My Heart Talkin' and APril After All and While You're Waiting....ah forget it...too hard to choose!
i saw ron sexsmith 2 times in Vienna, Austria: the first time was with an excellent band of NY-musicians (stand up bass) and it was a magic night - really perfect. Second time he was alone in a small club and it felt kinda depressing ..
.
"Gold in Them Hills" and "God Loves Everyone" still moisten my eyes each time I go back and listen. I am a huge RON SEXSMITH fan. I have listened to many of his albums over and over. If you are looking for another under-recognized artist to feature, may I suggest the PERNICE BROTHERS? Sexsmith responded to my tweet in which I shared this video. His reply: "This was interesting! RS"
Thanks for your assessment. It seems I have so many great RS records to explore and enjoy. Interesting that Long Player, Late Bloomer is ranked so low, along with the self titled album, as I love both of them. I've listened to these extensively along with Blue Boy but not so much some of the others. Looking forward to the adventure. His latest Hermitage is outstanding as well.
Well done. I've enjoyed all the episodes I've seen. I was living in Chicago and he was doing an in-store performance at Hear Records. I was/am a huge fan. I asked if he would play Several Miles, kind of an eerie what he described as a Cathy/Heathcliffish song. He asked if I was going to the show that night and he said I was. During the concert he said that Several Miles was requested that morning but his band didn't know it, so before starting the show, when he could have just been kicking back, he taught the band the song and then dedicated to "whoever you are out there." Pretty freaking nice thing to do. It reflects his humility that combined with his brilliant songwriting and singing make him among my favs. He did a Fresh Air show with Terry Gross that's quite good and worth a listening.
Grand Opera Lane was recorded in my studio with Bobby Wiseman , also did Bobby's " In Her Dream" and Bob Snyder " AnnaMarie"
jay blair very cool!
@@TastesLikeMusic You mean the Uncool ? right ?
I ❤️Bob!
Was it the solo version of Annamarie, or band version?
Ron has such a great catalogue it’s difficult to differentiate.
I got into Ron Sexsmith about a decade ago. He has a great voice and really well made albums. The only complaint is that his music can get pretty samey after a while. But then again, you can say that about many musicians. I need to explore more of his deep catalogue. Great video Jason. I like when you highlight these more obscure artists. Did Ron ever place a album in your yearly top five? And if not, why not?
Only once. Blue Boy in 2000. He came close a few other times too. -Jason
I honestly have never heard of this guy but after listening to Cobblestone Runway I’m really intrigued.
Scott Gage That’s awesome to hear. I definitely don’t do episodes like this one for big views, but if I turn one person on to the music of someone like Ron Sexsmith then it’s worth it. Enjoy working your way through his catalog.
Thanks for watching the channel!
I suspect Ron would agree with the comments about the production on Long Player Late Bloomer (though he probably wouldn't admit it). But I disagree. Just because the sound is slightly different doesn't make it a lesser feat. In fact, along with his latest album, The Vivian Line, I regard it as one of his best. It's the album that introduced me to Ron - for which I shall be for ever grateful. And it certainly doesn't undermine any of the songs, in my opinion.
I've also ranked each of his songs (200+ and counting) and shared the list with Ron. I know he wouldn't agree - in fact, I wouldn't agree myself now, as my favourite Sexsmith songs change by the day. That's the beauty of his achievements.
I agree that it's difficult to categorise Ron's albums as better or worse than the next one as they're all so good. If you haven't done so yet please buy a CD. I am positive you won't be disappointed.
Great job! As you said, it's difficult to choose between them. There some of my favorites on Whereabouts: Seem to Recall and In A Flash, as well as the ones you mentioned.
Retriever is music perfection, Ronald is a song writing genius....
I don't know exactly what it tells me about Ron's music but if you hunt around for opinions on which are Ron's best records there is a surprising LACK of agreement! I've been listening to Time Being a lot recently and really enjoying it - but when I look on line I'm surprised it often isn't rated that highly - here you have rated it well - so I speculate that either there really isn't a lot to chose between them all or maybe it says something about the differences in all of us as listeners - that we connect with different elements on the albums. Interesting to hear your choices though.
Thanks for doing this video. Criminally underappreciated artist. Carousel One didnt really connect with me for some reason and I have yet to buy the follow up. All of his albums have nice songs and good performances. Did you see the video documentary Love Shines? It mostly chronicles the recording of Long Player, Late Bloomer. Really interesting for fans. He had a ton of solo acoustic cover songs on youtube that are quite nice.
I've been trying to see Love Shines forever, but its impossible to find online. Don't really feel like dropping dough on it.
@@TastesLikeMusic i found it on pirate bay. It's really good film. It does a bit of career retrospective in addition to focusing on the bob rock sessions. Rusty Anderson from Mccartney's band is in the film and on the album.
ok.ru/video/1801119402534
Here is "Love Shines", the film. I hope the link works.
Long player late bloomer has some of his best songs for me.My no 1.But it's all subjective and I haven't heard them all.
LPLB was the album that introduced me to Ron.Also my favorite,but i understand why other peers musician talking about his early stuff. Lebannon Tennessee ,Speaking with the angels are both Gems
Great job ! Must be so difficult to rank these albums, Ron Sexsmith is always good.
