Tag: Ray LaMontagne

Categories
Concert Reviews

Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs Perform "Live On Letterman"

It’s been just over two years since I witnessed Ray Lamontagne in concert for the first time. After seeing him earlier this month, it is evident that he continues to be a force to see live. On May 11 he shyly walked onto the Letterman stage clad in a jean jacket, jeans and flannel shirt before he kicked things off with the soulful “Repo Man.” With a driving percussion and guitar interlude towards the end of the song, the band impressed.

Not one of many words, there was little onstage banter with the audience throughout the show besides the occasional “Thank you.” Before he began “New York City’s Killing Me,” he whispered into the microphone, “Take a deep breath” to which the room laughed. A slower, more somber track, LaMontagne’s soft vocals accompanied by the band’s soothing rhythms while wavering pedal steel gave the track a rustic, country feel.

The remainder of his set included many tracks off the band’s latest release, God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise as well as some older fan favorites. While “Beg Steal or Borrow” and “This Love Is Over” continued the slow pace, it was on encore number “Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s a Shame)” that LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs wowed the audience. With a rollicking beat, foot stomping and soaring harmonica, the track had the entire audience on their feet and clapping along.

Watch the complete performance below and for more, visit their Web site.

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• Brad Paisley Performs ‘Live on Letterman’
Categories
Concert Reviews

Ray LaMontagne Plays Sold-Out Jersey Show

Ray LaMontagne took the stage at Wellmont Theatre Thursday night to screams shortly after 9 p.m. Known for his shy demeanor, it was still a shock that he said little to the audience, except the occasional “Thank you” throughout the first 10 songs of his set. Playing track after track, the crowd didn’t seem to mind as they proved to be ardent fans, continuously yelling, “New Jersey loves Ray!”

Beginning with lively number “Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s A Shame)” LaMontagne grabbed each concertgoers attention right off the bat at his sold-out show. With his rustically raspy and captivating vocals, it’s these attributes and his constant fluidity that sets him apart. While some songs played were dark and somber ballads of heartache and loss like older tracks “Trouble” and “Jolene,” others were more romantic and upbeat. Singing praises to Meg White of the White Stripes in, aptly titled song “Meg White” (“Meg White, I saw you on the big screen/Old Jack was keen/But you stole the scene”) or a lover as heard in “You Are the Best Thing,” LaMontagne kept all in attendance anxiously waiting on the edge of their seats for the next song.

Playing many tracks off his most recent critically acclaimed album, Gossip In the Grain, as well as some old fan favorites, it was hard to grasp which song was the audience favorite as screams echoed throughout the venue at the beginning of each song. Textured guitar and pedal steel accompaniment infused with his emotional lyrics was truly an experience one can only witness live.

His nearly 90-minute, 17-song set was interwoven with beautifully descriptive and moving lyrics. On soft, emotional ballad “Empty” LaMontagne sang, “And of these cut-throat busted sunsets, these cold and damp white mornings/I have grown weary./If through my cracked and dusted dime-store lips/I spoke these words out loud would no one hear me?”

In addition to LaMontagne’s solid performance on vocals and guitar, his band — consisting of electric guitar, bass, drums and pedal steel — impressed the crowd with colorful interludes on tracks like “Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s A Shame)” and country number, “Hey Me, Hey Mama.”

LaMontagne’s music can be described as a fitting blend of folk and country. In fact, he told the audience about his keenness of country music. “I love country song structure; the simple hook and telling a story. It’s really nice and it’s really fluid.” From the look of it, LaMontagne’s song structure is well respected by many as he received a nearly five-minute standing ovation before his encore performance.

While some concertgoers may prefer a performer with quirky onstage banter prefacing each song, sometimes no words need to be spoken. Ray LaMontagne proved Thursday night that truly good music speaks for itself.

Watch below as Ray performs “Empty,” currently one of my favorite songs by him. What do you think? Listen to him on MySpace.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIUSikXex5w]

You can also read this review posted on Filter-Mag.com here.

Categories
News

Ray LaMontagne on SNL

I fell in love with Ray LaMontagne‘s song, “You Are The Best Thing” a few months ago right before his album, Gossip In The Grain was released. Since then, the rustic singer-songwriter has been receiving rave reviews from the likes of Rolling Stone and even fellow singer-songwriter John Mayer, who has called LaMontagne, “so pure, it’s arresting.” Mayer continued his praise in a blog post writing, “I think Ray LaMontagne is as brilliant as any artist that has ever lived.” Pretty strong compliment right there.

