REVIEWS
MUSIC: Ray LaMontagne, Gossip in the Grain
When a musical artist produces a unique blend of sounds that combine to form one distinguishable style, it's something special. Unfortunately for artists like Ray LaMontagne, having a good sound doesn't necessarily mean that every work is of the same quality.
Gossip in the Grain, LaMontagne's latest release, isn't a bad album, but it certainly lacks the originality and creativity that propelled the musician to his current status. LaMontigne's smooth yet raspy voice combines with the rich tones of his acoustic guitar to produce tranquil and sometimes soulful melodies on Gossip in the Grain. Obviously, the music itself isn't the problem—it's simply the song structure and originality here that are missing.
Songs like "Sarah" and "Winter Birds" have potential to be great tracks, but the actual substance behind them is not there. Whether or not this is because of the production work of the album is unknown.
While the album is definitely not LaMontagne's best, it does have some good tunes. LaMontagne's "You Are the Best Thing" is a lively mix of trumpet and smooth electric guitar sounds that accompany LaMontagne's tremendous voice.
Also good is "Hey Me, Hey Mama." The song has a ragtime feel that incorporates a banjo into the mix. Its lyrics aren't anything special, but LaMontagne's voice is sharp and strong.
LaMontagne fans should check out Gossip in the Grain, but newcomers to the artist should look to earlier albums like Trouble on which LaMontagne is truly at his best.
—Danny Nordstrom
MUSIC: Pink, Funhouse
After listening to the infectious first single, "So What," from Pink's fifth album, Funhouse, one would expect her new CD to be a mix of party anthems and post-divorce tunes (She split from husband Carey Hart earlier this year). While there are plenty of tracks about the divorce, Pink's playful side so prominent on past releases is missing on this album. Funhouse is deeply introspective and often focuses on personal issues instead of the outside world and her partying lifestyle.
One of the album's best tracks, "Sober," features minimal instrumentation, something that is a theme for much of the album. It is a great showcase for Pink's fabulously gritty voice and sometimes uncomfortably personal lyrics.
Other standouts are "I Don't Believe You" and "Glitter In The Air,"heartbreaking tunes about her divorce and her sadness in its aftermath. The song's melodies are the best on the album. They're easy to sing along to, highly memorable, and do a great job of showing off the versatility Pink's voice.
While most of the tracks on the album are well-written and melodiously interesting, something seems to be lacking by the end of the disc. Pink just can't live up to the party girl image she's cultivated for herself on previous records. Writing music based on life experiences is a good idea, but so is offering the catchy, upbeat music to the top 40 audience she's cultivated for herself.
—Elise Stawarz
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October 30,2008