Once met him at a restaurant before one of his gigs he was playing across town. Very kind. We saw him later, walking by himself to the bar he was playing at. Such a Canadian thing to do.
I’m 52 and fairly certain I’ve never heard of him before. 4 minutes into your video I listened to Secret Heart and now am a huge fan too. Such a simple, pure and honest track. Thanks for the turn on to him. I can’t wait to dive deeper.
Heard his name... and a few songs... but it he's always been just ou of reach or at least circumstance until now. This video ends. I load the playlist ....cheers Justin. Thabks everyone
I love Ron, and I lived on the same street as him in Toronto for some years. I'd see him walking around many days, going to the grocery store for food, or just out for walks. No one knew who he was except me. I stopped him one day and told him that I'm a huge fan and I joked that I've illegally downloaded ALL his music. He laughed. It's sad that he's not a massive star around the world, or even in his own country. He's brilliant.
I think you'd be heard pressed to find a sadder song. Amanda, her story is devastating, but it ends on a hopeful note with her daughter. Ron's quite the storyteller.
Ron Sexsmith is the very definition of a songwriters' songwriter. 'Pretty Little Cemetery' is one of my favourites of his (from 'Other Songs'), his storytelling and use of imagery is simply next level.
Love Ron Sexsmith! He's an absolutely brilliant songwriter. Don't know why he isn't more known outside of Canada. But I can say that about a lot of Canadian artists. Thanks so much Justin for shining a light on this gem!
Thank you good sir! I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't heard of Ron Sexsmith. But his music is wonderful and I've just purchased my first three Ron Sexsmith albums and I am sure I will work my way through his catalog!
Me too. I’m a HUGE fan of Ron’s and have been right from the beginning. Such an incredible songwriter and talent. More people need to become fans of Ron
Wow! I've been impressed enough by Justin Hawkins Rides Again but was mighty surprised that Ron Sexsmith was included in assessment. And, favourably, of course. Lovely stuff, Justin. And Hello to all you other guys/gals, watching :)
RS is one of the finest songwriters there is. He always manages to say so much with so few words. Simple songs that are clever without being too wordy or self indulgent. Oh to be as good as you Ron ❤️
Great video about an amazing artist. I've liked him since I heard Strawberry Blonde back in 1997. So beautiful, but also so sad, but not hopeless. One of the best. His Twitter feed is a great follow.
I hope Ron has received financial reward for his work. The 'Other Songs' album was a wonderful surprise and 'Strawberry Blonde' is a favourite. Thank you Justin for your wonderful speakings about one of my favourite songwriters.
Hi from Canada. I've seen more Ron Sexsmith shows than any other artist, and they've always been a wonderful experience. Thank you for this video, sir.
I stumbled across this great RS primer while researching a story I'm going to write about what Ron's songs mean to me. Thanks for introducing Ron's talents to a broader audience. As far as I can tell, he's a poet moonlighting as a musician. Brilliant stuff.
I was so fortunate to see Sexsmith play his first ever concert at Massey Hall here in Toronto,and it was nothing short of sublime. Truly one of the best.
OMG he's amazing. His Time Being album is once of my top ten. Songs like Snow Angel...Hands of Time... All in Good Time... His concerts are strongly recommended for any musician/songwriter or music lover. Total class act and he's as amazing as you can imagine.
Love this! I first saw Ron Sexsmith around 10ish years ago on an episode of Songwriters Circle on BBC3. Originally tuned in to see Fran Healy from Travis perform but wow, Ron blew me away and blew everybody else out of the water that night
I'm one of the old fans who was there from the first record. He also has a youtube channel where he plays a bunch of unplugged versions of his stuff and other people's? Heartily recommend it. (I think it's called 'Rawnboy'). Seen him twice or thrice... my best Ron story is that I sent him an email after seeing him at a gig in Osaka, Japan around 1999 telling him how great the gig was. And - rather amazingly - I got a personal email response from Ron himself saying thanks for the email, and saying he was glad I liked the gig. Meraviglioso! Awesome that you're talking about him! You're right... 'he's out there on his own... a modern classic'
yes Cohen is Canadian. the Poet Laureate of Canada. I met Ron once, the only time i was ever star struck. I opened a coffee shop door, and he was walking out. I shakily said, "Mr. Sexsmith, I really really love your songs... a lot..." he nodded and smiled and walked on past me. it was really amazing... he is a pure genius.
