Long Player Late Bloomer Cooking Vinyl***

This is Ron Sexsmith's 11th solo album, so it would be reasonable to expect some weariness, especially as the Canadian singer-songwriter's output has changed little since his debut in 1995. But this strong, if unsurprising, collection of 12 self-penned songs shows that his appetite for the fight remains. Now 47, Sexsmith continues to map out his emotional life in melancholic pop-folk instalments coloured by the slightly fey characteristics of his voice. There are exceptions. Michael and His Dadstretches into Beatles- like territory, while the big pop of Believe It or Notand the boppy Eye Candyshake it up somewhat. But Sexsmith is happiest when whispering soft-centred romance, and songs Heavenly, Miraclesand the model ballad Love Shinesfit that bill well. See ronsexsmith.com

Download tracks: Love Shines, Believe It or Not