Ray LaMontagne Makes Me Sick

The title of this post might actually be inaccurate if taken literally. When I see Ray LaMontagne something comes over me that does make me feel a little woozy but mostly because his beard is so intoxicating (added to that voice and his hat collection) that I can't feel my feet. On a quiet night at home, I find myself searching through Youtube videos trying to find something of interest that I never caught before and keep coming back to fairly recent live footage of Ray.

Not too long ago I was having a discussion with a friend about the song "Shelter" off LaMontagne's first studio album, 2004's "Trouble". As usual, it's one of those songs I'm in love with but can rarely listen to these days because of the feelings I relate to it - and the person. There was a time in 2006 when this song was the greatest piece of music my ears could choose. 'Person' and I would laugh about how we couldn't pronounce LaMontagne correctly and it was just all love and turtledoves. Today, I'm much more realistic (or jaded) and realize love like the kind Ray sings about in "Shelter" might not exist or at least not last forever. Love is god awful. That does put a damper on a lot of really good music but nevertheless, Ray LaMontagne's music manages to overcome that with the absurd craftsmanship of every track and the genuine soul in his unbelievably beautiful voice. I cannot say enough good things about him. His elusive nature also adds this interesting, mysterious quality that makes songs like "Old Before Your Time" and "New York City's Killing Me" off his new album "God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise" even more exquisite. I get off on his music like my cat does to catnip, you know what I'm saying?

Take a listen and a good, long look at Mr. Ray LaMontagne, whether you're already familiar with him or not.


This song is better than sex. Can I say that? Guess I just did. It is utterly, disgustingly, incredibly amazing beyond words.




"Held you in my arms one time, lost you just the same".... can you handle it? "I pictured you holding a picture of me. I still don't know what love means."....


Shelter Lyrics by Ray LaMontagne

I guess you don't need it
I guess you don't want me to repeat it
But everything I have to give I'll give to you
It's not like we planned it
You tried to stay, but you could not stand it
To see me shut down slow
As though it was an easy thing to do
Listen when
All of this around us'll fall over
I tell you what we're gonna do
You will shelter me my love
And I will shelter you
I will shelter you
I left you heartbroken, but not until those very words were spoken
Has anybody ever made such a fool out of you
It's hard to believe it
Even as my eyes do see it
The very things that make you live are killing you
Listen when all of this around us'll fall over
I tell you what we're gonna do
You will shelter me my love
I will shelter you
Listen when
All of this around us'll fall over
I tell you what we're gonna do
You will shelter me my love
I will shelter you
If you shelter me too
I will shelter you
I will shelter you