Musical Elective of the Week

This week's Musical Elective is Ray LaMontagne.

Discovered (in part) by Angus King, the former Governor of Maine, the 34-year-old LaMontagne went from toiling in a shoe factory in Lewiston, Maine (my mom's hometown) to releasing his debut album within a span of 10 years. His musical delivery is straightforward, emotionally exposed and introspective, probably influenced most by the likes of Bob Dylan, Stephen Stills and Neil Young. LaMontagne's rapturous, raspy voice hooks you and draws you in.

Trouble was released in 2004 to great critical acclaim and has sold more than 250,000 copies to date in the U.S. It features the oft-played title track as well as a collection of haunting cousins, including "All The Wild Horses" and "Burn," the tender "Hold You In My Arms," and the hopeful "Forever My Friend."

Till The Sun Turns Black, his second album, was released in 2006. The R&B-influenced "Three More Days" was a featured single off that album. It also includes the standout tracks "Be Here Now" and "You Can Bring Me Flowers."

LaMontagne's third album may be released in the fall of 2008. Keep your eyes and ears open for LaMontagne's music. For more, visit his web site or his MySpace page.

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Extra Credit -- Past Musical Electives of the Week:
Stuart Stotts
Dan Wilson
Kathleen Edwards