Ray LaMontagne

I thought i would start this blog talking about one of my new favorite artists. I found out about him just a few a weeks ago while reading John Mayer's blog. His name is Ray LaMontagne and he's been writing music and touring for about ten years. A little synopsis of his life: He was born in New Hampshire and has five siblings. His father was also a musician, but had little to no contact with his family. Ray was inspired to start composing and singing one day after hearing Stephen Still's "Treetop Flyer". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_LaMontagne

I have not stopped listening to him for the past two weeks. His beautiful raspy voice and sweet lyrics automatically draw you in. With a scruffy, almost hippie look, he has no problem captivating audiences with his folksy music, that touches the heart. His lyrics are extremely relatable, every song evokes a different emotion. It's easy to understand the emotion and the meaning behind his words.
I want to give you a small play list that i think really encompasses his music trajectory. From his first album Trouble, released in 2004, you need to listen to :

Jolene
Trouble
Shelter
Forever My Friend
Hold You In My Arms

From his second album, Till The Sun Turns Black:

I Wish I Could Change Your Mind
Can I Stay
Three More Days
Empty

His latest album, just released on October 14, 2008 is called Gossip In The Grain, and from there you need to check out:

You Are The Best Thing
Let It Be Me
I Still Care For You
A Falling Through

I'll leave you with some more video and let you decide for yourself