Ron Sexsmith charms The Clubhouse
By THOMAS BOND
Get Out
June 4, 2004

In an era where musical artists are all about posturing — as sex kitten, gangster or what have you — Ron Sexsmith is an anti-hero and all the better for it. With only his endearing personality and a bottomless well of finely-crafted tunes, the Canadian singer/songwriter and his band enchanted a small but appreciative crowd at Tempe's The Clubhouse.

Launching the show with “Hard Bargain” and “Imaginary Friends” — the two tracks that begin his stellar new album “Retriever” — Sexsmith set the tone for the night: classic pop songwriting brought to life onstage with imaginative arrangements and perfectly-placed accompaniment.

“That timelessness, as a tunesmith, is really hard to tap into without sounding contrived but he does it,” said Adrian Evans, who's shown he knows a thing or too about catchy songwriting as frontman of longtime local pop heroes Sugar High. “In a better world, every home would have a Ron Sexsmith album.”

Well aware of his underdog and underappreciated status, Sexsmith made light of it with self-deprecating humor. Before a run through his new album's “Whatever It Takes,” he said, “This song is in the Top 10 in Canada” — pause for effect — “but I know that doesn't mean much here.”

With the able backing of a lead guitarist and bassist and tasteful percussion work by his drummer, Sexsmith moved easily from uptempo tunes to ballads with occasional forays into soul and twangy country. Highlights included the gorgeous “Former Glory” and jaunty optimism of the new disc's centerpiece, “From Now On.” The best tune of the night may have been one of the oldest ones he played, “Speaking with the Angel.” Dating to his first indie label cassette(!) in 1991, the song was performed with just acoustic guitar and cello and was exquisite.

In a generous 24-song set, Sexsmith played most of “Retriever” and gave a sampling of all eight of his albums, including a rarities compilation.

After closing with the pretty ballad “Secret Heart” — which has been covered by Rod Stewart and Nick Lowe, among others — Sexsmith returned for an encore asking the crowd if there was something they wanted to hear and immediately granting the wish of one fan who shouted out for the new album's “Wishing Wells.” He followed it with a totally unexpected but delightful take on The Clash's “Bankrobber,” finding the late Joe Strummer's humor in the lines about daddy not hurting anyone but loving to steal money. After the final song of the night, “Seem to Recall,” Sexsmith earned a well-deserved standing ovation for his performance.

Opener and Sexsmith record labelmate David Mead showcased some fine songwriting of his own with a clear tenor capable of startling high notes. Playing an acoustic guitar and backed by one sideman, Mead welcomed Sexsmith onstage to drum on a couple of tracks. “New Mexico” and a cover of Michael Jackson's “Human Nature” — both from his new album “Indiana” — were highlights of a short and sweet set.

Ron Sexsmith set list:
Hard Bargain
Imaginary Friends
Cheap Hotel
Former Glory
Not About to Lose
Whatever It Takes
Right About Now
Don't Ask Why
Strawberry Blonde
Happiness
Tomorrow In Her Eyes
Gold in Them Hills
Thinking Out Loud
Speaking with the Angel
Dandelion Wine
Disappearing Act
Keep It in Mind
Tears Behind the Shades
These Days
From Now On
Secret Heart

Encore:
Wishing Wells
Bankrobber (The Clash cover)
Seem to Recall