by Brian D. Holland.

Ray LaMontagne’s second effort, Till The Sun Turns Black, is on the same successful path as his first CD, Trouble, released in 2004. It’s another collection of melodic songs with attention-grabbing storylines and interesting lyrical perspectives; all personal, provocative, and full of sentiment. On a compositional level that embraces the likes of Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and both Tim and Jeff Buckley, with clever lyrical prose and pleasant melodic arrangements, LaMontagne is at the top of the game these days. His voice delivers his amazing lyrical tales with genuine passion and melancholy emotion. First and foremost a singer/songwriter, his acoustic guitar playing is stylish and impressive as well, and very much a factor in the music’s charming makeup.

As with his debut, the album’s eleven songs are his compositions. However, legendary producer and musician Ethan Johns plays a hefty assortment of instruments on this one. Along with contributions of other players, the variety of instruments and fullness of each track appears to be the major difference between this album and its predecessor. It leans more pop than folk at times, too, which is okay, because all of the songs are intensely deep and tasteful.

The opener, ‘Be Here Now’, starts trancelike and illusory. Its mystifying acoustic phrasing leads into a dreamy repetitive piano run. Interesting guitar picking parallels the lyrical melody, as Ray, in his own words, speaks tenderly of living for today, and being in charge of that destiny: Yes, be here now.

‘Empty’ is an interesting folk song, a perfect example of Ray’s brilliance as a lyricist. I love this particular verse:

“Well, I looked my demons in the eye
Laid bare my chest, said do your best, destroy me
See I've been to hell and back so many times
I must admit you kinda bore me.”

However one may view this verse, its implications floor me. Both lyrically and melodically, the song is beautiful, brilliant, and undeniably outstanding storytelling.

Somewhat remotely, ‘Barfly’ is in a J.J. Cale mode (though ‘You Can Bring Me Flowers’ invokes the same likeness), yet in more of a leisurely groove. The pace matches the song’s lyrical content brilliantly, as it appears to be about an individual who wants to live a simple existence as a drinker and stagnant barfly, one who has no intention of changing ways. He explains this situation to a lover or admirer, slowly and caringly.

‘Three More Days’ adds diversity with its blues-rock aggressiveness, flamboyant brass section, and rocked up flair. ‘Gone Away From Me’ is concerned with love lost, and the task of getting over it. The catchy Calypso-like tune flaunts a blissful atmosphere despite its lyrical content, as if the intended meaning has already sunken in with acceptance. ‘Lesson Learned’ begins with a short yet beautiful acoustic guitar solo, and segues into deep and bitter words. This gem is about as potent and as melancholy as LaMontagne gets, and is definitely a lesson learned, a lesson in the deepness of LaMontagne musical content. ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’, a short acoustic instrumental, completes the sentiment.

All in all, Till The Sun Turns Black is an excellent folk rock album for the ages. LaMontagne’s style may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you like your cup deep, with bittersweet flavor and a favorable aftertaste, then you’ll find this album quite satisfying. In my opinion, both of Ray’s records are perfect in sound and substance. It’ll take a while for me to decide which one I like more, but right now it’s ‘Till The Sun Turns Black’. Because of this, I anticipate his third studio release even more.

Ray LaMontagne tours often, and although I’ve yet to see him, that event tops my list of performers to see. Check out his website for dates and other info. In the past, he has been known to make appearances at the Bonnaroo festival. He’s good friends with Warren Haynes and sometimes opens shows for Gov’t Mule. Ray also makes appearances at Haynes’ annual Christmas Jam in North Carolina.

Till The Sun Turns Black Track Listing
1. Be Here Now
2. Empty
3. Barfly
4. Three More Days
5. Can I Stay
6. You Can Bring Me Flowers
7. Gone Away From Me
8. Lesson Learned
9. Truly, Madly, Deeply
10. Till The Sun Turns Black
11. Within You

RCA August 2006

Links
Ray LaMontagne
Purchase Till The Sun Turns Black on Amazon.com