SOTU 605 - Gold In Them Hills

[AZChris]

Thanks Joo for hosting such a cool challenge. I wish I had learned about Ron Sexsmith sooner. My favorite genre of music is acoustic rock or folk rock and he nails it. Here's one I learned called Lebanon, Tennessee. I added bass guitar, drum loops and a 2 finger synth part.

 

[caukulele]

Thanks Joo for a great season this week. I learned so much about Ron Sexsmith and a whole world of songs that I never heard before and now want to learn. I found Ron sang this cover song 'Hey That's No Way To Say Goodbye' and he said that "this was a song I wish I had written." I have always loved this song and so I decided to try it with my Guitarlele. I do not have my pajamas on, but I do bring my morning croaky voice instead.

 

[joo]

Good day dear Seasons friends!

OK, please tell me who is still in their pajamas?

Oh I am really enjoying myself this week, can you tell? Hope all of you are enjoying the songs too.
Really love the entries. Lots of Ron, some great covers of what Ron has covered.
For those of you who are still choosing something to play, you can go to Ron's Rawnboy channel on YouTube, and type in any musician or song you wish to cover, next to the magnifying glass symbol. I attach a picture to show you how I found out he had covered Tim Hardin...

Yep! He has covered lots of people, so you might just find the songs you want to cover there.

Ok, I will be back later, friends.
Thanks for the songs, Chris and AZ Chris, and Denise! They've been added to the playlist, and I have listened, but I will comment later! (LOVE THEM)

 

[joo]

John @One Man And His Uke was saying how he didn’t think he could get through this Ron Sexsmith song "without blubbing like a baby". In case you have not heard this song before, here is the song, with an animation video that you can find on Ron's official channel.



(if you pay close attention, there is a caricature of Ron hidden in the animation. I dunno who the other guy beside him is...looks familiar)
EDIT: I almost blubbered like a baby too when I watched this (never watched it before, although I have heard of the song) but since i am at my work place (lunch break here) I tried my best not to. Such a beautiful song, and animation.

 

[wee_ginga_yin]

A song I have recorded a few times... and covered by Ron. We must have a similar taste in music for it was easy to find songs that we both like. This is a POV chord progression of Every Time we say goodbye

 

[hands_on_lanzon]

hands_on_lanzon, Golden Grass (original)
What a beauty. Sweet, lovely tune like refreshing spring shower. Gorgeous picking and melody. I especially love how the verses flow into the Golden Grass section, and how you end with the high part on the word "rain". Very pretty.

thanks!!

Have you listened to any Arto Lindsay? I suddenly thought of his music when I hear this. Tender singing with a moving, optimistic message that touches me.

I have not, but will look into him soon! Thank for the recommendation.

I wish the very best to your aunt's husband, Chris. And thank you so much for the back story to this gem. Wonderful first original! (Love the photo of Huckleberry, is that him?

it is

and...you use a Mitsubishi pen too?

It's a uni-ball pen. I finally got inspiration to write a song and I go to my pen travel pen case and realize I left my nice kaweco pens at home. I went with this one over my microns, which I'll need to bust out for some drawing soon!! Maybe tonight!!

:---) i like the description "dormant beauty". :---))

Thanks! I've been into moths lately, so I think maybe it's cocoon inspired thoughts?! Perhaps all interconnected.

 

[joo]

It's a uni-ball pen. I finally got inspiration to write a song and I go to my pen travel pen case and realize I left my nice kaweco pens at home. I went with this one over my microns, which I'll need to bust out for some drawing soon!! Maybe tonight!!

The Arto Lindsay mention was very random! I read both Johns mentioned Iron and Wine under your original....

And Uni-ball is great!
We need a good pen to write and draw and a good tune to sing!

 

[Barbablanca]

I am so glad Joo chose this theme, because it gives me the chance to get to know the songs of Mr Sexsmith (terrible surname). That chance would be denied me if there weren't so many seasonistas covering Mr S's songs, since I cant stand more than thirty seconds of any original I have ever heard by the man himself. So, Joo and I often coincide in our tastes, but this week's theme is proof we are not two peas in a pod.