I’m super excited to see LaMontagne live this Thursday. As a preview to my upcoming concert review, I figured I’d post his recent performance on Saturday Night Live. You can view the videos below, I’d love to know what you think!

Watch LaMontagne as he performs “You Are The Best Thing” on Saturday Night Live.

http://www.hulu.com/embed/FwR3ytxwy-apHPKtQj4z0g

Ray LaMontagne playing “Trouble” on SNL.

http://www.hulu.com/embed/qdxNW6c8ZGwSFqXyUvv-2g

Categories
CD Reviews

What Are Your Favorite Albums and Songs of 2008?

I know all the music bloggers and magazines have been writing about their favorite albums, songs and moments of 2008, but instead of reading another journalist’s massive “best of” list for 2008, I’m more curious to know YOUR favorites. Was there an album you continually had on repeat in your car or your iTunes play list? What song could you absolutely not get out of your head no matter how hard you tried? What about your least favorite song you seemingly couldn’t escape from wherever you went — be it your drive to work, shopping at the mall or at your favorite bar? I’d love to read your “best of” lists! Plus, it’ll give me some new music to listen to as I ring in 2009!

Below, I’ll post some of the music I’ve featured on my blog this year — hinting at 10 of my favorites to give you some possibilities of new music to check out for yourself. Take a listen. I think you’ll enjoy them as well.

Brent Shuttleworth‘s video for “When I Reach California” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT-MlVxQcoc]

Joshua Radin – “I’d Rather Be With You” listen here.

Jason Reeves – “You In A Song.” For Windows click here, for Quicktime click here.

Brett Dennen‘s music video for “Make You Crazy” featuring Mandy Moore below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F58TfYHqLak]

Passenger – “Night Vision Binoculars” check out here.

Pete Murray performing “Opportunity” live below with John Mayer or check out the music video here.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynnKd18eCJU]

Serena Ryder – “Brand New Love” here. For Windows users you can listen here.

Sia performing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. For Windows. For Quicktime.

Theresa Andersson‘s video for “Birds Fly Away” recorded live in her kitchen.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMXqn42AykM]

Lastly, Ray LaMontagne‘s “You Are the Best Thing.” You can listen to it here for Windows Media or here for Quicktime if you haven’t yet.

What do you think? Can’t wait to read your lists! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Categories
Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Ray LaMontagne

Since I received Ray LaMontagne‘s latest album, Gossip In The Grain, in the mail a few weeks ago I haven’t been able to stop listening to it! I introduced you to LaMontagne a while back with my “Song of the Week” of his beautiful first single off the album, “You Are the Best Thing” — currently my favorite track on the album. You can listen to it here for Windows Media or here for Quicktime if you haven’t yet.

Gossip In The Grain encompasses the perfect blend of music. Whether LaMontagne is singing an ode to Meg White of the White Stripes with his intriguingly catchy lyrics, “Meg White, I saw you on the big screen/Old Jack was keen/But you stole the scene/Meg White, baby you’re the bomb/Old Jack he’s great, don’t get me wrong/But this is your song ” or infusing more of a folk and country sensibility throughout tracks like “Hey Me, Hey Mama,” Gossip In The Grain has much diversity to offer listeners.

He’s been hailed “a songwriter’s songwriter, and a singer’s singer” by fellow singer-songwriter John Mayer, who has blogged about LaMontagne on his Web site, adding “I think Ray LaMontagne is as brilliant as any artist that has ever lived. ” And I must say, I have to agree.

Songs like “Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s a Shame)” showcase LaMontagne’s continuous versatility. Whether it’s his edgier singing and guitar strumming on this track or horn features throughout, he grabs your attention. “Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s a Shame)” is a song that will surely survive the test of time, and so will it’s singer.

“Let It Be Me” exhibits LaMontagne’s sensitive side while his lyrics are comparable to a modern day take on Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” as his vocals blend extremely well with soft piano interludes and light guitar accompaniment. With poignant lyrics, “When it feels like you’re always comin’ up last/Pockets full of nothin’ ain’t got no cash/No matter where you turn/You ain’t got no place to stand/You reach out for somethin’ and they slap your hand/I remember all too well/Just how it feels to be all alone/To feel like you’d give anything/For just a little place you can call your own” La Montagne aptly gets his point across to the listener in an extremely moving way.

There is so much depth to Gossip In The Grain it’s almost impossible to get everything across adequately in one blog post. Definitely check out LaMontagne’s MySpace and pick up a copy of Gossip In The Grain when you have a chance, you won’t regret it — I promise.

You can also listen to track “Meg White” here. I’d love to hear what you think!

