Friends Don't Let Friends Listen to Bad Music

Well, I have to admit that I'm not usually into the organic, soulful, rootsy, acoustic kind of music. I shy away from the Ben Harpers, the Jack Johnsons, and the Dave Matthews (even though he was our local fave back in college at UVA in the early 90's). But every now and then someone comes along in this genre and is just amazing enough to transcend any tags and pulls me into the music. When I was having dinner a month ago with my good friend Justin Rosolino (go buy his disc, now... stop reading this... go buy it... I'll be here when you get back) and Matt Wertz (with whom Justin was touring), they were raving about this guy and his debut CD. I couldn't quite remember his name when I got home and I certainly wouldn't have nailed the spelling... So I filed it away in the back of my head. I just came upon him in my daily music surfings and was happy to see he is also on Rhapsody. Many reviewers are hailing him as the next great songwriter and are using "a dusty Van Morrison" as a reference point. I'd agree with them, but would just add that, at least on this album, his stuff is very intense, very heartfelt, and very passionately delivered. So don't think "Brown-Eyed Girl," but rather "Crazy Love." Know what I mean? Put it on, lay down, close your eyes, and feel those emotions you push so far down inside... Enjoy.

Ray LaMontagne - Trouble