Product Description

A true artist's artist, Ron Sexsmith has been writing and performing his earnest, soulful songs for nearly thirty years now, engendering praise from a litany of artists too influential and many to name. On his latest album Exit Strategy of the Soul, Sexsmith expands his musical canon with vaulted yet direct string arrangements and sweeping horn sections, resulting in a work equal in musical breadth and emotional depth. Recorded in both the cold of classical London and the sweaty flamboyance of Havana, Cuba, Exit Strategy... is a study of the beauty that can come from the heartfelt melding of seemingly contrary ideas, be they musical, cultural or emotional. Delving deep into Cuban music, Sexsmith recruited legendary Cuban musicians Amaury Perez and Alexander Abreu as well as experienced arranger Joaquin Betancourt to lend latin punch and style to his sweeping, yearnful melodies. Also appearing on Exit Strategy of the Soul is standout track 'Brandy Alexander,' co-written with fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Feist. After the two met at a party where Ron was drinking the concoction, the two entered into a long-distance collaboration with both artists eventually recording their own version of the song for their respective albums. In the career of Ron Sexsmith Exit Strategy of the Soul is at once a culmination and a precipice, a work that feels as complete as it does an artistic jumping-off point. Only the mind of the artist knows his intention and knowing Sexsmith, he's not telling.

Track Listing

1. Spiritude [Instrumental]
2. This Is How I Know
3. One Last Round
4. Ghost of a Chance
5. Thoughts and Prayers
6. Brandy Alexander
7. Traveling Alone
8. Poor Helpless Dreams
9. Hard Time
10. Impossible World
11. Chased by Love
12. Brighter Still
13. Music to My Ears
14. Dawn Anna [Instrumental]

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11203 in Music
• Brand: Dig
• Released on: 2008-07-08
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

The Right Strategy
When i read that Ron sexsmith was to use Cuban musicians in the making of this album i was a bit worried, i always preferred "Still Crazy" to "Graceland", 25 listens later i needed worry, this is another sublime sexsmith album, the use of Cuban brass is subtle and delightful giving the album a soulful and heartwarming ( a typical sexsmith trait) feel, his bittersweet lyrics and melodies are consistently superb, just listen to "traveling alone" a lesson in songwriting.

This is the best sexsmith album since, well, the last one and another wonderful entry to his superb back catalog, how can someone be so consistently good is beyond me.
I just say thank you.

One of a Kind
The incomparable Mr. Sexsmith has come through yet again with another set of superbly crafted, wonderfully sung, heartfelt, and memorable songs. There are some fine singer/songwriters out there, but I am unaware of anyone who has created so much beautiful music over the past ten or fifteen years. Personal favorites from this collection include Ghost of a Chance, One Last Round, Thoughts and Prayers, Chased by Love, and Music to My Ears, but every song is a winner in its way. In fact, every song on each of Ron's ten albums is a winner. (Honestly - though some take a little longer than others). Truly one of the finest and most unique popular music artists around. If you haven't checked him out, by all means you owe it to yourself to do so. You can begin with this album, with the eponymously titled first album, or anything in between. It all makes your life better. The kind of music that makes you feel grateful.

Yes, I'm a Sexsmith Fan
What Andre said! It's incredible! If you are a Sexsmith fan, don't hesitate to buy this album. It's definitely Ron's music but a little more ethereal as befits the title, I suppose. If you are new to Ron's music, try the album Retriever which is a little more crossover. If you like that then you will try the other albums like this one. If you want to download some sample tunes in addition to "Brandy Alexander" you can try "This is How I Know", "Poor Helpless Dreams" and "Brighter Still" to get you hooked. I like to say "We're Travelling Alone" with Ron Sexsmith on our iPods.