Categories
CD Reviews Features

You Sing, I Write’s Fall Album Preview

It’s that time of the year again — the leaves are changing colors, you can find candy corn in all your local grocery stores and now it’s the appropriate time to carve some pumpkins. Fall just may be my favorite time of the year, except for the fact that I have to put all my summer flip-flops away. Wearing sneakers and boots instead of sandals is a huge adjustment, but I digress. This fall there are many albums hitting the shelves or more aptly, iTunes — many from bands I’ve covered for the blog, as well as some others you should definitely check out. Below is brief list of some albums I’m especially looking forward to.

Antony and the Johnsons – out this week 10/7
Another World
I recently received a copy of Antony and the Johnsons‘ EP — a five-song piano-filled disc of deep, emotional ballads. At first listen, the EP gives off an incredibly relaxing and soothing feel. But, when listening more closely to the lyrics the perception is quite different. Called an EP of “political- and eco-minded songs” by Rolling Stone, I couldn’t agree more.

Ray LaMontagne – 10/14
Gossip in the Grain
You heard him and song, “You Are the Best Thing” from my previous “Song of the Week” post two weeks ago and from what I’ve heard on his MySpace and other reviews, Gossip in the Grain is an album to definitely give a listen. LaMontagne has that classic singer-songwriter feel, but offers the listener something unique as well. I haven’t been able to stop playing “You Are the Best Thing” over the past few weeks and if this is any indication as to how his album sounds, LaMontagne will be the talk of the town pretty soon.

Brett Dennen – 10/21
Hope for the Hopeless
I was lucky enough to catch Brett Dennen‘s performance this summer on John Mayer’s tour and he blew me away. Brett has such a skill for songwriting and aptly gets the message in his lyrics across to the listener, not always an easy task for a musician. Check out a live performance of his first single, “Make You Go Crazy” — which features Fela Kuti on the album — below. Stay tuned for his music video for the song with Mandy Moore within the upcoming weeks.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycqhqDKq5a0]

Fall Out Boy – 11/4
Folie a Deux
The kings of long song titles are back with their fifth studio album on Election Day. Avid advocates for Obama, while the disc apparently has no politically charged songs, if it’s anything like their last album, Infinity on High, Fall Out Boy are sure to surprise and make every die-hard FOB fan content.

Switchfoot – 11/4
The Best Yet
It’s surprising that Switchfoot doesn’t have a “best of” album yet, being that they’ve released six albums and have been touring for the better part of the last 10 years. However, this November ‘Foot cans can look forward to The Best Yet, which features 18 hit singles including “This Is Home” from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie soundtrack as well as radio hits “Meant To Live” and “Dare You to Move.” In addition to the songs, the deluxe edition will feature 14 videos which includes MTV hits as well as rare, never before released videos.

To listen to a stream of “This Is Home” for Windows, click here.
For QuickTime, click here.

Taylor Swift – 11/11
Fearless
Taylor Swift has become a personal favorite of mine as of late. Maybe it’s my desire to move to Nashville and cover more country artists and emerging musicians. Whether you like country or not, you can’t deny her crossover power between genres. Not only is she a respected country artist, but pop fans love her as well. Her first single off the album, “Love Story” is that perfect story-book tale of a Romeo and Juliet romance. Down to the appropriately catchy banjo accompaniment, the song is full of that hopeless romantic vibe that draws many music fans to her. Check it out on YouTube.

All-American Rejects – 11/18
When the World Comes Down
I featured their first single, “Gives You Hell” last week on the blog and it’s undeniably catchy. A bit more of a mature sound than their previous two albums, AAR have grown up and their musicianship and solid guitar riffs can be heard throughout. This album is one I’m personally looking forward to and planning on picking up for myself. Check out “Gives You Hell” below.

http://media.imeem.com/m/61tvnwcGSh/aus=false/

David Cook – 11/18
TBD
I recently read an article which reported that Cook will be working with frontman Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace for his release expected in late November. I caught Maida’s performance a few months ago at the Mercury Lounge and I can only imagine the creativity he will bring to Cook’s debut since winning American Idol.

Categories
Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “You Are The Best Thing”


I received an email this week that Ray LaMontagne’s video for “You Are The Best Thing” premiered on Amazon’s homepage, so I decided to check it out. I love it! It’s one of those songs that a music video only accentuates the beauty of the lyrics and meaning behind it. Lately, I’ve been listening to various jazz tunes, and with the horns featured throughout the song and light drum beat encompassing Ray’s soulful lyrics, it’s a song that I’ve can’t help but listen to over and over again.

You can view the video here. Let me know what you think! If you like what you hear, check out his MySpace.