Here is a poem I wrote for this week. Am I alone in this opinion here?

Ron Sexsmith Cannot Sing

Ron Sexsmith cannot sing
I don't know who told him he could
But I'd be the first to admit
That most of his songs are good
No, it's something about the way he sings
Something about that voice
Yes, listening to Ron Sexsmith
Would never be my choice

It might be an acquired taste
One I'm not willing to acquire
One thing I know for certain
He'd be thrown out of our choir
I know it might be me
But I can't stand his off key vibrato
His scansion makes me want to
Hit him with a tomato

Millions buy his songs
So I guess I must be mistaken
I have tried a hundred times
But my opinion remains unshaken
He has fine songs of woe
Well crafted songs of lovers
But the only way I'll hear them
Will be on an album of covers

Yet, listen to the man himself?
Well, frankly, here's the sting
When I hear those off key notes I cry
Ron Sexsmith cannot sing!

 

[joo]

I am so glad Joo chose this theme, because it gives me the chance to get to know the songs of Mr Sexsmith (terrible surname). That chance would be denied me if there weren't so many seasonistas covering Mr S's songs, since I cant stand more than thirty seconds of any original I have ever heard by the man himself. So, Joo and I often coincide in our tastes, but this week's theme is proof we are not two peas in a pod.

Here is a poem I wrote for this week. Am I alone in this opinion here?

Ron Sexsmith Cannot Sing

Ron Sexsmith cannot sing
I don't know who told him he could
But I'd be the first to admit
That most of his songs are good
No, it's something about the way he sings
Something about that voice
Yes, listening to Ron Sexsmith
Would never be my choice

It might be an acquired taste
One I'm not willing to acquire
One thing I know for certain
He'd be thrown out of our choir
I know it might be me
But I can't stand his off key vibrato
His scansion makes me want to
Hit him with a tomato

Millions buy his songs
So I guess I must be mistaken
I have tried a hundred times
But my opinion remains unshaken
He has fine songs of woe
Well crafted songs of lovers
But the only way I'll hear them
Will be on an album of covers

Yet, listen to the man himself?
Well, frankly, here's the sting
When I hear those off key notes I cry
Ron Sexsmith cannot sing!

DROP 20, BERNI!!!!!!!
RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
(I don't know how to make the fonts HUGE but I can BOLD them!!! )

are you gonna make that into a song?

OK. I know. You have told me that several times you listened and commented on my RS covers over the years. I did come up with this challenge JUST FOR YOU. Haha. Your poem made me laugh.

Are you gonna bring us a song or not?

 

[LimousinLil]

I am so glad Joo chose this theme, because it gives me the chance to get to know the songs of Mr Sexsmith (terrible surname). That chance would be denied me if there weren't so many seasonistas covering Mr S's songs, since I cant stand more than thirty seconds of any original I have ever heard by the man himself. So, Joo and I often coincide in our tastes, but this week's theme is proof we are not two peas in a pod.

Here is a poem I wrote for this week. Am I alone in this opinion here?

Ron Sexsmith Cannot Sing

Ron Sexsmith cannot sing
I don't know who told him he could
But I'd be the first to admit
That most of his songs are good
No, it's something about the way he sings
Something about that voice
Yes, listening to Ron Sexsmith
Would never be my choice

It might be an acquired taste
One I'm not willing to acquire
One thing I know for certain
He'd be thrown out of our choir
I know it might be me
But I can't stand his off key vibrato
His scansion makes me want to
Hit him with a tomato

Millions buy his songs
So I guess I must be mistaken
I have tried a hundred times
But my opinion remains unshaken
He has fine songs of woe
Well crafted songs of lovers
But the only way I'll hear them
Will be on an album of covers

Yet, listen to the man himself?
Well, frankly, here's the sting
When I hear those off key notes I cry
Ron Sexsmith cannot sing!

Absolute HERESY, Berni!!!

 

[wee_ginga_yin]

Absolute HERESY, Berni!!!

