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Gossip in the Grain | 
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| Artist: Ray Lamontagne
Label: 14th Floor
Category: Music
List Price: £15.99
Buy New: £8.97
You Save: £7.02 (44%)
New (14) Used (1) from £8.97
Avg. Customer Rating:  16 reviews
Sales Rank: 167
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
EAN: 5051865102021
ASIN: B001G79P66
Release Date: October 13, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: IN STOCK. USUALLY DISPATCHED SAME OR NEXT WORKING DAY (MON - FRI). PLEASE ALLOW 3 - 6 DAYS FOR DELIVERY. BRAND NEW AND FULLY GUARANTEED BY A WELL ESTABLISHED TRUSTED LTD COMPANY. EMAIL DISPATCH CONFIRMATIONS SENT. TRACK PROGRESS 24/7
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| Tracks:
| • | You Are The Best Thing | | • | Let It Be Me | | • | Sarah | | • | I Still Care For You | | • | Winter Birds | | • | Meg White | | • | Hey Me, Hey Mama | | • | Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's A Shame) | | • | A Falling Through | | • | Gossip In The Grain |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
Gossip in the Grain, Ray LaMontagne's third full length, is a slightly different record from 2007's Till the Sun Turns Black. But then that album was of course a move on from his 2004 debut, Trouble. Obviously creative progression is a large part of LaMontagne's vision, which chimes well with that of his pal and producer Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon, Ryan Adams). On Gossip in the Grain, they offer a rainbow mix of mellow "Bonnie Prince Billy"-style Americana, brassy Memphis soul and meandering folk. The horn-fuelled opener "You Are the Best Thing", gets the record off to a flying start, but LaMontagne soon settles into a more introspective groove with the folksy "Let It Be Me" and the more expansive "Sarah", a tune that wouldn't be out of place on Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. LaMontagne continues to careen casually across a plethora of styles, from the psychedelic "I Still Care for You", and the upbeat "Meg White", (an ode to the White Stripes drummer), to the catchy banjo-and-trumpet of "Hey Me, Hey Mama". Infectiously free-wheeling yet beautifully focused, this is arguably LaMontagne's most career-defining album to date. --Paul Sullivan
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
 It's impossible to go against the grain December 26, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
As a big fan of both Ray's 'Trouble' and 'Till The Sun Turns Black' albums, I have to admit that I was looking forward to this release as soon as I became aware of it and I really haven't been disappointed. This album is, without doubt, a slight departure and progression from Ray's last albums but the songwriting is superb and the performances are wonderful. From the brassy soul-soaked opener (the wonderful, uplifting 'You Are The Best Thing') to the understated folky title track via the smolderingly passionate 'Let It Be Me', the playful, but beautiful cascading folk of 'Sarah', the delightful banjo-fuelled, country and New Orleans jazz hybrid of 'Hey Me, Hey Mama' and the high-tempo, persistence-of-a-freight-train blues number 'Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's A Shame)' we are treated to brilliant track after brilliant track all magnificently produced by Ethan Johns, who manages to find the perfect sonic balance for this collection of eclectic compositions.
Existing fans who prefer the more restrained, reverential aspect of Ray's previous albums may find that this album doesn't quite fit into their idea of what LaMontagne is all about, but, in my opinion, it is the creative diversity of 'Gossip In The Grain' which makes this album such a superb listen. Even so, there are still a handful of tracks which have the hallmark of Ray's earlier work, such as the haunting 'I Still Care For You' and the simple picked guitar and tender vocals of 'Winter Birds', so this released is hardly comparable to the moment Dylan went electric for Ray's fan base.
To surmise, it is very difficult to be at all critical of this album - I just can't fault it (not that I was trying). I approached it with as objective an ear as I possibly could, but am forced to declare my bias and honesty report that I love each and every track on it. Even 'Meg White', the declaration of admiration for The White Stripes' drummer, which I had heard about before I listened the track, is just out-and-out enjoyable, even though the idea of it sounded terrible. What can I say? This album has ten impeccable tracks and is one of the very best of the year. Wonderful.
 Just don't get it yet........ December 9, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I loved Trouble, though quite dark I quite like TTSTB because its pure, its sticks with its script and does have some great songs. But this new album, I find quite inaccessible. There is nothing wrong with many of the songs, but there is nothing really stand-out either - even the single. We hear quite a few different styles, different eras of American folky Gospel, I found my self laughing at one song that sounds like the atart of a spaghetti western (Sorry Ray). There is no real focus - its a collection of mediocre off beat songs. Ray is much better than that, his voice doesn't even get opened up so much here. So far it is a huge disappointment. Like others in this forum, I hope its a grower, I'll give it a few more spins........