Not long back i discovered Ron, mind blowing Justin so prolific… traditional and modern, the perfect mix …. Great episode hawky , you have shown me even more classics … chur chur 😊
Never heard of this guy, until now! Thank you. I love it when a lover of music and the craft of music drops a bomb on you. Thank you for this channel. I love it. Your are thoughtful, eloquent, humorous and a great communicator. Cheers
Sexsmith is one of the greatest songwriters of our time. Born a little out of time it seems, he really deserves to be heard by more people and have greater success. Alas, we live in the time of instagram-models pretending to be artists dominating the charts. Little room for a true songwriter and complete artists like Sexsmith.
Huge Ron fan. This has jumped up my appreciation and song list. How on Earth my favorite, maybe. What a lyric. What an arrangement. Thank you, Justin darling.
Thanks for making this video - Ron Sexsmith has enjoyed some success, but nowhere near what he should have. A great songwriter, and I love his delivery. One of my favourite songs of his is Late Bloomer - love the word play. But I'm a late bloomer I'm a slow learner And I've turned the record over I'm a long player My song is my saviour I've got to raise it up As far as my spirit can reach That everyone might see
I was in a small bar around 2000 in Toronto watching a show. They did not charge a cover but you could put money in a jar. Ron knew the singer, arrived and tried to put money in the jar. The people at the door were blown away, and wouldn't take his money. Ron was so shy and embarrassed. He just wanted to support his friend. This little moment might be my absolute favorite celebrity spotting moment. In-person he's 1000% the person from the songs.
I have loved Ron Sexsmith for more than 20 years and it's so wonderful to hear someone else talking about him with such warmth. Thank you. I enjoy all of your videos, but this one especially.
I was at the 2005 Juno awards. I think I snagged the last ticket! Great experience. Absolutely incredible. Saw Feist perform, there was an issue with her guitar and they had to cut halfway though. She re-started and I suppose that was the take they used for T.V. But the most amazing surprise, was seeing K.D Lang, barefoot. Performing “Hallelujah”. Took my breath away! Billy Talent took home many awards that year as well. I sat next to Matt Dusk’s aunt! She was over the moon when he won the award he was nominated for. I’ll never forget that night.
The quality I like about this channel is that it often gets 'technical' musically-speaking, but it demonstrates that there is under-the-floorboards science to something that is experienced by most as emotionality. Music is magic. Like that G in self-harm...
Gold In Them Hills was the first song of his I heard, and loved him ever since. He is part of the great line of songwriters from Canada, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Gord Downie…
Add to that, Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, Tom Cochrane, Barney Bentall, Jann Arden, Sass Jordan, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morrisette, and Amanda Marshall to name a few! And the guy from Lowest of the Low whose first name escapes me but his last name is Hawkins (perhaps a distant relative!).
Time being album is my all time fav..it’s like a best friend that I call up every few years to check in with..that best friend I realize now is my heart.
I’ve had the good luck of playing a couple festivals with Ron. Class act and as a Canadian songwriter, he’s a huge inspiration and influence. Thanks for sharing him with your peeps cuz!
I was at an 'evening with' Ron here in Melbourne around a decade ago. I was only a couple of rows back and suggested to him that he might do Wastin' Time, and he looked at me and proclaimed on the mic that he hadn't done it for ages and performed it for me. I was beyond stoked! I've loved him from the beginning and I'm rapt that you do too.
I don't think I've ever considered him in light of McCartney's mythic status, but yeah, I do see the possible connections. McCartney didn't linger in the bittersweet in the way Sexsmith does though.
