Introducing... Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne is an American born, floppy haired and bushy bearded singer-songwriter of hauntingly reflective, folksy songs. Even though I’m just hearing about him now - his debut album was in 2004 - he’s unlike anything I’ve heard before (and enjoyed)

I guess this could be a sign of my musical taste buds evolving and quickly becoming more mature right? (no more Chicken Noodle Soup!). I’m surprised I managed to like Ray’s music seeing as he doesn’t have any discernable hook, obvious ad lib or Timbaland sounding beat but I guess all those things merely garnish otherwise dull radio-catered songs anyway (just thing about it)

The genius of LaMontagne is in the simplicity of the tracks such as Trouble and Empty which pack more punch then Naomi Campbell’s blackberry. The marriage between his lived in yet fresh sounding vocals coupled with minimal musical production gives his songs a vintage quality, focusing the listener to the meaning behind the music.

Another reason I like LaMontagne is because of his bizarre alienation. He’s unashamedly disengaged from his audience refusing to acknowledge them when performing, rarely giving interviews and preferring to sing in the dark. This all adds to his whole appeal and makes the emotions he does display that much more credible and real. His painful and bizarre awkwardness has turned Ray into this instantly cool enigma who lets his voice do the talking.

His second album, Till the Sun Goes Black is out so go and buy or download now! Listen to some tracks on his MySpace: www.myspace.com/raylamontagne