New song from Ray LaMontagne: "Let It Be Me" (plus album news and a song about Meg White!)

I just received unexpected confirmation today that Ray LaMontagne is set to release his third full-length studio album on September 9th. Gossip In The Grain will be his follow-up to 2006's Till The Sun Turns Black, and like his previous albums will again be produced again by Ethan Johns.

The raw and soulful starkness of Trouble struck me the very first time I heard it, and after I saw Ray live in San Francisco in April of 2005, I was breathlessly converted. This new release is said to be more of a full-band effort than previous albums, with touring band bassist Jennifer Condos and guitarist Eric Heywood playing, and Ethan Johns largely handling drum duties. Also (!!!) Fuel/Friends favorite Leona Naess will join him on two tracks, "A Falling Through" and "I Still Care For You." These two artists toured together in 2007.

Ray says of the album: "It was time to open up a little bit more, not be quite so reserved in my choice of songs that I wanted to record. I'm really very critical of myself and it's sort of a process of opening up. I felt like I was in the right space to show that side of myself." I sincerely look forward to hearing that, and also finding out how he opens up about Meg White (track #6).

GOSSIP IN THE GRAIN TRACKLISTING
Let It Be Me (live 5/28/08) [vid]
Hey Me, Hey Mama (live 7/11/05) (previously called "Amy")
Sarah (live 5/7/05)

I Still Care For You
Winter Birds
Meg White
Achin' All The Time
Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's A Shame)
A Falling Through
Gossip In The Grain