Jim Guthrie may very well be labelled a “cult” artist: devoted fans of the Canadian singer-songwriter feel fortunate and superior to others for being “in the know” with regards to one of the nation’s best-kept artistic secrets. In 2003, Guthrie produced one of the most interesting and well-written folk-rock albums of the decade, Now, More Than Ever, which was nominated for a Juno award (or, Canadian Grammy). For one reason or another, the record never really gained much traction in the United States and Europe, and Guthrie spent the next 10 years working on video game music, a soundtrack for a film about video games, and other artists’ projects.
Thus, Guthrie’s newest release, the aptly-titled Takes Time, feels long overdue, and thankfully, the album is well worth the wait: though it does not quite reach the same heights as Now, More Than Ever, there’s a lot to love on Takes Time, with Guthrie’s penchant for elusive lyrics and innovative arrangements taking centre stage. If there is any justice left in the world, Takes Time will grant Guthrie the worldwide recognition he so obviously deserves.