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Editorial Reviews
Grammy nominated and critically acclaimed, Ray LaMontagne returns with his anticipated fourth studio album, God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise. Entirely self produced (for the first time) the album was recorded in two weeks at LaMontagne's home in the woods of western Massachusetts. The newly restored historic home served as a homemade recording studio for Ray and his fellow musicians. With Ray's vocals at the forefront of the songs and a loose, almost live sounding recording, the album stands as a testament to a band at the height of their powers. The newly coined 'Pariah Dogs', consists of Jay Bellarose (drums), Jennifer Condos (bass), Patrick Warren (keyboard), Eric Heywood (guitar) and Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar). Individually these musicians have contributed to the live work of such heralded musicians including Beck, Joe Henry, Tom Waits, Lucinda Wlliams, Ryan Adams and Joe Cocker to name a few of their career highlights. Together with Ray they shared a sense that the sessions for this record were rare and extraordinary.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
61 of 63 people found the following review helpful
By Rudy Palma
Format:Audio CD
Letting Ray LaMontagne transport you has never been easier, and new LP "God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise" is the reason why. His fourth album release - and the first to have him billed in a band context with the excellent Pariah Dogs - sounds rich, organic and sincere.
From the first song to the last the album sounds like the kind of live concert one might stumble upon during a night of bar hopping and count himself especially lucky for having chanced upon.
Things are a little changed this time around. The band is front and center in its support of LaMontagne, justifying their co-billing. Furthermore, he has taken over the production helm from Ethan Johns, taking more control over the final product. The result is sonic textures even more mellowed and marinated than before, allowing the songs maximum ability to catch hold and wield an impression upon the listener.
Even if LaMontagne hits upon a cliched phrases or idea here and there ("New York City's Bringing Me Down") it does not detract.
In fact, his directness and lack of pretense result in his themes - among them heartbreak ("This Love Is Over"), self-preservation ("Repo Man") and breaking free from convention (the husky, awesome "Beg Steal or Borrow") - coming off with ease and precisely-chiseled grace. This results in a set of a songs that are arresting at first listen.
A particular highlight is the sublime, catchy, profoundly beautiful "Old Before Your Time," which has such melodic panache it recalls heyday Elton John and Don McLean. It acknowledges the bittersweet reality of the examined life yet remains optimistic and soothing, one of LaMontagne's specialties. The same can be said of "For the Summer," which features awesome instrumental breaks.... Read more ›
From the first song to the last the album sounds like the kind of live concert one might stumble upon during a night of bar hopping and count himself especially lucky for having chanced upon.
Things are a little changed this time around. The band is front and center in its support of LaMontagne, justifying their co-billing. Furthermore, he has taken over the production helm from Ethan Johns, taking more control over the final product. The result is sonic textures even more mellowed and marinated than before, allowing the songs maximum ability to catch hold and wield an impression upon the listener.
Even if LaMontagne hits upon a cliched phrases or idea here and there ("New York City's Bringing Me Down") it does not detract.
In fact, his directness and lack of pretense result in his themes - among them heartbreak ("This Love Is Over"), self-preservation ("Repo Man") and breaking free from convention (the husky, awesome "Beg Steal or Borrow") - coming off with ease and precisely-chiseled grace. This results in a set of a songs that are arresting at first listen.
A particular highlight is the sublime, catchy, profoundly beautiful "Old Before Your Time," which has such melodic panache it recalls heyday Elton John and Don McLean. It acknowledges the bittersweet reality of the examined life yet remains optimistic and soothing, one of LaMontagne's specialties. The same can be said of "For the Summer," which features awesome instrumental breaks.... Read more ›
34 of 35 people found the following review helpful
By Blue in CT
Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase
A genuinely haunting and hypnotic journey. The lyrics tell stories perfectly matched to the unique voice and subtle instruments. Don't be fooled by the peaceful appearance - these are genuine stories of loss, desire and heartbreak. The interplay of the steel guitar is the unifying thread throughout. Maybe not the genius of "Nashville Skyline", but reminiscent. A highly recommended interlude. Don't cheat yourself by trying to pick individual songs - buy the whole disc.
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By R. Hale
Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase
With the exception of "Live from Bonnaroo" I own every album Ray has out, including "Introducing Raycharles LaMontagne", (1999) "Acre of Land",(2001) "Green",(2002) and "One Lonesome Saddle",(2002). In my opinion, this is the BEST album Ray has ever released. From the opening song, "Repo Man" through the closing of "Devil's In The Jukebox", you'll be tapping your toes and singing right along - whether it be on your ride to work, or that road trip you've been planning. It's worth mentioning Ray's husky, smoke and whiskey, voice isn't as present on this album. Instead his voice rings clear and bright on the majority of the tracks.
I heartily agree with the Associated Press in saying God Willing And The Creek Don't Rise is, "one of the year's best!"
I heartily agree with the Associated Press in saying God Willing And The Creek Don't Rise is, "one of the year's best!"
