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Ray LaMontagne — You Can Bring Me Flowers
Album: Till The Sun Turns Black
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3553









Released: 2006
Length: 4:03
Plays (last 30 days): 2
My eyes have dried, my hands are tied
Nothing I can say
If you feel the need to go
I won't stand in your way

Sit and think
Drown in drink
Sing this sad, sad song
You can bring me flowers, baby
When I'm dead and gone

Fate has played his hand so cruel
There ain't nothing I can do
You say you lost your love for me
Me my love for you

Sit and cry
And say goodbye
And sing this sad, sad song
You can bring me flowers, baby
When I'm dead and gone

So when you're lying in his arms
Think of me and know
The choice you made it free and clear
It cost me a heavy toll

Sit and think
Drown in drink
And sing this sad, sad song
You can bring me flowers, baby
When I'm dead and gone
Comments (278)add comment
A good friend who doesn't play an instrument but has impeccable taste introduced me to RL, and it was like getting to open the last xmas gift and finding the best gift of all. Solid good music that will age well.
Nicely done Ray. I like this tune's flow and air.
This is my jam. Solid 10.
The quality of the actual recording on this album is a 10/10 all the way through.  Like the contents, song writing or style or not, this is worth a listen to appreciate what can be done in the studio without all the effects.  Just wish that some of my more liked bands could make their albums sound like this...not the recorded in the garage sound that so many producers seem to favour... 
Imvock _ Just above your knowledge I’m afraid. Seems u missed the class. Yep you’re a D- This good
 Imkirok wrote:
Sometimes I really like Ray, but on songs like this, it sounds like someone needs to hand him his asthma inhaler.
 

...and a small cup of warm sunshine. Ray -- cheer up!
Superb
Sometimes I really like Ray, but on songs like this, it sounds like someone needs to hand him his asthma inhaler.
The horn arrangement really makes this work for me.  Those feathery fills are exceptionally nice.
This guy bores me to tears, but I do like this cut a lot.
I have this album...thanks to RP!
No regrets!
 Bluenoser wrote:
Man if this song don't make you move, you dead.
 
It DO make me move!  I ain't dead!
and flute !
Sweet Tune with an Old World appeal
Man if this song don't make you move, you dead.
He's a terrific songwriter singer performer. But, after a few listens, I find him two-dimensional and not inviting repeat listens. Just me, just saying, so what, but when he comes on here, he goes off there. 
Pretty cool tune; nice 6/8 groove. but every time I see the title it makes me think of that cheesy duet by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond.
 Absolutely agreed!
Redpoint wrote:
Excellent. Solid 8

 


Excellent. Solid 8
Yet another addition to a wonderful set this evening.
For me, it's like an early birthday present.
Thanks, Bill & Rebecca.

I'm outa here, got a big day tomorrow {#Wink} 
 
OK I am done Awesome!
I can bring you  flowers now baby
   And sing this sad, sad song.
...... this is a corker. 8
Seen him twice live, I found both experiences quiet profound. This is a great track from a wonderful album. And the jazz flute at the end...

AQUALUNG!!! 
Nice to hear this right now.
Beauty from here!
Great song, scratchy voice, guitar.. All good. Thanks Radio Paradise :).
 pankman wrote:
"saaad saaaaaad shong" … can't stand this

 
Try funny phony giggle like the rest of the herd. 
 Babette55 wrote:
Brilliant....will last the test of time! {#Laughing}

 
I agree, exceptional in all ways!   {#Hearteyes}
"saaad saaaaaad shong" … can't stand this
Brilliant....will last the test of time! {#Laughing}
 unclehud wrote:
A little technical help, please.  The guitar in this recording has great "presence", meaning it sounds like my ear is pressed to the amplifier speaker.  (Horns sound that way, too, for that matter.)

How is this achieved?  Direct mike-to-board connections?  Or is it just that I've played around with cheap equipment (except for that TEAC 4-channel reel-to-reel back in the 70s) that could never have achieved high quality recording? 

Thanks,
unclehud

 
Large diaphram condenser mic not far from the sound hole, probably with a dynamic one around the fingers for some mechanical noise too.    At least thats how I do it.  plus buckets of compression.
If you get a chance to see Ray live, DO IT.
What a voice...
 
