I've been listening to kexp.org, a Seattle, WA public radio station that gets me through my workday and has rekindled a passion for music I thought I'd lost. Over the last few years, since I discovered their stream, they have introduced me to bands like The Shins, Grandaddy, A. C. Newman, Muse, The Fiery Furnaces, Modest Mouse, the Decembrists, Neko Case, and The Postal Service.
Last week, I bought Trouble, the debut cd by Ray Lamontagne, who I've been hearing for several months on the kexp stream. It's nothing like the indie poprock I've been happily munching on lately. The first time I heard Ray, I thought "what's this doing on KEXP?" It sounded like Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Scott, Joan Armatrading; some mid-sixties folk blues artist with a smoky, androgynous voice, a simple song structure, and some archetypal, unspeakable quality that hit me in the heart. Of course I answered the question immediately: KEXP isn't married to anything but finding great music and sharing it with us!
Listening to Ray's album several times through in my Chrysler Town & Country Minivan this weekend, I have fallen in love and had my heart broken with some regularity. An experiment I try sometimes works particularly well with Ray's music: pretend God is singing this song to me.
Chills, tears, awe, and empathy. Ray LaMontagne, and the inspiring tale of his introduction to his talent, has brought me a range of wonder that doesn't regularly register on my emotional scale. I am grateful. Standout tracks: Trouble. Shelter. Hold You in my Arms. Jolene. Hannah.
A few years ago, I think I might have thought this music was boring. But right here, right now, it seems to be just what I need.
Monday, March 14, 2005
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