Love Ron! One of your 35 likes here. Saw him play in my town about 15 years ago. I took my knitting to occupy myself as I went alone, didn’t know anyone who knew him. Knitting turned out to be a weird magnet for pervy guys, harassed all evening but still glad I got to see him. His music and voice is so beautiful, honest, something to aspire to ❤️
Thanks for another great video Justin. Great to see recognition of the great Canadian artists that deserve international recognition moreso than those that usually acquire it. Another Canadian great to check out that usually flies under international radar (Australia aside) is The Tea Party. The band hates the comparison as far as I know, but imagine Led Zeppelin and The Doors had a baby, that's The Tea Party. They're a personal fav of Jimmy Page, he invited them to play at his birthday party.
My daughters and I love your channel. They got hooked by your Olivia Rodrigo and Stones videos and so have I. You and I have very similar tastes and opinions about music, but this one takes the cake. Ron is one of the best writers out there and one of the nicest guys in the business. Thank you so much for making this video and for spreading the Gospel of Ron!
Started following your channel a while ago Justin, never used to listen to the Darkness, though stumbled across your videos ... always enjoy watching your stuff. Glad you have brought up Ron Sexsmith aka Rawnboy .. king of the toe-tappers Always been blown away by his song craftmanship ... I once requested a cover from him by Tom Waits in a Twitter message, he kindly did so .. though can't remember what track now, as he has done a few I think! As you will know, he is always posting covers so how could anyone resist hearing Rawn do any Waits track! 'Getaway Car' is one of my favourites by him ... lyrically, absolutely beautiful too .. the chorus lines are gorgeous ... he once performed it on the Marr Show and had to play it in front of David Cameron .. the poor lad looked so uncomfortable.
Ron’s last two albums - The Vivian Line, and Hermitage - are as good as anything he’s ever done in an extensive career full of wonders. He deserves to so much more widely appreciated.
As a Canadian and a fan of the chanel I really appreciated this, I've been able to see him live a couple times and it was really amazing, awesome job man!!!!
So nice that you are giving Ron Sexsmith his dues. The man is a beautiful songwriter and performer. I have one of his albums and play it front to back. All his songs have meaning.
Thinking Out Loud, my personal fave, has been on constant rotation throughout my life. Thanks for giving this Canadian living in Berlin have a little taste of home. Ron sat at my bar often - I was always a bit star struck and he was always very nice about it.
Long before I knew anything music I can remember my good friend (who couldn't read music for his life) playing a John Lennon tune (sorry don't remember which song) and said, "Oh John you dirty bastard it's a ". We went to Ron Sexsmith shows back in the Toronto music scene say a decade ago. Watching you trying to figure out notes/chords/whatevs from memory brought me right back to my time with Clifford. Behind the curtain there (might) be sun.
My brother helped me out with the Bon Jovi vid (gosh), then fully enabled me with the Jellyfish one, and from there to here for beautiful Ron. Obviously there's a Maiden episode somewhere, and Queen is hovering over the lot of it, all of which is a drunk night in my studio really. Justin, you are doing the Devil's work, which we all know is the best work. Thanks for these man, amazing. From Hobart x
I LOVE Ron Sexsmith. Other Songs is my favorite album with "Strawberry Blonde" being my favorite of his songs. His first album is just as good though. "God Loves Everyone" is fantastic too.
Oh Justin, Im so glad you've posted this. Ron is suuuch a treasure. An amazing songwriter. He is truly a benchmark for songwriters, as are you. Happy dance. 💃 🕺
Yes! I love Ron's stuff too! He's a cross between Paul McCartney and Warren Zevon just amazing... I really can't live without his words and the music now, singer songwriters especially move me, people like him and Robyn Hitchcock... It's really strange It's like I owe these guys (and gals) and others a debt I can never hope to repay but hey, music will do that.
He is such a wonderful songwriter. It has been a while since I listened to one of hos records, but you inspired me to pull out the records of his that I have. Thanks.
Oh didn't know about this cover. Thank you for mentioning it. I love Gerry Rafferty and will happily listen to three or four albums cover-to-cover, back-to-back.
