Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs - God Willin’ & The Creek Don't Rise

Fourth studio album God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise (August 17, RCA) from critically acclaimed troubadour Ray Lamontagne is notable as the New Englander's first self-produced project and, more significantly, as the official "debut" of his new co-billed band The Pariah Dogs: Jay Bellarose (drums), Jennifer Condos (bass), Patrick Warren (keyboard), Eric Heywood (guitar) and Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar). Recorded at his western Massachusetts home over a two week period, Creek further burnishes LaMontagne's reputation as both sterling songwriter and compelling performer and, with a solid group of seasoned players behind him, allowing him an even greater opportunity to stretch in each area.

“These guys are all so good, and I trust their instincts," says LaMontagne, "I just wanted to write songs that I felt would excite them. There was a certain amount of pressure, because they’re so much more accomplished than I am as a musician. But I knew that if I could pull together a batch of songs I was happy with, there was really no risk involved." Leading the pack on the new album is "Beg Borrow or Steal", a song where LaMontagne and band transform a deceptively simple melody -- and a mellow rhythmic rural shamble -- into something out of the ordinary. "For me, songs just have to happen, they have to come out of nowhere," he says. "Otherwise it sounds like you’re trying to write a song, and I can spot that a mile away—and I think listeners can, too." Highly recommended.

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Ray LaMontagne - "Beg, Steal or Borrow" (from the album God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise)

We're OK with the Beg or Borrow, but please respect the artist and BUY the music! Thanks...DC