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Ray Lamontagne

Till The Sun Turns Black  Hear it Now

RS: 2.5of 5 Stars Average User Rating: 4of 5 Stars

2006

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Ray LaMontagne's Till the Sun Turns Black might be the navel-gazing folkie record of the year: overly mellow acoustic poetry perfect for sensitive adults and Coldplay fans, courtesy of a demure bearded guy music-bizzers are all hyped up about. Darker and less lively than his debut, Till the Sun Turns Black works up gentle beauty and sweet, somnambulant melodies on songs like "Barfly" and the smitten ballad "Can I Stay"; elsewhere LaMontagne tosses in horns, strings and breezy keyboards. But neither his hushed murmur nor his raspy vocal swoops pack much charm or originality, and the same goes for his songs. He gets Van Morrison comparisons, but LaMontagne doesn't approach the Gaelic soul or deep undertow of Morrison's good stuff. Soundwise, LaMontagne is more like Nick Drake without the drama and emotion, or even a Windham Hill artist -- all airy beauty and not much backbone.



CHRISTIAN HOARD

(Posted: Aug 21, 2006)

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Review 1 of 14

StevenOz writes:

5of 5 Stars


When I heard Three More Days...I was just so taken with the arrangement....simple yet poignant lyrics and ultimately, Ray's sweet duclet toned voice. The song actually sounds like a track that Elvis could have recorded in his Back To Memphis album. Ray is like fresh water from a stream after having supped the murky brown waters of what the so called music industry "feeds' us these days. If you are a fan of great music without the singer needing or wanting the lust of fame and without almost topless girls twirling around and singing like little Mariah Carey's....if you value a great voice and solid lyrics....great production and great arrangements. Then Ray is the man for you ! The Rolling Stone reviewer that wrote his little piece on this great album must have his tie on too tight !! I can only imagine what CD's he has playing in his SUV ! Go forth people and drink from the waters that Ray is giving us !

Nov 11, 2007 18:21:02

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Review 2 of 14

cinevita writes:

4of 5 Stars


This review is a complete joke--but what can we expect from Rolling Stone these days? What an odd way to basically attack a man who is consistently creating beautiful, thoughtful and complex music. Ray Lamontagne & Brandi Carlile are the greatest, most genuine talents to come out of the US in a long time--not surprising then that they are barely registering in the all-mighty RS radar. Keep pimping out the Justins and Eminems of the world, RS; we'll keep our true artists close to our hearts and away from your pages as a badge of honor.

Oct 30, 2007 12:51:30

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Review 3 of 14

Jbridge writes:

5of 5 Stars


I found this to be an absolutely spectacular album. ray
lamontagne, in my mind is one of the most fabulous song
writers alive right now. i was very dissapointed with this
review. but i once heard ray lamontagne say in an interview
"who really remembers the critics? who remembers a review
they read about neil young? in the end the music lasts."
he couldnt have put it better, and i believe that ray
lamontagne and his music are here to stay.
pain and simple, great album.

Jul 23, 2007 17:23:26

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Review 4 of 14

musickmakerman writes:

5of 5 Stars


Hi Bruce Mullen here from Dublin Ireland . I really dont think anyone should take this rolling stone review serious . Its clear that this reviewer either didnt listen to this album properly{listen to lesson learned ,empty, be here now again}or has a chip on his shoulder about this genre of music. Ray lamontagne is a talent that I have been waiting around for years . To suggest that colplay fans would relate to rays muscic is just a joke.I think a reviewer in his position should understand where the artist is coming from ,which he clearly dosent.Any proper fans will know the hardship ray went through in life which comes through in his muscic very much.I suggest this guy goes and see ray in concert .He will realize that van morrison does not come close .You wont see such arrogance .I went to see ray in Belfast last saturday and it was truely one of the best musical experiences I have ever had. I really felt like I was witnessing something special.The only gig that has come close ws when I saw jeff buckley in whelans in dublin ,so that give you a good idea of what I am talking about. He sings every song like it was his first time singing it with incredible passion and feeling and has one of the best voices of our time . listen again my friend.

Jan 27, 2007 05:23:58

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Review 5 of 14

mike9988 writes:

5of 5 Stars


I would have to disagree with the review also. I discovered Ray's music on myspace and i was hooked the minute I heard it. The best songs on this album are empty, three more days (love the sound and beat of this song), and gone away from me.

Nov 25, 2006 23:13:04

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Review 6 of 14

mike9988 writes:

5of 5 Stars


I would have to disagree with the review also. I discovered Ray's music on myspace and i was hooked the minute I heard it. The best songs on this album are empty, three more days (love the sound and beat of this song), and gone away from me.

Nov 25, 2006 23:13:04

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Review 7 of 14

hungariangirl writes:

5of 5 Stars


Anyone who can't appreciate this album is crazy!I just saw Ray live and it was the best concert I have been to. I love all music and think this is an amazing album! The song writing is beautiful and the band jams. Anyone that has the chance must see these guys live. It's just too bad that everyone tries to compare him to someone, because Ray is truly one of a kind.He's not trying to be different, he just is. LOVE IT!!!!

Nov 16, 2006 18:33:27

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Review 8 of 14

Warzawa writes:

4of 5 Stars


Like Jack Johnson with more baggage and Jeff Buckley with less, Ray Lamontagne falls somewhere in the middle. Lucky for us, he doesn't get lost in it. Lamontagne's songs are easy to swallow and even better to cuddle with. Listen to "Be Here Now" and "Til the Sun Turns Black" then tell me you don't feel something special.

When I first heard the backing string section I cringed, but Lamontagne never over-uses them (for overuse see Live's Lakini's Juice or Aerosmith's Don't Wanna Miss A Thing). They come in when they should and they add just enough. Sure, we've heard this all before but that just makes the enthralling Till the Sun Turns Black even more of an accomplishment.

If Lamontagne's music is airy, I'm caught up in one hell of a wind.

Sep 30, 2006 13:24:36

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