Ron Sexsmith is an absolute legend. As someone who appreciates well-penned lyrics, I‘m surprised that Saint Bernard didn’t make your list. I suppose you had to draw a line somewhere but Saint Bernard has such wonderfully chosen and witty lyrics that it always makes me smile and yearn for my very own Saint Bernard 🥰 I would say that it is darn near perfect in what it is trying to convey ! Keep up the good work Justin, you make UA-cam a brighter place ! 👍
Australian songwriter Paul Dempsey of “Something for Kate” fame also writes melancholic + inspiring+ clever lyrics. Just thoughtful music really. Like this channel. Thoughtful.
We just saw him perform back in March or so. The show was rescheduled from May 2020 due to C19. It was probably the 6th or 7th time we have seen him perform, always excellent, partially because he is in small venues. Check out the documentary "Love Shines" which is focused on recording of that record with Bob Rock as producer.
Have been a huge fan of Ron for many many years. Not just because I'm Canadian lol. He's hugely underrated and surprisingly not as known as he deserves. Thanks for taking the time to say a few words about Canadian songwriters as well. Being one myself its greatly appreciated. Cheers. ✌🏻️
Are you a fan of Ron Sexsmith or is this the first time hearing about him?
Once met him at a restaurant before one of his gigs he was playing across town. Very kind. We saw him later, walking by himself to the bar he was playing at. Such a Canadian thing to do.
Thank you, through your videos, for turning me on to "new" artists!!! Keep on tubing. 😎😎😎
First time!
I’m 52 and fairly certain I’ve never heard of him before. 4 minutes into your video I listened to Secret Heart and now am a huge fan too. Such a simple, pure and honest track. Thanks for the turn on to him. I can’t wait to dive deeper.
Heard his name... and a few songs... but it he's always been just ou of reach or at least circumstance until now. This video ends. I load the playlist ....cheers Justin. Thabks everyone
I love Ron, and I lived on the same street as him in Toronto for some years. I'd see him walking around many days, going to the grocery store for food, or just out for walks. No one knew who he was except me. I stopped him one day and told him that I'm a huge fan and I joked that I've illegally downloaded ALL his music. He laughed. It's sad that he's not a massive star around the world, or even in his own country. He's brilliant.
“Strawberry Blond.” Perfect song. I could write an essay about how brilliant it is, but I prefer to just weep gratefully.
I think you'd be heard pressed to find a sadder song. Amanda, her story is devastating, but it ends on a hopeful note with her daughter. Ron's quite the storyteller.
Ron is a god of melody and a humble, self deprecating guy.
An unsung hero of song
Never will I ever get bored of this glorious channel
You are too kind.
It's basically a music appreciation class, taught by a rock star, and just keeps on going
Glorious!
I've been a huge fan of Justin's for years, but the upload rate is borderline overwhelming.
Your one of the only people I have seen talk about Ron Sexsmith. He is a true musical genius. Hurrah for you man.
Ron Sexsmith is the very definition of a songwriters' songwriter. 'Pretty Little Cemetery' is one of my favourites of his (from 'Other Songs'), his storytelling and use of imagery is simply next level.
Love Ron Sexsmith! He's an absolutely brilliant songwriter. Don't know why he isn't more known outside of Canada. But I can say that about a lot of Canadian artists. Thanks so much Justin for shining a light on this gem!
Couldn’t agree more it’s unreal how good his music is if you ask me
The first time I heard Secret Heart I got goosebumps all over me. Such a beautiful song sung by a beautiful soul.
Thank you good sir! I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't heard of Ron Sexsmith. But his music is wonderful and I've just purchased my first three Ron Sexsmith albums and I am sure I will work my way through his catalog!
Me too. I’m a HUGE fan of Ron’s and have been right from the beginning. Such an incredible songwriter and talent.
More people need to become fans of Ron
Mr Ron is one of the greatest songwriters of the 21st century It’s sort of unbelievable he isn’t more celebrated.❤
Ron is an absolute gem, one of the greatest song writers of all time ❤️❤️
Thank you so much for talking about Ron Sexsmith. His music means so much to me.
