Personnel includes: Ron Sexsmith (vocals, guitar, piano); Steve Earle (guitar, bouzouki); Ray Kennedy (guitar, harmonium, chimes); Don Kerr (cello, drums, percussion, background vocals); Jim Hoke (saxophone); Kami Lyle (trumpet); Brad Jones (organ, bass); Patrick Earle (tambourine, loops) Anna Egge (background vocals).
Recorded at Room And Board Studios, Nashville, Tennessee.
While its an indictment of the shameful state of the music industry that a highly respected songwriter like Ron Sexsmith is unable to maintain a career on a major label, its a testament to Sexsmith's artistic vision that his eventuation into the indie world doesn't alter his creativity a whit. If anything, BLUE BOY is a marked progression for Sexsmith. Though it's produced by Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy, there's no evidence of Sexsmith "going country" here. Earle and Kennedy are perfectly attuned to Sexsmith's post-Beatles pop classicism. They merely highlight in a fresh, interesting way, as on the infectious opener "This Song," where Sexsmith's reedy voice is brilliantly offset by a soul-powered horn section. Or "Not Too Big," which adds a funky touch to the proceedings. Longtime fans needn't fear; their heroes fragile, transcendently melodic gift remains completely intact here, he's just picked up a couple of new steps along his journey.
What the critics say...
Rolling Stone (7/5/01, pp.140,142) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - "...Offers his widest stylistic assortment yet, from intimate blues to extroverted rock...thanks to producers Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy...there's more bounce in his rhythm section..."
Spin (8/01, p.139) - 8 out of 10 - "...Sexsmith finds relief in classic songcraft, reimagining greats from Johnny Mercer to Freedy Johnson. This is true even when the content is sad indeed..."
Entertainment Weekly (6/8/01, p.76) - "...His 4th gorgeous album...The disc's grittier sound is the perfect complement to [his] 'Waterloo Sunset' croon, and the dangerous dips into loungy jazz and reggae are just lovely..." - Rating: A
Q (7/01, p.116) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Enjoyable..."
CMJ (6/4/01, p.35) - "...His warm, mid-tempo rock has become even more sincere and soulful....little bundles of truth offered so earnestly you'd never think to disagree with them..."
No Depression (7-8/01, p.119) - "...His most accomplished work yet..."
