Live Fall 2010

Ray LaMontagne is one of the new century’s most accomplished singer-songwriters. His voice is a natural wonder and his four studio albums grow deeper and more meaningful with each passing year. Fired up with a crack back-up band, LaMontagne presents this Live EP with three songs — “For the Summer,” “Beg Steal or Borrow,” “Like Rock & Roll and Radio” — from his latest release, *God Willin’ and The Creek Don’t Rise* and two tracks from earlier releases. His soulfulness has drawn valid comparisons to Van Morrison. “For the Summer” has a heartworn melancholia. “Like Rock & Roll and Radio” can force tears from the most stubborn eyes. “You Can Bring Me Flowers,” featuring harmonies from the Secret Sisters, and pedal steel and fiddle instrumental accompaniment make it a purebred country-rock tune worthy of Gram Parsons. “Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s a Shame)” is LaMontagne’s shift towards the blues. He’s one of the best we have.