“Just my heart talking” is such the perfect song!
Wow! I've been impressed enough by Justin Hawkins Rides Again but was mighty surprised that Ron Sexsmith was included in assessment. And, favourably, of course. Lovely stuff, Justin. And Hello to all you other guys/gals, watching :)
"She was not the girl next door, but the girl from around the corner." One of my favourite lines ever. From Strawberry Blonde.
RS is one of the finest songwriters there is. He always manages to say so much with so few words. Simple songs that are clever without being too wordy or self indulgent. Oh to be as good as you Ron ❤️
A phenomenal songwriter, a sweetheart of a gentleman and just plain cool!
Speaking with the angels is one of his best songs, written while watching his baby boy sleep, sublime.
Great video about an amazing artist. I've liked him since I heard Strawberry Blonde back in 1997. So beautiful, but also so sad, but not hopeless. One of the best. His Twitter feed is a great follow.
Yes!!! So stoked you're covering Ron Sexsmith. He's a treasure, and more people should hear his music. Love the songs you chose.
Retriever and Cobblestone Runway are fantastic albums!
I hope Ron has received financial reward for his work. The 'Other Songs' album was a wonderful surprise and 'Strawberry Blonde' is a favourite. Thank you Justin for your wonderful speakings about one of my favourite songwriters.
Hi from Canada.
I've seen more Ron Sexsmith shows than any other artist, and they've always been a wonderful experience.
Thank you for this video, sir.
I stumbled across this great RS primer while researching a story I'm going to write about what Ron's songs mean to me. Thanks for introducing Ron's talents to a broader audience. As far as I can tell, he's a poet moonlighting as a musician. Brilliant stuff.
I was so fortunate to see Sexsmith play his first ever concert at Massey Hall here in Toronto,and it was nothing short of sublime. Truly one of the best.
OMG he's amazing. His Time Being album is once of my top ten. Songs like Snow Angel...Hands of Time... All in Good Time... His concerts are strongly recommended for any musician/songwriter or music lover. Total class act and he's as amazing as you can imagine.
Love this! I first saw Ron Sexsmith around 10ish years ago on an episode of Songwriters Circle on BBC3. Originally tuned in to see Fran Healy from Travis perform but wow, Ron blew me away and blew everybody else out of the water that night
I'm one of the old fans who was there from the first record. He also has a youtube channel where he plays a bunch of unplugged versions of his stuff and other people's? Heartily recommend it. (I think it's called 'Rawnboy'). Seen him twice or thrice... my best Ron story is that I sent him an email after seeing him at a gig in Osaka, Japan around 1999 telling him how great the gig was. And - rather amazingly - I got a personal email response from Ron himself saying thanks for the email, and saying he was glad I liked the gig. Meraviglioso! Awesome that you're talking about him! You're right... 'he's out there on his own... a modern classic'
Your voice on Secret Heart is perfect. I love Get In Line. So many great songs.
yes Cohen is Canadian. the Poet Laureate of Canada. I met Ron once, the only time i was ever star struck. I opened a coffee shop door, and he was walking out. I shakily said, "Mr. Sexsmith, I really really love your songs... a lot..." he nodded and smiled and walked on past me. it was really amazing... he is a pure genius.
Not long back i discovered Ron, mind blowing Justin so prolific… traditional and modern, the perfect mix …. Great episode hawky , you have shown me even more classics … chur chur 😊
Never heard of this guy, until now! Thank you. I love it when a lover of music and the craft of music drops a bomb on you. Thank you for this channel. I love it. Your are thoughtful, eloquent, humorous and a great communicator. Cheers
Check out Ron sings on UA-cam he does covers,if you enjoy his voice you are in for a treat I think.
Sexsmith is one of the greatest songwriters of our time. Born a little out of time it seems, he really deserves to be heard by more people and have greater success. Alas, we live in the time of instagram-models pretending to be artists dominating the charts. Little room for a true songwriter and complete artists like Sexsmith.
