Ray LaMontagne – Trouble (2004)

A relative youngster in this series, Ray was born in 1973.  Now, I first heard of him via TV adverts for this, his debut aalbum.  Not a good start, as I automatically think it will be crap, but that month’s ‘Uncut’ had a review and gave it 4 stars, so I took a punt and bought it.  Ever on the lookout for new singer-songwriters, especially in a folky Americana style I instantly loved it.  The songs are excellent, the backing discreet mostly and that voice, sometimes scarcely more than a whisper, draws you in.  Very melancholic really; no bad thing in my books – the opening track repeats the word ‘Trouble’ six times.  I bought his next two records and was a bit disappointed, the songs were more upbeat and not quite as memorable, though still a good listen.   But – this one is am absolute treat.  Best tracks  – ‘Trouble’, ‘Hold you in My Arms’ and ‘Narrow Escape’.