Great album, talented guy.  Thanks RP.
Agreed! {#Guitarist}

 
fitmartin wrote:
My kind of jazz.  Love it. Thanks Bill
 

Still very Van.
Very Van.

this is a good thing. 
The voice puts me with Jonny Laing.
My kind of jazz.  Love it. Thanks Bill
Exactly the feeling it evokes in me, except the dislike. Late night, virtually empty bar. Understated jazz, brushed drums and cymbals belie the bitterness of the words. Love the dichotomy- excellent job Ray
 tiggers wrote:

Funny that as I like it less and less. It's like someone whining over a very boring modern jazz band playing out the end of their set to 3 people chatting amongst themselves at the bar on a wet cold Monday night!

 

 stalfnzo wrote:
Very nice. I like it more every time I hear it.

 
Funny that as I like it less and less. It's like someone whining over a very boring modern jazz band playing out the end of their set to 3 people chatting amongst themselves at the bar on a wet cold Monday night!
Very nice. I like it more every time I hear it.
cool
love this.
Nice!
A lot of "weird rhythms" tonight (6/4,3/4...)... good to me!   :)
it is called "clean" the producer knows his craft and because these people can play the music , no reason to use any bs.
 easmann wrote:
There are a number of techniques that can be used during the mix in the recording studio to "place" instruments or singers within the stereo soundstage (forward/back, left/right).    .....  clipped  .....
 
Yep, thanks, but know all those from multi-tracking with multiple and/or stereo mikes back in the day.  Got my giggles from sitting still and wiggling the stereo mike all around. Playback was a hoot.

The effect I'm curious about is how the guitar sounds "right there" so close and clear.  Maybe it's a complete lack of effects.  Maybe I haven't heard an electric guitar lately that didn't have some combination of reverb / distortion / flanger / synth / digi / midi / wah-wah / fuzzbox / compression / phase shift / sustain / godknowswhatallelse.

Thanks for the answer; it is so well-put together that I know you put a bunch of effort into it! 
 unclehud wrote:
A little technical help, please.  The guitar in this recording has great "presence", meaning it sounds like my ear is pressed to the amplifier speaker.  (Horns sound that way, too, for that matter.)

How is this achieved?  Direct mike-to-board connections?  Or is it just that I've played around with cheap equipment (except for that TEAC 4-channel reel-to-reel back in the 70s) that could never have achieved high quality recording? 

Thanks,
unclehud

 
I wish I knew. The quality on certain recordings jump out and takes on a presence of it's own. Bill must think so too because he is playing Herbie after this. Mark Almond also had a polished sound.
great stuff


You know it's good when you are compelled to stop what you are doing and say something good about it.
 
I agree, Mile's ghost in the horns.
A little technical help, please.  The guitar in this recording has great "presence", meaning it sounds like my ear is pressed to the amplifier speaker.  (Horns sound that way, too, for that matter.)

How is this achieved?  Direct mike-to-board connections?  Or is it just that I've played around with cheap equipment (except for that TEAC 4-channel reel-to-reel back in the 70s) that could never have achieved high quality recording? 

Thanks,
unclehud
Serious Miles Davis influence here. I dig it.
I like the guitar work in this...yes...I've heard this song too many times...but it is a good one nonetheless.
 isparos9 wrote:
While I do like Ray, I think he is overplayed lately on RP. There is some element of his voice that creates a feeling of displeasure, have to figure out why.

A suggestion from my side, to limit a bit the number of plays. Obviously, this applies to some more artists that we hear on RP, the existing selection of songs is great enough so that we don't listen to a song more than 3 times per 30 days :)



 
Well, I warmly recommend that you set up your own station and rotate what you please.
Agreed. Boring to start with, too much airplay. Play something different. {#Razz}
I get so tired of this song.  Take it out of the rotation or pick another one of his please.
While I do like Ray, I think he is overplayed lately on RP. There is some element of his voice that creates a feeling of displeasure, have to figure out why.

A suggestion from my side, to limit a bit the number of plays. Obviously, this applies to some more artists that we hear on RP, the existing selection of songs is great enough so that we don't listen to a song more than 3 times per 30 days :)


Really the only Ray LaMontagne I enjoy. And it is a really good one. :)
 fredriley wrote:
With that voice, the only flowers I'm bringing yer man are Triffids.
 
I have to agree. There is something about soft, breathy tenor voices that make me nauseous. Maybe some long-forgotton childhood nasty event with someone with a similar voice?

Funny that I don't have the same reaction to Joe Cocker - except that he doesn't sound icky. Oh whatever. To each his own taste... 
Music (but not vocals) reminiscent of early Jethro Tull.  Especially the bass line.  Like it very much.  
  