Huge Ron fan. This has jumped up my appreciation and song list. How on Earth my favorite, maybe. What a lyric. What an arrangement. Thank you, Justin darling.
Ron Sexsmith, regardless of genre, is the gold standard in songwriting.
Thanks for making this video - Ron Sexsmith has enjoyed some success, but nowhere near what he should have. A great songwriter, and I love his delivery. One of my favourite songs of his is Late Bloomer - love the word play.
But I'm a late bloomer
I'm a slow learner
And I've turned the record over
I'm a long player
My song is my saviour
I've got to raise it up
As far as my spirit can reach
That everyone might see
I was in a small bar around 2000 in Toronto watching a show. They did not charge a cover but you could put money in a jar. Ron knew the singer, arrived and tried to put money in the jar. The people at the door were blown away, and wouldn't take his money. Ron was so shy and embarrassed. He just wanted to support his friend. This little moment might be my absolute favorite celebrity spotting moment. In-person he's 1000% the person from the songs.
It is so cool that you are a fan. I have loved his music since I first heard him around 2008. He is such an amazing songwriter.
I have loved Ron Sexsmith for more than 20 years and it's so wonderful to hear someone else talking about him with such warmth. Thank you. I enjoy all of your videos, but this one especially.
I was at the 2005 Juno awards. I think I snagged the last ticket! Great experience. Absolutely incredible. Saw Feist perform, there was an issue with her guitar and they had to cut halfway though. She re-started and I suppose that was the take they used for T.V. But the most amazing surprise, was seeing K.D Lang, barefoot. Performing “Hallelujah”. Took my breath away! Billy Talent took home many awards that year as well. I sat next to Matt Dusk’s aunt! She was over the moon when he won the award he was nominated for. I’ll never forget that night.
The quality I like about this channel is that it often gets 'technical' musically-speaking, but it demonstrates that there is under-the-floorboards science to something that is experienced by most as emotionality. Music is magic. Like that G in self-harm...
Gold In Them Hills was the first song of his I heard, and loved him ever since.
He is part of the great line of songwriters from Canada, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Gord Downie…
Add to that, Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, Tom Cochrane, Barney Bentall, Jann Arden, Sass Jordan, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morrisette, and Amanda Marshall to name a few! And the guy from Lowest of the Low whose first name escapes me but his last name is Hawkins (perhaps a distant relative!).
@@carolyncalhoun7555 I’d add Kathleen Edwards.
Joel Plaskett
carolyn calhoun You are thinking of Ronnie Hawkins, and he just died a few days ago.
carolyn calhoun I’d add Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman
I was introduced to Ron through Cat Power’s cover of Secret Heart. So glad to see you exposing him to others, love this channel.
I agree Ron Sexsmith is a phenomenal song writer. Beautiful
Strawberry Blonde is a gem. Cheap Hotel. Clown in Broad Daylight. He’s a legend.
Time being album is my all time fav..it’s like a best friend that I call up every few years to check in with..that best friend I realize now is my heart.
Thanks Justin! You have introduced this music fan to a bunch of new brilliance :)
The Daniel Lanois produced ‘There’s A Rhythm’ off the first album is my fave Ron song. I’m lucky enough to have seen him live too.
I’ve had the good luck of playing a couple festivals with Ron. Class act and as a Canadian songwriter, he’s a huge inspiration and influence. Thanks for sharing him with your peeps cuz!
I was at an 'evening with' Ron here in Melbourne around a decade ago. I was only a couple of rows back and suggested to him that he might do Wastin' Time, and he looked at me and proclaimed on the mic that he hadn't done it for ages and performed it for me. I was beyond stoked! I've loved him from the beginning and I'm rapt that you do too.
Hahaha!! Correction : I just checked the dates and this event was more like 15 years ago. I'm getting to a ripe old vintage (and loving it).
Love Ron Sexsmith... see him live if you can... what he does live cannot be captured on a recording... so good!
Sexsmith is the Mc Cartney that never became famous. He’s got so many so so many songs that sound like classics. My favorite is « All in good time »
I don't think I've ever considered him in light of McCartney's mythic status, but yeah, I do see the possible connections. McCartney didn't linger in the bittersweet in the way Sexsmith does though.
