The best songs on Trouble, the debut release from songwriter Ray LaMontagne, draw on deep wells of emotion, and with LaMontagne's sandpapery voice, which recalls a gruffer, more sedate version of Tim Buckley or an American version of Van Morrison, they seem to belie his years. The title tune, "Trouble," is an instant classic, sparse and maudlin (in the best sense), and songs like "Narrow Escape," a ragged, episodic waltz, are equally impressive, with careful, cinematic lyrics that tell believable stories of wounded-hearted refugees on the hard road of life and love. Most of the tracks fall into a midtempo shuffle rhythm, so the words have to carry a lot in order to avert a sort of dull sameness, and when it works, it works big, and when it doesn't, well, LaMontagne is so serious and sincere about his craft that you tend to forgive him instantly. Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek guests on "Hannah" and the sad, somber lullaby "All the Wild Horses," playing fiddle and adding vocals, and producer Ethan Johns adds drums and other touches on most tracks. The sound is measured and sparse, with few frills (a five-piece string section is used on a few tracks, but is never intrusive), all of which supports the emotional urgency of LaMontagne's writing. "How Come" sounds a bit like a rewrite of Dave Mason's "Feelin' Alright," and a couple of other cuts seem a bit labored, but overall this is an impressive debut by an extremely special songwriter.
Although I had not yet seen Ray live, there was no doubt in my mind that he was going to deliver the goods. And yes, he sure did. It was a given that his smokey soul wrenched voice was going to suck me in and spit me out. Leading up to the show, I did wonder what instrumental lineup Ray would be accompanied by. I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled to hear the steel pedal play a huge role i...
More >
I had to refrain myself from listing all of the Christmas albums that came out this week. Honestly, there has to be at least 20 that hit shelves this week. I guess the holidays really are right around the corner.Lucinda Williams - Little Honey Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the GrainKeane - Perfect SymmetryKenny Chesney - Lucky Old Sun DeluxeElvis Presley - Elvis Presley Christmas DuetsYngwie Malm...
More >
Driving home late on a Sunday evening, Ray LaMontagne’s album Trouble is keeping me company. The song Burn comes on and I find myself unable to let it blend into the sounds of the road and the engine and the world passing by at 73 mph. Ain't it clear when I'm near youI'm just dying to hear youCalling my name one more timeOh so don't pay no mindTo my watering eyesMust be something in the airTh.
More >
Well, everyone else is doing it, so I'm gonna try to summarize some of my favorites of 2006. Such a hard thing to do since it's been a great year for me in terms of finding new music ...Best Live Performance I saw this year: Ray LaMontagne (at the Austin City Limits Music Fest) - probably the most honest/genuine performance I've ever seen. Really amazing.Best Discovery of the Year (new to...
More >
i have not had much to say lately candles and incense are burning,this only happens in the wintertime round herechillaxing and looking at the future instead of the pasti am hopeful of the existence of the universewell maybecan this be my song?i hope soWhen you came to me with your bad dreams and your fearsIt was easy to see that you'd been cryingSeems like everywhere you turn catastrophe it re...
More >
Before it recedes to far into memory or is blotted out by self destructive behavior, I wanted to post a 30 second review on the recent Ray LaMontagne concert I caught.For fans, the show would not have disappointed, although my wife commented that the crowd was suprisingly 'rowdy' for what she envisioned being the folksy, singer-songwriter set. I must admit that I too was suprised by the number ...
More >
I am sure most of you are familiar with the story of Ray Lamontagne. He is definitely on my own personal Mt Rushmore of people who have inspired me.He was working in Maine at a shoe factory(no joke), and during one of his shifts the Stephen Stills song 'Tree Top Flyer' came on the radio, and Ray's life was changed forever. It was the epiphany of all epiphanies...he decided on the spot to become...
More >
Ray Lamontagne's voice sounds like it was sent from up above with a head full of soul. This version of Shelter recorded at BBC4 Sessions in London is so breathtaking you simply have to press play and experience it.