Talking of heresy, in the orthodox church when the priest incants the scriptures it is done in a monotone chant... the reason being that personality should not interfere with the power of the message. God's word should not be coloured by the human personality.

It is the power of the message that is more important than the delivery.

Many people would claim that Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen can not sing, but never the less there is often unbelievable power in their message, and perhaps that is the way with Ron.

 

[dr_mitch]

Thanks for hosting, and I love the specificity (is that a word? it is now!) of this theme. It's introduced me to a new to me artist who I've been listening to a lot.'

At present though, a song Ron Sexsmith has covered:

 

[hands_on_lanzon]

So many good RS songs to choose from, but the 'little angel' line currently resonates with me since we've been spending lots of time with our 1y/o niece lately. Such a sweet little tune. It's 'Almost Always'...

I don't know if this is normal for the Seasons, but it happens in golf!.. I'm calling for a mulligan. I wanted to do this song proper justice, so I got myself a capo, a little more patience*, practice, and channeled a bit of morning Ron for attempt 2 at 'At Always.'



*I was also listening to Rick Rubin's book on Audible during my drive from SF to LA. Can't recommend 'The Creative Act: A Way of Being' enough!!! It's inspiring me to try and create more quality work with patience and intention.

 

[Barbablanca]

I didn't think I was going to get time to do a video this week and tomorrow my son, his girlfriend and my grandson and his fiance are coming for the weekend. So, this evening was the only chance I was going to get to post.

Mr S. appears to wax nostalgic at times, so maybe this song praising the longevity of somethign from our past will fit the bill for this week's original songs. I hope so.

Here is:

 

[joo]

DAY 6
(3 MORE DAYS TO END OF THIS SEASON)

hands_on_lanzon - Almost Always (Ron Sexsmith)
This one he did in his sleeping gown on his Rawnboy channel! (I like this! will comment properly later!) (EDIT: back to comment! )That uke sounds soooo good. I don't know this one, Chris. I had a listen to the original just now. ah, again there is that hopefulness despite the darkness RS thing here. I find your cover very heartfelt. Thank you for bringing us another RS song!

AZChris - Lebanon, Tennessee (Ron Sexsmith)
This is SO fab, Chris! What a great production! Your voice is soooo good here. I think you will sing all RS songs super well 'cause you hit those high notes beautifully. Wonderful, WONDERFUL playing, everything! I know this album pretty well, i think the CD is all scratched now. Nice to see that little intro animation with the cartoon of you too.(I was surprised! In a good way! ) And nice that you have included the cover of the album this song is from. Thank you!

caukulele - Hey That's No Way To Say Goodbye (Leonard Cohen)
what beautiful voice and singing you have, Denise! When the harmonies came in, i had goosebumps. Love the deep sound of your guitalele too. This is really beautiful. I liked looking at your work table too... :---) ( I find your painted ukes absolutely gorgeous) Thanks so much for bringing us this bitter sweet song.

wee_ginga_yin - Every time We Say Goodbye (Cole Porter)
i love this song too. And you do it so well. We did a collab together once remember? Well, I invited myself. :---) Awesome to see this close up and on the banjo uke. My favourite line in the song is the part that goes from "major to minor" too.

dr_mitch - Dancing In The Dark (Bruce Springsteen)
Ron covered Bruce Springsteen quite a few times i think. I paid attention to the lyrics.....Now i know what this song is about! Goes to show a memorable song doesn't need deep lyrics....nice cover, Paul! Great to see and hear you! I was looking forward to what you might bring. Singing along on that Dancing In The Dark line. Your strumming pattern sounds really cool for this song. I can imagine this being one of the favourites in pubs. Thanks for bringing us one from The Boss!

hands_on_lanzon - morning hotel session of Almost Always (Ron Sexsmith)
Yes this sounds fuller, more mellow. I think you sing better in this key too. Your vocal sounds more relaxed here. Definitely can hear that you are more familiar with the song. The slower pacing here is much better i think. I am inspired by how you are motivated to produce better work! Keep trying and having fun while trying!

Day 6 has been a little quieter....
But we have some great entries! Thanks to everyone who posted! And it was nice to see Chris (hands_on_lanzon) posted a second version of the song he posted earlier. I agree it is a better version.

