God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise

Ray LaMontagne | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 17, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA/RED
• ASIN: B003QCCS36
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (111 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #617 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #10 in Music > Folk > Contemporary Folk > General
  • #28 in Music > Rock > Folk Rock
  • #85 in Music > Pop > Adult Contemporary

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 62 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, Soulful, Cool-as-Cucumber, August 17, 2010

By 

Rudy Palma "The Writing Fiend" (NJ) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise (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.

LaMontagne has grown remarkably for an artist only on his fourth studio record. "God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise" is sure to please fans and earn many converts.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hypnotic, August 17, 2010

By 

Blue in CT "monroemusicfan" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise [+Digital Booklet] (MP3 Download)

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.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Yet, August 17, 2010

By 

R. Hale (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise [+Digital Booklet] (MP3 Download)

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!"