By Daniel Brielmaier

Ron Sexsmith is the most under-appreciated artist in recent memory. His lack of commercial success is baffling.

Critics love him, he creates beautiful, eloquent, and intelligent music, and each of his 10-plus albums is jammed with memorable songs that dare to understand and appreciate the ebb and flow of life, loss, and love. He definitely puts himself out there emotionally, and balances such weighty subjects with an impeccable pop sensibility.

Sexsmith has gathered many admirers over the years; Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Steve Earle, and Chris Martin, to name a few. His most famous song, “Secret Heart” has been covered by Feist, Nick Lowe, and even Rod Stewart.

Sexsmith played Shank Hall in Milwaukee Sunday night, along with opener Meaghan Smith. When this show was quietly announced a few months back, I was initially shocked that he wasn’t playing a larger venue like say, The Pabst Theater. It just didn’t seem right. He does have a very loyal and appreciative fan base in Canada, and Europe, but in the USA, the numbers are noticeably fewer. Ron admitted the frustrations of this dynamic Sunday night, saying it might be a while until Milwaukee sees him here again, something about grey hair and a walker. It could be a while.

Ron played a wonderful set of music, featuring a number of songs off his excellent new album, “Exit Strategy of the Soul”, as well as many classics including; “Secret Heart”, “Strawberry Blonde”, “Hard Bargain”, “Pretty Little Cemetery”, “Imaginary Friends”, and “Gold in Them Hills”.

Fellow Canadian Meaghan Smith opened the show. This is her first-ever tour, and she’s recently been signed to Warner Bros.

Myspace: Ron Sexsmith

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