Elvis Costello has also compared him to McCartney.
@@runningbeard7380 paul is actually a big fan of ron! Ron tells a story about how he was invited over to pauls house, you should check it out.
So many great songs McCartney wished he had written or should i say should have written.
Ron is incredible. Thanks for featuring him!
Love love love him! Got to see him live in Waterford (about 10 years ago)
Mind blowing! Even wrote a song about it!
Can't believe my favourite Ron Sexsmith song isn't on your playlist. Whatever It Takes is such an underappreciated gem.
Been into this guy for over 20 years, he's a genius.
Love Ron! One of your 35 likes here. Saw him play in my town about 15 years ago. I took my knitting to occupy myself as I went alone, didn’t know anyone who knew him. Knitting turned out to be a weird magnet for pervy guys, harassed all evening but still glad I got to see him. His music and voice is so beautiful, honest, something to aspire to ❤️
Ron is such a brilliant songwriter.
One of the all time greats ❤
Thanks for another great video Justin. Great to see recognition of the great Canadian artists that deserve international recognition moreso than those that usually acquire it. Another Canadian great to check out that usually flies under international radar (Australia aside) is The Tea Party. The band hates the comparison as far as I know, but imagine Led Zeppelin and The Doors had a baby, that's The Tea Party. They're a personal fav of Jimmy Page, he invited them to play at his birthday party.
i love ron. i cover secret heart myself. And you love richard thompson. you surprise me in the best possible way. Ron is a genius.
My daughters and I love your channel. They got hooked by your Olivia Rodrigo and Stones videos and so have I.
You and I have very similar tastes and opinions about music, but this one takes the cake. Ron is one of the best writers out there and one of the nicest guys in the business.
Thank you so much for making this video and for spreading the Gospel of Ron!
Long time fan as a Canadian. Thanks for shining a light on him.
God the way you sang that first song was EXCELLENT and I wasn’t aware of him at all ✌🏻❤️
Started following your channel a while ago Justin, never used to listen to the Darkness, though stumbled across your videos ... always enjoy watching your stuff.
Glad you have brought up Ron Sexsmith aka Rawnboy .. king of the toe-tappers
Always been blown away by his song craftmanship ... I once requested a cover from him by Tom Waits in a Twitter message, he kindly did so .. though can't remember what track now, as he has done a few I think! As you will know, he is always posting covers so how could anyone resist hearing Rawn do any Waits track!
'Getaway Car' is one of my favourites by him ... lyrically, absolutely beautiful too .. the chorus lines are gorgeous
... he once performed it on the Marr Show and had to play it in front of David Cameron .. the poor lad looked so uncomfortable.
Ron’s last two albums - The Vivian Line, and Hermitage - are as good as anything he’s ever done in an extensive career full of wonders. He deserves to so much more widely appreciated.
As a Canadian and a fan of the chanel I really appreciated this, I've been able to see him live a couple times and it was really amazing, awesome job man!!!!
So nice that you are giving Ron Sexsmith his dues. The man is a beautiful songwriter and performer. I have one of his albums and play it front to back. All his songs have meaning.
Thinking Out Loud, my personal fave, has been on constant rotation throughout my life. Thanks for giving this Canadian living in Berlin have a little taste of home. Ron sat at my bar often - I was always a bit star struck and he was always very nice about it.
Long before I knew anything music I can remember my good friend (who couldn't read music for his life) playing a John Lennon tune (sorry don't remember which song) and said, "Oh John you dirty bastard it's a ". We went to Ron Sexsmith shows back in the Toronto music scene say a decade ago. Watching you trying to figure out notes/chords/whatevs from memory brought me right back to my time with Clifford. Behind the curtain there (might) be sun.
Well thank you for introducing me to Ron Sexsmith. Great song writer.