Scrumptious.
need to turn the RP down for some video watching but Bill keeps playing these "Turn it up LOUD" tunes
This song stirs something delicious in me!
"I'm getting sick of this." —Johnny Rotten
Very good tune. Speaking of John Mayall we need more from the old master...
Oh come on , John Mayal was doing this years ago MUCH better  
Great on it's own but even better in the context of the whole album...the album is definitely a 10.
 Gregorama wrote:
I seem to like everything he does. Perhaps because he tries a lot of different styles.
 
i'm with you. and that makes me laugh. i DO like phillip phillips. but who came first, bub?
I seem to like everything he does. Perhaps because he tries a lot of different styles.
 phillip phillips
 OCDHG wrote:
Am I crazy or is this the riff used in the theme music for A&E's Storage Wars?

Nope it isn't really even close. The answer is I'm crazy. Glad I got that cleared up.

  

WHO? in their right mind watches that junk... ? !........btw...brandi's hot.......maybe a weee bit bottom heavy,but thats ok and barry is just cool cool cool.
Nice blend of old-50's style jazz band sloghtly hoarse blues voice and a modern sparse rhythm... And he makes it seem easy... Nice album...
 fredriley wrote:
With that voice, the only flowers I'm bringing yer man are Triffids.
 
Word.
 beelzebubba wrote:
I was never into Tracy Chapman, but this is kind of cool....
 
{#Lol}
 fredriley wrote:
With that voice, the only flowers I'm bringing yer man are Triffids.
 

That will be the day.  (Get it?  The Day?  Day of the Triffids?  Nevermind.)
 OCDHG wrote:
Am I crazy or is this the riff used in the theme music for A&E's Storage Wars?

Nope it isn't really even close. The answer is I'm crazy. Glad I got that cleared up.

 
Whenever I hear the opening I think of Freddy Freeloader by Miles Davis, which I am now going to listen to so I can avoid this guy's mouth-full-of-socks voice.

With that voice, the only flowers I'm bringing yer man are Triffids.
Too bad he didn't cultivate more of his own singing style, instead of always glomming either Joe Cocker, Joni Mitchell, or Bob Dylan.

This is another of his Cocker imitations.
Am I crazy or is this the riff used in the theme music for A&E's Storage Wars?

Nope it isn't really even close. The answer is I'm crazy. Glad I got that cleared up.

Has it really been five years already? Jeesh.
Wow! What. A song .thx bill
How did I rate this only a 9? What was I thinking? Hello 10!!!!!
{#Yes}
Jazz Flute!
I was never into Tracy Chapman, but this is kind of cool....

Just love this track its Haunting and what with the pitch of his voice and the horns make a great sound ..well thought out and a harmonious mix.  A resounding 9


I like this song more each time I hear it.  It certainly grows on you.  The comment earlier saying this is Ray meets Miles Davis is very appropriate.
Ray meets Miles!
Man this guy could make reading the phone book sound awesome.  What a voice.
This piece is very quietly intense.  It's really grown on me.
 Cynaera wrote:

GOOD for you! (No, I'm not being snarky.)  I just can't seem to get into Eminem and rap in general. I hope it doesn't make people label me a bigot.   It took me quite some time to get into country (I still don't understand why my parents hated country music, unless it had to do with abuse and denial...)  Maybe in the future, I'll be able to listen to rap - I know a lot of the lyrics are spontaneous, and there's no way I'd ever be able to do that with the skill and (rather amazing) natural ability that some rap artists have. I envy them. I'm doing good to rhyme at all, much less form cohesive sentences using rhymes.

I hope I didn't offend you.  Rap isn't my thing - perhaps because it seems like every other word is profanity, based on what I've heard. And yes - I'm generalizing.  If there are some good rap artists who don't capitalize on sex, rape, profanity, and gangsta, bring 'em on. I'd love to give this genré another chance.

I better shut up now.

 

Don't be too hard on yourself.  It took over 30 years to work through my blinding hate of the Smiths and Smiths-like music.
I'm right there with you on rap in general.
 coyotexxx2 wrote:


Love RP and love Eminem.  Slim Shady makes some great music (certainly isn't p.c. music).   Refuse to be stereotyped! 
 
GOOD for you! (No, I'm not being snarky.)  I just can't seem to get into Eminem and rap in general. I hope it doesn't make people label me a bigot.   It took me quite some time to get into country (I still don't understand why my parents hated country music, unless it had to do with abuse and denial...)  Maybe in the future, I'll be able to listen to rap - I know a lot of the lyrics are spontaneous, and there's no way I'd ever be able to do that with the skill and (rather amazing) natural ability that some rap artists have. I envy them. I'm doing good to rhyme at all, much less form cohesive sentences using rhymes.

