Arguably the most immediate track from grizzled giant RAY LAMONTAGNE'S fine third album 'Gossip In The Grain', 'You Are The Best Thing' pretty much cries out for single status the first time you hear it.
Despite having been laid down at Peter Gabriel's Real World studios in the heart of deepest Wiltshire, 'You Are The Best Thing' possesses lashings of real, authentic Southern-fried Soul writ large in bold neon letters. From the joyful'n'defiant horn section to the Gospel-tinged backing vocals through to Ray's grainy, testifyin' lead, it's one of those celebratory affairs you just can't deny however cynical you may be as a rule. Indeed, while this writer would usually baulk at comparing White roots-infused singers with the immortal likes of James Carr,in Ray's case such exalted comparisons may not be that wide of the mark.
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Ray LaMontagne, then, continues to release fantastic music steeped in depth and emotion. Even in these recessionary days, that still counts for something important.
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