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
"God willin' & the creek don't rise" is Ray Lamontagne's fourth album. It continues in the Folky Alt Country vein of its predecessor "Gossip in the grain" but largely without the psychedelic flourishes of that album but this time with a few friends comprising The Pariah Dogs.
The album comprises 10 tracks and opens with the retro Funk "Repo man" which wouldn't sound out of place on a James Brown album. The Country ballad "New York City's killing me" is wistful while the title track cranks up the melancholic factor even more.
Other standouts are the acoustic "Are we really through", the denser "For the summer", the more rocking Blues of "The devil's in the jukebox", and my favourite, the tremulous heartfelt acoustic "This love is over" perfectly showcasing his grainy croon as he sings in a vulnerable whisper. Truly spectacular!
The album comprises 10 tracks and opens with the retro Funk "Repo man" which wouldn't sound out of place on a James Brown album. The Country ballad "New York City's killing me" is wistful while the title track cranks up the melancholic factor even more.
Other standouts are the acoustic "Are we really through", the denser "For the summer", the more rocking Blues of "The devil's in the jukebox", and my favourite, the tremulous heartfelt acoustic "This love is over" perfectly showcasing his grainy croon as he sings in a vulnerable whisper. Truly spectacular!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By listen_er
Format:Audio CD
I am not what one would consider a Ray Lamontagne fan, but rather someone who is familiar with his style and his more notable songs. After hearing this album, I felt sick knowing that this music existed out there for four months without me knowing it.
In music, I like a lot of things, but find myself the most enamored and blown away by what I consider the entirety of the sound. It's the combination of everything....emotion, voice, musical phrasing, accompaniment, pace and organization of a song or album to produce something greater than the sum of its parts. This album delivers this in spades. From the bare bones and visceral "Are We Really Through" to the smoky soul swagger in "Repo Man" you will experience a variety of sounds that definitely lean a bit more to the alt-country side than his prior albums.
His use of Eric Heywood and Greg Leisz brings a boatload of credibility to this album. Leisz played for John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, The Eagles, Beck, Wilco, Avenged Sevenfold, Smashing Pumpkins, Bruce Cockburn, Lucinda Williams, Alison Krauss & Robert Plant. Heywood started with The Jayhawks and Sun Volt. Both are fantastic.
I am typically not one to press my musical tastes upon others, but I cannot stop telling people about this album. It is that good. It is worth your time.
In music, I like a lot of things, but find myself the most enamored and blown away by what I consider the entirety of the sound. It's the combination of everything....emotion, voice, musical phrasing, accompaniment, pace and organization of a song or album to produce something greater than the sum of its parts. This album delivers this in spades. From the bare bones and visceral "Are We Really Through" to the smoky soul swagger in "Repo Man" you will experience a variety of sounds that definitely lean a bit more to the alt-country side than his prior albums.
His use of Eric Heywood and Greg Leisz brings a boatload of credibility to this album. Leisz played for John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, The Eagles, Beck, Wilco, Avenged Sevenfold, Smashing Pumpkins, Bruce Cockburn, Lucinda Williams, Alison Krauss & Robert Plant. Heywood started with The Jayhawks and Sun Volt. Both are fantastic.
I am typically not one to press my musical tastes upon others, but I cannot stop telling people about this album. It is that good. It is worth your time.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best of a great bunch
Bloody awesome voice, Brilliant and amazing vocals, Beyond inspiring musicianship. He has soul, He has grit, He showcases enough variety to keep it all interesting without losing... Read more
Published 4 days ago by Ryan Monastra
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of Ray Lamontagne's best albums yet
I found the lyrics in this collection of songs both humorous and introspective. The style of the music itself is somewhat predictable, and Ray still seems to be searching for his... Read more
Published 14 days ago by Meghan O'Toole
5.0 out of 5 stars
Come on!
This album is the best! I can listen to this and completely calm down. My life is so stressed and when I listen to this it takes me away to a better place. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Septemberfish
5.0 out of 5 stars
great entertainment
Love the music, I can play it at home or in my car put it on my computer and listen while I work
Published 1 month ago by Helen L. Waltman
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT MUSIC
Ray LaMontagne is the best - in my view. He makes you believe he has lived these emotions, and that his story is extraordinary. Read more
Published 2 months ago by D Rice
4.0 out of 5 stars
The new Ray
Nice new direction for Ray, but it's taken me some time to get used to this, since I'm such a fan of his previous music.
Published 2 months ago by Linda DeSomber
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good stuff
Continuing his style of folk, I really enjoyed where he is going. Nice follow up to Gossip in the Grain.
Published 3 months ago by Nicholas J. Olson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Album
Ray Lamontagne is so unusual and his music is so unconventional, it's hard to describe. It's parts rock, soul, country and troubader all of which combine to make an excellent... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Brooke Heather
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this collection
Great music. Moving and powerful; both soothing and thought-provoking. More than just background, this is music that can make me stop what I'm doing and just listen. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ellee27
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love me some Ray!
Came in great condition! Come on, it's Ray LaMontagne, need I say more? His music is always great to listen to!
Published 3 months ago by Red
