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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 62 people found the following review helpful
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.
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.
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
Format:MP3 Download|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.
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Download|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!"
Most Recent Customer Reviews
A gift.
A gift. If you ever get a chance to see them live do not pass it up. Soul squeezing melodies that make you feel alive. Beautiful!
Published 1 month ago by kurt howe
An absolute pleasure of an album
I really want to send this album to certain artists of the 60s and 70s who used to make records like this. And I want to include a note that says, "Listen. Listen again. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Robert Marchese
Outstanding
I got to hear the entire album for free on the NPR website. I enjoyed all of the songs but the first song, Repo Man, especially stood out.
Published 2 months ago by Mark Marrs
Nuttin' Special
Well ... I tried. And I just don't get the appeal of this at all. It's not awful, just nothing special. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Donald E. Gilliland
Unreal!
I'm new to Ray L. so this was purchased on a whim. I've already listened to it twice and bought it last night. Great stuff!
Published 3 months ago by Jesse Adamiak
One of my favorite cd's of all time
I could listen to this 5 times a day and never tire of it, his music is great and I hope he never changes his humble demeanor
Published 3 months ago by music lover 43
The best he has to offer
I was skeptical about a new Ray Lamontagne cd with a full accompaniment backing him. I have liked all three of his previous albums, each being better than the last. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Pat Pugh
A Change for the better
R. L. scores with this CD! The steel pedal fits in well with his voice. On his other cd's he sounded like a hoarse choir boy. Read more
Published 4 months ago by sonny sixstring
Nice CD
I bought this CD for my wife, and she loves it. She doesn't stop playing it in the car or when she is cooking in the kitchen. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Dan
God Willin &n the Creek Don't Rise
I am late discovering Ray LaMontagne but Beg,Borrow & Steal was my first introduction to him and I was haunted by the familarity of the song. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Lalu
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