Most of the characters
drifting through Exit Strategy look to the future for answers, whether they're
overwhelmed by life in general ("The Impossible World") or seeking solace in
another ("Music To My Ears"). Sometimes the optimism they find isn't just
misplaced, it's destructive, as in the politically metaphorical boozing of "One
Last Round."
While Sexsmith's songs
haven't changed that much over the years, the production behind them has.
Producer Martin Terefe, working with Sexsmith for the second time, fills out
the sound with strings, a soulful Cuban horn section, and, on one track, Feist,
reprising the Sexsmith co-write "Brandy Alexander" from The Reminder. It's a sweet wrapping
for bittersweet sentiments. "I can't give up on all these poor helpless dreams,"
Sexsmith sings on "Poor Helpless Dreams." "For what have they got if they don't
have me?" His songs have chased that question years. With luck, they'll never
find an answer.