More >
i have not had much to say lately candles and incense are burning,this only happens in the wintertime round herechillaxing and looking at the future instead of the pasti am hopeful of the existence of the universewell maybecan this be my song?i hope soWhen you came to me with your bad dreams and your fearsIt was easy to see that you'd been cryingSeems like everywhere you turn catastrophe it re...
More >
I had to refrain myself from listing all of the Christmas albums that came out this week. Honestly, there has to be at least 20 that hit shelves this week. I guess the holidays really are right around the corner.Lucinda Williams - Little Honey Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the GrainKeane - Perfect SymmetryKenny Chesney - Lucky Old Sun DeluxeElvis Presley - Elvis Presley Christmas DuetsYngwie Malm...
More >
Although I had not yet seen Ray live, there was no doubt in my mind that he was going to deliver the goods. And yes, he sure did. It was a given that his smokey soul wrenched voice was going to suck me in and spit me out. Leading up to the show, I did wonder what instrumental lineup Ray would be accompanied by. I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled to hear the steel pedal play a huge role i...
More >
I got tickets to see Ray LaMontagne later this week! A friend of mine is going down, and picked me up an extra, for the show in Boston's Opera House this Friday. Damn, I'm excited for this show. His new album, Gossip in the Grain , is coming soon, and from all appearances, this album is going to rock. Hard. Stay tuned for a concert review and set list. DAMN, I can't wait. Trouble - Ray ...
More >
Before it recedes to far into memory or is blotted out by self destructive behavior, I wanted to post a 30 second review on the recent Ray LaMontagne concert I caught.For fans, the show would not have disappointed, although my wife commented that the crowd was suprisingly 'rowdy' for what she envisioned being the folksy, singer-songwriter set. I must admit that I too was suprised by the number ...
More >
so i remember the first time i heard Ray Lamontagne. i was at work and i literally stopped in my tracks and stood and listened to the whole song and thought, i've got to find out who the hell that was. a month or two went by and i was at home listening to music on demand and they played "Trouble" and i was thrilled to finally find out who it was that sang this beautiful song. listening to th...
More >
Driving home late on a Sunday evening, Ray LaMontagne’s album Trouble is keeping me company. The song Burn comes on and I find myself unable to let it blend into the sounds of the road and the engine and the world passing by at 73 mph. Ain't it clear when I'm near youI'm just dying to hear youCalling my name one more timeOh so don't pay no mindTo my watering eyesMust be something in the airTh.
More >
I don't consider myself stuck in the pop world, however, I don't consider myself all-knowing of the indie musicians out there either. Here's a nice little bridge to that gap. I'll post some more of his songs later. Please enjoy.CheersMike In BoldP.S.Sorry about the long pause between posts
More >
Well, everyone else is doing it, so I'm gonna try to summarize some of my favorites of 2006. Such a hard thing to do since it's been a great year for me in terms of finding new music ...Best Live Performance I saw this year: Ray LaMontagne (at the Austin City Limits Music Fest) - probably the most honest/genuine performance I've ever seen. Really amazing.Best Discovery of the Year (new to...
More >
i would make my life better. but no one is stopping me from doing so and so why do i say if? Maybe it's my pathethic way out not to do anything to change? i've been listening to a lot of Ray LaMontagne these days just because i feel his songs are in sync with what is going on in my life and my head space. It's like having someone understand you really well but not lecturing you to be proacti...
More >
This is a recent clip from Ray's tour "He has this vulnerable, raspy, velvety, pure voice, and he absolutely pours his soul into his music . . . He feels each word and resonates with each chord"-Heather Browne
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Trouble |
|
|
| 2 Shelter |
|
|
| 3 Hold You in My Arms |
|
|
| 4 Narrow Escape |
|
|
| 5 Burn |
|
|
| 6 Forever My Friend |
|
|
| 7 Hannah |
|
|
| 8 How Come |
|
|
| 9 Jolene |
|
|
| 10 All the Wild Horses |
|
|
Click to purchase…
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "Trouble")
