Till the Sun Turns Black
by: Ray LaMontagne
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How do you follow a debut record that achieved out-of-the-blue grandeur on its way to selling a quarter of a million copies? For Maine's Ray LaMontagne, it's all about shaking up the formula, evading repetition and delivering the unexpected. Till the Sun Turns Black finds the introspective singer/songwriter complementing his folk-country ways with traces of strings and horns and spooky soulful background voices. Songs like "You Can Bring Me Flowers" and "Three More Days" are the most R&B-influenced, the latter shuffling about ala The Band or Tony Joe White. Despite its brooding lyrics, "Empty" has a rollicking, almost breezy delivery, a perfect balance to either the hushed title track, the unnerving "Be Here Now" or the horn-fortified waltz, "Gone Away From Me." Throughout the 11-song sequence, and especially on the final song "Within You," LaMontagne's voice remains the record's most crucial element, as vibrant as it is tattered and as harsh as it is flawless. --Scott Holter
How do you follow a debut record that achieved out-of-the-blue grandeur on its way to selling a quarter of a million copies? For Maine's Ray LaMontagne, it's all about shaking up the formula, evading repetition and delivering the unexpected. Till the Sun Turns Black finds the introspective singer/songwriter complementing his folk-country ways with traces of strings and horns and spooky soulful background voices. Songs like "You Can Bring Me Flowers" and "Three More Days" are the most R&B-influenced, the latter shuffling about ala The Band or Tony Joe White. Despite its brooding lyrics, "Empty" has a rollicking, almost breezy delivery, a perfect balance to either the hushed title track, the unnerving "Be Here Now" or the horn-fortified waltz, "Gone Away From Me." Throughout the 11-song sequence, and especially on the final song "Within You," LaMontagne's voice remains the record's most crucial element, as vibrant as it is tattered and as harsh as it is flawless. --Scott Holter
Disc 1:
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- Just keeps getting better
With each new song I heard, I liked Mr. Lamontagne more and more. The album arrived this morning and my gawd! Beautiful. This will be heavily played at my house, in my car, at work, and before I'm done, all of my friends will be talking about buying their own copy. Just BEAUTIFUL!
Rating: - Niiiiiiiicce
Just had to say more than a passing resemblance to JD Souther, both physically and auraly (sp?)A lovely album and a confusing one.I've occasionaly put it in my six stacker CD player when on the road then been perplexed as tracks come up and they are simply not what was expected, a mix of jazz, blues, alt country et al.But truly a beautiful album and a MAJOR talent.This album is a massive step up from the debut and I know it will feature heavily in my car over time.
Rating: 
- Disappointing -- "Trouble" a far better albumn
In the days before digital downloads I might almost say the album is worth it for the song "Three More Days." A great tune with a strong resembalance to Dave Mason's "Feeling Alright" -- its got a good R&B back beat, old school organ, and a Memphis style horn section (that blends into the song perfectly -- unlike the overpowering mixes all too common since the early 70's). It all perfectly supports Ray's mellowed out Joe Cocker voice. Definitely a song worth listening to.
As for the ... Read More
Rating: - He did it again!
I LOVE this album!I really enjoyed "Trouble" and I didn't think he could put out anything as good, but this one fares the same.It has a totally different sound than his first album, but is really good.Ray Lamontagne is quite the musical genius!
Rating: - Intense, beautiful music...
I really liked his music on first listening, then I realized all that he was saying. Moody and a little sad, but that is what I love. The words are so meaningful and insightful. I love this man's way of expression. All his music is really good. A lot of variety in styles, but still all his own. A little reminiscent of Gregory Page's style but more serious. Buy all of his c.d.s. you will love them.
- Just keeps getting betterWith each new song I heard, I liked Mr. Lamontagne more and more. The album arrived this morning and my gawd! Beautiful. This will be heavily played at my house, in my car, at work, and before I'm done, all of my friends will be talking about buying their own copy. Just BEAUTIFUL!
- NiiiiiiiicceJust had to say more than a passing resemblance to JD Souther, both physically and auraly (sp?)A lovely album and a confusing one.I've occasionaly put it in my six stacker CD player when on the road then been perplexed as tracks come up and they are simply not what was expected, a mix of jazz, blues, alt country et al.But truly a beautiful album and a MAJOR talent.This album is a massive step up from the debut and I know it will feature heavily in my car over time.
- Disappointing -- "Trouble" a far better albumnIn the days before digital downloads I might almost say the album is worth it for the song "Three More Days." A great tune with a strong resembalance to Dave Mason's "Feeling Alright" -- its got a good R&B back beat, old school organ, and a Memphis style horn section (that blends into the song perfectly -- unlike the overpowering mixes all too common since the early 70's). It all perfectly supports Ray's mellowed out Joe Cocker voice. Definitely a song worth listening to.
As for the ... Read More
- He did it again!I LOVE this album!I really enjoyed "Trouble" and I didn't think he could put out anything as good, but this one fares the same.It has a totally different sound than his first album, but is really good.Ray Lamontagne is quite the musical genius!
- Intense, beautiful music...I really liked his music on first listening, then I realized all that he was saying. Moody and a little sad, but that is what I love. The words are so meaningful and insightful. I love this man's way of expression. All his music is really good. A lot of variety in styles, but still all his own. A little reminiscent of Gregory Page's style but more serious. Buy all of his c.d.s. you will love them.