As you say - meaning I agree with your comments that all his albums are great, but i could easily reverse your order - I just LOVE The Last Rider. I got into it a few years after it came out interestingly, it really grew on me. It's a very British/Canadian sound to my ears, which i quite love about it - Breakfast Eternal, West Gwillimbury, Radio, Dead End Dream, Who Are We Right Now - all gems imho. My favourite RS album keeps changing, which in my mind is the stamp of a great artist.
One of the few artists featured on your channel I never had heard of before. I've only heard his latest, The Vivian Line, once when it came out, but the other ones I've heard a couple of times.
16. Grand Opera Lane (1991) ★½
15. The Last Rider (2017) ★★★
14. Destination Unknown (2005) ★★★
13. Forever Endeavour (2013) ★★★
12. Hermitage (2020) ★★★
11. Carousel One (2015) ★★★
10. Time Being (2006) ★★★
9. The Vivian Line (2023) ★★★
8. Long Player Late Bloomer (2011) ★★★
7. Exit Strategy of the Soul (2008) ★★★
6. Blue Boy (2001) ★★★½
5. Ron Sexsmith (1995) ★★★½
4. Other Songs (1997) ★★★½
3. Cobblestone Runway (2002) ★★★½
2. Whereabouts (1999) ★★★½
1. Retriever (2004) ★★★½
★★★★★ - Masterpiece
★★★★½ - Really great
★★★★ - Great
★★★½ - Really good
★★★ - Good
★★½ - OK
★★ - Bad
★½ - Really bad
★ - Awful
½ - The worst
Top 10 songs:
10. Seem to Recall (1999)
9. This Is How I Know (2008)
8. Who We Are Right Now (2017)
7. You Don't Wanna Hear It (2020)
6. Whatever It Takes (2004)
5. Tell Me Again (2001)
4. In a Flash (1999)
3. Get in Line (2011)
2. Secret Heart (1995)
1. Gold in Them Hills (2002)
Also, I think ‘Who We Are Right Now’ from The Last Rider is a stone cold classic.
Great video but please reconsider the song ‘Worried Song’ on last rider.
A difficult list to make, to be sure; however, couldn't disagree stronger that his self-titled debut and Whereabouts are not at the very top (Other Songs is in the right spot, near the top). Two of the most gorgeous albums of all time, in my opinion; and, certainly shouldn't be below any of his newer albums.
Interesting. He's never made a terrible record for me. Even the weaker ones tend to contain 2-3 great songs, though the production has quite often (and not just on Late Bloomer...) let the songs down throughout his career. Here's my list, though it would probably change if I did it again tomorrow. 1 ‘Ron Sexsmith’ (1995)
2 ’Time Being’ (2006)
3 ‘Forever Endeavour’ (2013)
4 ‘Whereabouts’ (1999)
5 ‘Destination Unknown’ (2005)
6 ’Retriever’ (2004)
7 ‘Other Songs’ (1997)
8 ‘The Vivian Line’ (2023)
9 ‘Cobblestone Runway’ (2002)
10 ’Blue Boy’ (2001)
11 ‘Hermitage’ (2020)
12 ‘Long Player, Late Bloomer’ (2011)
13 ‘Exit Strategy For the Soul’ (2008)
14 ‘The Last Rider’ (2017)
15 ‘Carousel One’ (2015)
16 ‘Grand Opera Lane’ (1991)
hard to hear 'time being' so low on the list - maybe one song removed from near perfection - great that you would even put up such a list though - on a master craftsman of the lost art of melody - his skill with this most difficult aspect of songwriting would have seen him lauded in any generation - and perhaps more rewarded
Really subjective on Ron isn't it? My attention from some of the more recent records went for a while so I'm not equipped to judge, and will spend a lot more time on them. I'd put 'Whereabouts' higher though (weirdly didn't really connect with 'Riverbed' and 'Doomed' from that record. Everything else on there - to me - is at an incredibly high level of songwriting... possibly only a very few people could achieve it at all) . But well done on your list. Any spotlight on the songs of RS is much appreciated.
TOTALLY DISAGREE putting his newest record at the bottom, super entertaining record and shows a refreshing growth in his songwriting and production. Its crazy to not put his very first album (the 92 one) at the bottom of the list.
Its obviously subjective but he did a really good job separating the material and I think his descriptions were very fair and on the whole accurate. I personally prefer Ron just on acoustic which lets the songs breathe, but there are exception like RIGHT ABOUT NOW, JAZZ IN THE BOOKSTORE and classic WHATEVER IT TAKES etc etc
Very insightful so thank you and well done...
Pete Woodroffe Music
So you must be subscribed to the rawnboy UA-cam channel. He has done so many solo versions of classic tunes. So many personal favorites of mine. Now he is mostly doing acoustic or piano versions of his own songs.
I would put his first album in the top 3.
Horrible production on a bunch of his albums ruined so many good songs. One of the best unknown songwriters of our time
Crazy way of order.
Sleeping with the Angel and Gold in Them Hills should be hits
I only give a thumbs down as .. not so much as a dissagreement with your list . but more about the reverb in the room . deaden that . wont you ?
more rugs . .
honestly . its just hard to listen to ..