Ray LaMontagne – Gossip in the Grain

is stuck in the most awkward of musical situations. He has made enough of an impression with his long players that he will never be considered a one hit wonder but has yet to achieve the success with his follow up to shift the baggage of ‘Trouble’; a single that ultimately still defines him. Unfortunately there isn’t a great deal here that doesn’t just add to the baggage.

From the brassy opening bars of first track ‘You Are the Best Thing’ you could be forgiven for thinking there had been an apostrophe misplaced and you were actually listening to the Style Council, but then the smoother than usual gravel tones of Ray LaMontagne bring you back to both your senses and the 21st Century. Even with some normality restored this LP seems to be a million miles away from the raw sounds of ‘Trouble’ but somehow a natural successor to ‘Till The Sun Turns Black’. And whilst it will hurt many to admit it, the bearded troubadour has taken a step or two towards the sound of pop lothario John Mayer. Downbeat but ever so slightly funky melodies and some very similar guitar sounds occasionally enhance the similarities. Throughout the album there is, rightfully so, no getting away from the main instrument of interest, LaMontagne’s voice. The vocals are clearer and appear more prominent in the mix than in previous albums and this certainly adds to the records polish, but it is when the instruments are only vaguely audible such as the start of ‘Winter Birds’ that the voice actually grabs hold of you. Even then the song progresses to no apparent climax and no one could be blamed for feeling slightly cheated.

A complete escape from the usual formula throws up an absolute marmite of a track. LaMontagne lays it on full with his ode to Meg White. Kicking off with “Meg White / You’re alright / In fact I think you’re pretty swell” and while the focus admittedly shifts away from the lyrics this song certainly gets your attention with simple, stomping drums, surely further tribute, and a certain catchiness about it.

Since the success of ‘Trouble’ LaMontagne has been the subject of varying amounts of media attention and while this album doesn’t come up with anything to please the masses that is largely because it is an album out of sync with 2008. And while it ultimately remains a hit-and-miss affair songs like ‘Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s A Shame)’ and ‘A Falling Through’ might stand up against the odd track from LaMontagne’s influences such as CSNY, the Band and Van Morrison.