I’ve loved Ray LaMontagne ever since I heard ‘Trouble.’ When I heard Kelly Clarkson cover his ‘Shelter’ live I was even more sold on LaMontagne as an artist. His songwriting always pulls at my heart strings and I can’t help but weep. I think that’s what any artist really wants right? To make an emotional connection with his or her audience?
His new album, Gossip In The Grain is due out on October 14th and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m also excited because I’m seeing him live at the Boston Opera House on October 10th. Originally his album had a September release date, which got me going because I thought I’d have a chance to listen to some of his new material 
prior to seeing the concert…but oh well. I’ll take him where I can get him. I saw him live last year or the year before when he was in Boston performing at the Orpheum theater. He was so brilliant live! Tristan Prettyman opened and she was equally good, but it was Ray LaMontagne that melted my heart! His on stage personal is so real and natural that you can’t help but fall in love. From his whole emo/hipster look to his shy comments to the audience and of course his raspy, soulful vocals. Wow. What’s not to love?
New single ‘You Are The Best Thing’ is more up-tempo and happier than his previous efforts. This is not a complaint at all. He 
has background singers and a bigger band and everything! I love the new sound. I’m hoping this means that ‘Grain’ is a happier album, as his last two efforts (particularly ‘Till The Sun Turns Black’) were more depressing. Like I said, I enjoy a good cry to good, sad music, but at this point in my life, I need something to smile about and if ‘Best Thing’ is any indication, I’ll be smiling throughout this whole show. Now I just have to find someone to go with me since I bought 2 tickets!