Bréville: Violin Sonata No 1; Canteloube: Dans la Montagne

Advantages: A different sound from the first two albums
Disadvantages: Not as good as the first two albums in my opinion

...in the way it is very rough and whisper like in places but has strength when it is needed. 1. You are the best thing This is a very strong start to the album with a lot more backing than is the usual style of Ray with backing singers in the chorus. 2. Let it be me This song slows the pace down a bit and it more the normal style I am used to from Ray, with some touching lyrics. 3. Sarah This is definitely back to old school Ray with heavy emphasise on guitar and a whispery vocal. 4. Still care for you Ray is quite hard to hear above the instruments in this track, which I can't decide if I like or not, this is probably my least favourite track on he album. 5. Winter birds Another slow song, not a favourite but I wouldn't necessarily skip it every time. 6. Meg White This is one of my favourite tracks, it starts... Read review

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Advantages: Slow,soft and melodic.Really different to Trouble.Sincere in feeling,content&deliverance.
Disadvantages: If you are looking for something R&B,folk-country sounding like Trouble then this is different.

...Two years after he released Trouble, Ray LaMontagne released this album. In this album he tries something really different to Trouble. This album is less country-folk, R&B roots and more athmospheric and wistful in feel and sound. But dont be mistaken, the songs are just as poignant, strong and effective without all of that. Most of the songs use a very gentle ensemble of string instruments which gives it the delicate and airy feel that isn't present in Trouble. And his voice too is a bit different in this album. I loved his warm gravelly tones in Trouble and they are still just as lovely in this album, but they are...softer, I think is the best word to use and definitely more subtle. Lyrically this album is really charming too, although less lyrically reliant than Trouble. Some of the songs still have a ballady, oldy worldy... Read review

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Advantages: great voice to match a smooth and relaxed vibe
Disadvantages: May be a bit gentle for some listeners

...children and wife before abandoning them when Ray was still a child. Because of his father's background in music, LaMontagne avoided all things musical instead focusing on reading and enveloping himself into a fantasy world found in these books. It was while working at the shoe factory in the 1990's that LaMontagne heard the Stephen Stills' song Treetop Flyer. LaMontagne credits Stills' album "Stills Alone" for inspiring him to pursue music. By 1999 LaMontagne had accumulated 10 songs for a demo which he sent to several local music venues. He was soon recruited as an opening act for the likes of Jonathan Edwards and John Gorka. Soon after, Ray was introduced to a producer from Chrysalis Music Publishing who went on to produce his debut Album for RCA Records and Echo Records. ***Ray's success*** Trouble has sold over 500,000 copies world... Read review

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