Time Being-Digi (Mini Lp Sleeve)
Twenty years and 10 CDs into his career, Ron Sexsmith is one of Canada's most treasured folk singers. Although his famous fan base continues to grow, (now including Paul McCartney, Sarah McLachlan, and Bono) Sexsmith remains a humble, bordering-on-uncomfortable pop star.  That said, with each new effort, it seems that Sexsmith is writing slightly more upbeat, radio-friendly tracks, nudging him towards mainstream success inch by inch; this new disc,Time Beingis no different in that regard. Producer Mitchell Froom (who worked with Sexsmith on his first three releases) has been brought back for this CD. It's a great match, allowing them to revisit their style of balancing fragility and melodic strength on each track.Time Beingcatches Sexsmith in a reflective mood; "All in Good Time" addresses the positive lessons that come from bad times, while "Never Give Up" shines as a pledge of undying love to a relationship that has survived scores of rocky seas. On the less positive side, Sexsmith's occasional McCartney-esque influences can come across too strong. Disc opener "Hands of Time" brings forth the former Beatle's style in what can be best described as "Paul-setto," while "The Grim Trucker" so resembles aSgt. Pepper'stune that it is almost cringe-worthy.  Such sins are forgivable, overshadowed by the lyrically-clever "Jazz at the Bookstore" and the barren ache of the disc closer "And Now the Day Is Done," which reminds us all how great Sexsmith really is.--Denise Sheppard