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Ray LaMontagne's second release on RCA, 2006's TILL THE SUN TURNS BLACK, follows many of the cues of his superb debut TROUBLE. He is still a consummate student of classic singer-songwriter rock in the vein of Neil Young, and as in some of Young's most heartfelt work, cinematic string flourishes swell behind introspective lyrics and the thrust of a beautifully understated voice. "Never learned to count my blessings, I choose instead to dwell in my disasters" La Montagne sings on "Empty," and his near whisper invites the listener to do the same. "You Can Bring Me Flowers" rewrites the Stones' classic "Dead Flowers" from the perspective of the jilted lover and "Three More Days" echoes the blue-eyed husky funk of Joe Cocker. LaMontagne is certainly a classicist, but his deft chops reinvigorate the familiar with a flair all the singer's own.
Recording information: Allaire Studios, Shokan, NY; Three Crows Studios, North Hollywood, CA.
Photographers: Dan Winters; Rachael Yamagata.
Personnel: Ray LaMontagne (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Spanish guitar, Fender Rhodes piano); Ray LaMontagne; David Gold (violin, viola); Christopher Cardona, Lorenza Ponce, Antoine Silverman (violin); Jane Scarpantoni (cello); Peck Allmond (flute, trumpet, euphonium); Vincent Chancey (French horn); Jack Schatz (euphonium); John Medeski (electric piano, Wurlitzer organ); Rachael Yamagata (background vocals); Ethan Johns (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, dobro, ukulele, piano, reed organ, synthesizer, acoustic bass, drums, percussion, programming); Matthew Cullen.
Audio Mixer: Ethan Johns.
Entertainment Weekly (p.79) - "La Montagne is a suede-voiced singer with a dark streak....[The album] teases out his R&B side..." -- Grade: B+ Q (p.97) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "It's a mesmerising, beautiful record that grows more absorbing with each play. It's heartbreaking without being indulgent..." Uncut (p.88) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "TILL THE SUN...has far more texture, making use of strings, swampy guitars and Memphis horns....[An] ultimately brave and rewarding record." Down Beat (p.92) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "LaMontagne combines strong, welcoming melodies with lyrics rich in imagery and emotional detail..." Dirty Linen (p.42) - "This is an album just chock-full of great textures, with LaMontagne using his voice to croon, soothe, rasp, or cry." No Depression (p.117) - "LaMontagne sounds like no one so much as himself -- an urgent, introspective troubadour with a gruff burr..."
Top Five of 2006 !!! Incredible !! This should not come as a suprise but I was blown away by this new album by Lamontagne. I loved his first release but this new album is such an improvement from his previous release. Not one single flaw on this album,it flows from beginning to end. Stellar production, a must have in any music collection. Submitted by SRH Records (Kansas City, Missouri) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
It's amazing I am new to Ray's music, but this is my favorite of his cd's so far. It's the best, really listen to the lyrics and you'll see what I mean. Submitted by Rebecca (NY,NY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Brilliant sound Great songs wrapped up in a warm and lush production. You won't be disappointed if you like a husky voice, acoustic guitar, cellos, horns and at times some good r & b in the mix. Submitted by Thor (Vancouver, BC, Canada) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Another Excellent Album First heard of this guy when 'Trouble' was BBC Radio 2's album of the week, and liked what I heard. The great British public caught up later. So when I found out he was releasing a new album thought 'gotta get that' and the album is every bit as good as his first. I must be one of the first to have this album - got it as soon as it was released, and it's not even due out in the UK until next year. Submitted by Stewart (South Devon, UK) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Nothing Short of Amazing Words cannot express Ray's sophomore album. A great blend of instruments and vocals. Submitted by hvollers (Dallas, TX) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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