My brother helped me out with the Bon Jovi vid (gosh), then fully enabled me with the Jellyfish one, and from there to here for beautiful Ron. Obviously there's a Maiden episode somewhere, and Queen is hovering over the lot of it, all of which is a drunk night in my studio really. Justin, you are doing the Devil's work, which we all know is the best work. Thanks for these man, amazing. From Hobart x
I LOVE Ron Sexsmith. Other Songs is my favorite album with "Strawberry Blonde" being my favorite of his songs. His first album is just as good though. "God Loves Everyone" is fantastic too.
One of the greatest. Esp ‘Strawberry Blonde’. Now THAT makes me cry.
Oh Justin, Im so glad you've posted this. Ron is suuuch a treasure. An amazing songwriter. He is truly a benchmark for songwriters, as are you. Happy dance. 💃 🕺
Sooo glad you're covering Ron Sexsmith. A favourite of mine for a long time.
I love his channel where Aron just leans into the camera and softly plays and sings. Wonderful
I`m a big fan of your music. Found you about a month ago. You`re the real deal ...Great stuff Man
As a Canadian I always heard of Ron Sexsmith, but truly never gave a listen… so this video is a surprise to me.
Shame. He’s phenomenal.
Yes! I love Ron's stuff too! He's a cross between Paul McCartney and Warren Zevon just amazing... I really can't live without his words and the music now, singer songwriters especially move me, people like him and Robyn Hitchcock... It's really strange It's like I owe these guys (and gals) and others a debt I can never hope to repay but hey, music will do that.
I've been a fan of Ron's for a long time.. he's fantastic
Love that you have a video about Ron Sexsmith! He is a treasure, for sure.
He is such a wonderful songwriter. It has been a while since I listened to one of hos records, but you inspired me to pull out the records of his that I have. Thanks.
Love his version of Gerry Rafferty's Right Down The Line. Beautiful voice.
Oh didn't know about this cover. Thank you for mentioning it. I love Gerry Rafferty and will happily listen to three or four albums cover-to-cover, back-to-back.
Ron Sexsmith is an absolute legend. As someone who appreciates well-penned lyrics, I‘m surprised that Saint Bernard didn’t make your list.
I suppose you had to draw a line somewhere but Saint Bernard has such wonderfully chosen and witty lyrics that it always makes me smile and yearn for my very own Saint Bernard 🥰 I would say that it is darn near perfect in what it is trying to convey !
Keep up the good work Justin, you make UA-cam a brighter place ! 👍
Going to check out the playlist. Thanks for the introduction mr Hawkins.
Been a huge fan of his since Whereabouts. Just an amazing songwriter and singer. His voice is just so tender and gorgeous.
“Hard Bargain” magnificent! “God Loves Everyone” magnificent! …
Long time fan. Also great person. He used to come to my high school drama classes to talk about poetry and lyrics. AND THE BEAUTIFUL SONGS.
Australian songwriter Paul Dempsey of “Something for Kate” fame also writes melancholic + inspiring+ clever lyrics. Just thoughtful music really. Like this channel. Thoughtful.
Ron is a great songwriter. I used to see him in my neighborhood many times, but never had the nerve to talk to him.
We just saw him perform back in March or so. The show was rescheduled from May 2020 due to C19. It was probably the 6th or 7th time we have seen him perform, always excellent, partially because he is in small venues.
Check out the documentary "Love Shines" which is focused on recording of that record with Bob Rock as producer.
Another incredibly talented Canadian Ian Thornley, great singer,great guitarist and brilliant songwriter
Have been a huge fan of Ron for many many years. Not just because I'm Canadian lol. He's hugely underrated and surprisingly not as known as he deserves. Thanks for taking the time to say a few words about Canadian songwriters as well. Being one myself its greatly appreciated. Cheers. ✌🏻️
Thank you Justin, my musical education and appreciation is expanding ☮️💜🎸
Went to see Ron play the other night in Nantwich, Uk. A night I will never forget, so long as I shall live. Top notch.
So spot on. Sexsmith is grossly underrated. Bravo to you for spotlighting his music.
Discovered him during lockdown, via a UA-cam video songwriters circle. Then saw him live in Glasgow in March, great gig.