Ron Sexsmith’s first album was an independent release titled Grand Opera Lane that I have yet to get my hands on. It was recorded with a band called The Uncool, and that pretty much sums up Sexsmith himself.

His first studio release was a self-titled disc released in 1995. I consider this Sexsmith’s worst album, though in a Sure Thing “this is the ugliest girl in California” postcard kind of way. There is a roughness and uncertainty about it (though, admittedly, that’s also part of its charm).

As Sexsmith tells it, this album was relegated to the bargain bins before Elvis Costello began singing its praises far and wide, effectively rescuing it, and Sexsmith’s career. The two have circled each other ever since (as evidenced by last weekend’s posts).