The Good in Trouble

Ray LaMontagne, factory worker turned singer-songwriter, has created a masterful CD titled "Trouble." 

Ray's voice sounds of sandpaper and his music is mellow and warm.  I enjoy every song.  They are simple and Ray is sincere.  It begs you to sit and ponder and feel what he feels.  It reminds you of things long ago, when you felt what he feels. 

Quotes from Ray...

"Life is so difficult, the thing about music is that you can take deep things that hurt you and turn them into something beautiful."

"I'm right in there, feeling everything, and it can get exhausting....Night after night of being on that edge of songs written during a sad, sad time gets difficult. I've talked to my manager and booking agent about spacing the shows some. I'm afraid I'll wreck."

Here are some reviews worth reading...

Blogcritics: "This is an exquisite taste of a great artist in the making."
BBC Alt and Rock Review: "...a timeless album of graceful, genuine songs about heartbreak, vulnerability and hope."

Comments

[Chris W]

I just recently ordered this one. Heard it on a public radio show (the only place to find a good music show these days) called World Cafe. A buddy of mine also picked it up and played a few tracks for me. Beautiful, melancholy, soulful. What a voice!

[Steve McCoy]

Thanks for making it clear that my comments didn't move you to buy it, but NPR and "your buddy" did. Then you only came here to throw that in my face.

haha...kidding man. You can tell Joe has influenced me. This CD is by far my current favorite. I've been playing it over and over.

[Chris W]

Oh sorry. I'd been interrupted by the microwave beeping to me that my bean and chili burrito was ready. (It wasn't.) But what I meant to say, if you'd have let me finish before jumping to conclusions was:

I just recently ordered this one. Heard it on a public radio show (the only place to find a good music show these days) called World Cafe. A buddy of mine also picked it up and played a few tracks for me. Beautiful, melancholy, soulful. What a voice! AND I'M SOOOO GRATEFUL THAT YOU MENTIONED IT ON YOUR 'BLOG BECAUSE YOU HAVE REASSURED ME AND VALIDATED MY PURCHASE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, STEVE, LOVER OF QUALITY MUSIC.

[Steve McCoy]

Hehe. Thanks Chris...I think. ;)

[Amanda]

Ray's music is amazing. I am finally going to have the opportunity to hear him live in the summer. I've got a couple of copies of some of his live shows if you are interested. I don't mind burning them and passing them on. :)