Oh, and we had Berni sharing a poem that he penned to express how much he can't stand Ron Sexsmith's voice and singing. Very harsh and personal views from Mr Armstrong, which actually made me laugh. But I didn't like it when he starts saying how terrible Ron's surname is. That isn't funny at all. I wonder why Berni would do something like that? I know he wasn't joking. He seriously hates Ron's voice and singing. He has been telling me that for years on my covers of Ron's songs (he has been kind towards my covers though).

Having to express his intensity of dislike for another person's voice (which that person is born with) and the way that person sings into a poem made me laugh.

I think Ron has a beautiful, soulful vocal made even more beautiful when he sings, made even more beautiful by the compassion and humanity in his lyrics. To me, he sings like an angel.

Keep the songs coming in!​

(EDIT: OH! Speaking of the devil! So glad you have posted a song, Berni! Thank you! I will add that to the playlist now. But I will watch and comment tomorrow! Time for bed!)

 

[mikelz777]

I hadn't heard of Ron Sexsmith before this thread so I didn't really have the time to discover and learn one of his songs. I see that he did a cover of Bob Dylan's "If Not For You" so I did a quick toss-off cover of my own. Two other notable names who covered this song were George Harrison and Olivia Newton John.

 

[One Man And His Uke]

Absolute HERESY, Berni!!!

I know! I’ve a mind to give Berni a Paddington hard stare if we should ever meet! That’ll learn ‘im!!!!

 

[UkerDrew]

I am so glad Joo chose this theme, because it gives me the chance to get to know the songs of Mr Sexsmith (terrible surname). That chance would be denied me if there weren't so many seasonistas covering Mr S's songs, since I cant stand more than thirty seconds of any original I have ever heard by the man himself. So, Joo and I often coincide in our tastes, but this week's theme is proof we are not two peas in a pod.

Here is a poem I wrote for this week. Am I alone in this opinion here?

Admittedly his vocal stylings are an acquired taste but then again so are: Mark Knopfler, Neil Young, Bob Dylan (masterful song writer but I can't stand that sliding up to the note nasal twang thang), Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, JJ Cale, - I could go on. Still I respect your personal preferences. We all have them!

 

[joo]

To me, he sings like an angel.

I just woke up feeling like i might have a cold. After having a hot drink i checked the thread and .....

Maybe describing Ron sounding like an angel is a bit much, haha. I am a RS fan but reading that is making me cringe a little.

I am fine with Berni speaking his mind. I always respect his directness.

Here is another random observation about Ron's Rawnboy channel:

The audio quality on his informal covers channel is indeed appalling sometimes. Val described it as something coming from inside a dustbin and i do agree. I get that sorta muffled, dustbin sound when i record with my laptop. The built- in Mic isn't good. Either that or it is a sound i notice can happen when we apply noise reduction.....

Gee, don't i sound super awake at 5am?

I think a person's voice can be trained to sound different....maybe that's what voice coaches are for.....there is hope for us.

Berni, i hear you. I don't think you were trying to be mean when you wrote that. Anyway, let's move on and focus on the message of songs, as Rob had said.

I meant to share this clip of Ron covering Material Girl with a wig, but got distracted with the "voice issue" earlier on.

(The "dustbin" audio quality can be heard here. )


Back to bed. Will be back shortly.
Thanks so much for the comments from everyone. We all have our own palate.

 

[DelGriff]

Thanks for hosting, Joo!

So, once in a while a song I’ve never heard before comes out of nowhere and blows me away. That happened this morning when I listened to Denise’s (@caukulele’s) lovely version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” (which RS has apparently covered). It was the title that initially resonated with me… and then the song itself. Simple, sad and beautiful. I knew I had to have a go at it myself. I didn’t want to tread on Denise’s toes, so I checked she’d be okay with it - she was (thanks Denise!).

Here it is then - baritone uke with some synth bass and pads (verse 3). Also some vocal harmonies from verse 2. And I threw in a curve ball with my ending chord - does it work? You decide!