A beauty November 26, 2008
What an absolutely magnificent release this is.From the soulful,upbeat strut of the opener "You Are The Best Thing" all the way to the hushed beauty of the title track which closes proceedings , Ray and his cohorts simply never put a foot wrong.It is ,i believe, a modern classic and a firm contender for Album Of The Year .
I came to this release with no knowledge of this guy's previous work , i'd heard his name and read about him but never got around to checking out his music. I cannot therefore tell you how this new work compares to previous releases , what i can tell you , without doubt , is that this is a CD i've been playing constantly for the past 3 or 4 weeks now and i've never got bored yet , in fact it just seems to get better every time i play the damn thing !
Maybe that's because these songs do not , for the most part ,hit you instantly.Instead they just sort of creep up on you unawares and work their way , subtly, under your skin .They just keep dragging you back and before you realise , you're hooked.
At the moment my very favourite has to be the achingly beautiful "Winter Birds" but i think every track on here has been my fave at some point , that's how good it is.
I haven't dwelt to much here on the merits of individual songs but that's because i feel that the overall quality is such that it's a work which should be heard in it's entirety.Lots of times in fact .
If you like magnificent,heartfelt music and songs sung with real passion and emotion then you simply must get this . It's superb .
Right , time to order his first two albums now i suppose.........
You Are The Best Thing Baby November 16, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Ray Lamontagne, is an enigma. His voice is breathy and rich and his trademark. His songwriting is brilliant at times. He is a genius at his craft. But, he is not reaching the masses. I found him, oh, several years ago with his first CD, 'Trouble' and his voice and lyrics stirred my soul.
"The Jesus-bearded troubadour is sort of a recluse. He doesn't enjoy doing interviews, refuses to make music videos, and hates reviews of his work--be they positive or negative. But for all the coffeehouse hacks trying to emulate Bob Dylan's verbosity and Van Morrison's impassioned croon, there's the soft-spoken Ray LaMontagne, singing his own wistful tunes without the weight of pretension and the hype of MTV." Joe Tacopina
This CD brings Ray Lamontagne to the fore. He is including a full orchestra. As he said in an interview, "It was time to open up a little bit more, not be quite so reserved in my choice of songs that I wanted to record." His choices in these ten songs are somewhat similar to his first two CD's but tell a story of their own. These songs are richer and more complete.
'You Are The Best Thing'-Best song of the ten and my favorite- backed-up by vocals and this is Ray at his best.
'Let It Be Me'- A traditional Ray song-showcasing his beautiful voice.
'Sarah'- One of the most beautifully written songs- many say he sounds like Nick Drake in this saga.
'I Still Care For You'-The big band background with Ray barely speaking.
'Winter Birds'- The poem like wording is exquisite. The best writing of his career.
'Meg White'- Such a complete sidestepping of his usual fare. Feet stomping good- a tribute to Meg White of the 'Stripes'- you either love it or hate it.
'Hey Me, Hey Mama'- Folksy singing- absolutely love this new Ray- 'Where ya been so long?'
'Henry Nearly Killed Me'-Fast paced song with a story line to be followed.
'A Falling Through'- A quiet, thoughtful song.
'Gossip In The Grain'- Soft, listen carefully to the lyrics- beautiful musical background.
Ray Lamontagne is a musician who has not reached his prime. He has stepped out of his footprint with this CD. Gaining new ground and new fans. He is quietly taking his place along side the greats of his genre.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-02-08
Trouble
[[ASIN:B000GPIPVU Till the Sun Turns Black
A Classy and Thoughtful Album November 11, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Firstly I rate Trouble and TTSTB are two of my favourite albums. I approached this album cautiously, hoping to love it as much as Ray's previous work. On first listen, I hated it, excepting track 1 which is instantly likeable. 2nd and 3rd listens I still disliked about half of the album, and the other half seemed non-descript. After the 4th, 5th, and 6th listen, I had come to appreciate it as the subtle piece of genius songwriting it really is, albeit laced with a little quirkiness...
It's hard to describe why Ray's work tends to take time to appreciate, but it really does. This album is a deep, carefully crafted work of art. It's playful, suprising and a little wacky in places (Meg White, Hey me, Hey mama) but it's in the slower songs (Winter Birds, Gossip in the Grain) that the quality shines through, the last track will literally have you pressing play again almost out of automated response.
I'd recommend this album to anyone who can appreciate quailty music, but would advise patience, a patience that will be paid back with a deep appreciation for what a gifted musician Ray Lamontagne really is.
Let's be clear, it's not perfect, but it's still up there with the best.
As a side note, for anyone that likes Ray's music, if you haven't heard Counting Crows - August and Everything After, it's definitely worth a chance, it's truly a classic album, just check the reviews!
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