I hope I didn't offend you.  Rap isn't my thing - perhaps because it seems like every other word is profanity, based on what I've heard. And yes - I'm generalizing.  If there are some good rap artists who don't capitalize on sex, rape, profanity, and gangsta, bring 'em on. I'd love to give this genré another chance.

I better shut up now.

 Cynaera wrote:

Well, yeah. I have TV.  I even have a computer!!!!!  {#Lol}  I wasn't near either on the night the Grammys were aired. (I was in a cave. No, wait - I was on top of a mountain. Nawww - I was duct-taped to a furnace in the basement of an abandoned building.)

Sorry - muse took over for a second.  But I really wasn't near a TV when the Grammys were on.  I love it that so many wonderful artists and musicians were mentioned. And yes - I ADORE Justin Bieber. Not.  EMINEM! Fail.

I love RP - it's the only innovative, intelligent, progressive music station in my life.

Um - what was your question again? {#Whistle}
 

Love RP and love Eminem.  Slim Shady makes some great music (certainly isn't p.c. music).   Refuse to be stereotyped! 
 Carl wrote:

Cynaera, do you have TV where you are? If so, the Grammy show tonight mentioned Ray and featured Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, Bob Dylan, and a couple other RP favs. Of course, you have to endure the likes of Justin Bieber and Eminem to see them — alas, Grammy participants and RP playlists are poorly correlated, typically. So, let's consider ourselves blessed to have RP (Bill & Rebecca) and our fellow enthusiasts.

 
Well, yeah. I have TV.  I even have a computer!!!!!  {#Lol}  I wasn't near either on the night the Grammys were aired. (I was in a cave. No, wait - I was on top of a mountain. Nawww - I was duct-taped to a furnace in the basement of an abandoned building.)

Sorry - muse took over for a second.  But I really wasn't near a TV when the Grammys were on.  I love it that so many wonderful artists and musicians were mentioned. And yes - I ADORE Justin Bieber. Not.  EMINEM! Fail.

I love RP - it's the only innovative, intelligent, progressive music station in my life.

Um - what was your question again? {#Whistle}
 Cynaera wrote:

Hi, hippiechick! {#Wave} Only reason I know about him is because I have an audiophile freak who sends me music, and she sent me this CD and a couple of others. I do love his stuff, though. Lately, I love his work with Pariah Dogs - I keep wanting to pair it with Bernie Taupin's Farm Dogs stuff...

BTW - As you know, I live in a place where radio is considered "the future" so what we get is generic stuff.  The only place I hear Ray LaMontagne is on RP. I wish we had even half the playlist RP has.  Dunno where you are, but I envy you because you're actually hearing LaMontagne's stuff on the radio and on TV.  You must live in a civilized area. {#Daisy}
 
Cynaera, do you have TV where you are? If so, the Grammy show tonight mentioned Ray and featured Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, Bob Dylan, and a couple other RP favs. Of course, you have to endure the likes of Justin Bieber and Eminem to see them — alas, Grammy participants and RP playlists are poorly correlated, typically. So, let's consider ourselves blessed to have RP (Bill & Rebecca) and our fellow enthusiasts.

 hippiechick wrote:
This guy sure gets a lot of airplay, on radio and tv, everywhere I go I hear him. He must have a great publicist.
 
Hi, hippiechick! {#Wave} Only reason I know about him is because I have an audiophile freak who sends me music, and she sent me this CD and a couple of others. I do love his stuff, though. Lately, I love his work with Pariah Dogs - I keep wanting to pair it with Bernie Taupin's Farm Dogs stuff...

BTW - As you know, I live in a place where radio is considered "the future" so what we get is generic stuff.  The only place I hear Ray LaMontagne is on RP. I wish we had even half the playlist RP has.  Dunno where you are, but I envy you because you're actually hearing LaMontagne's stuff on the radio and on TV.  You must live in a civilized area. {#Daisy}


 hippiechick wrote:
This guy sure gets a lot of airplay, on radio and tv, everywhere I go I hear him. He must have a great publicist.
 
Maybe. Or it might be because he produces music that is interesting, enjoyable and highly original. Particularly at a time when a lot (not all!) of current music is somewhat mundane and not very unique.
This guy sure gets a lot of airplay, on radio and tv, everywhere I go I hear him. He must have a great publicist.
Quietly Cocker and nicely lyrical. Works for me.
Love this one, 10 and up!
When the flute comes in, I can't help but think of that scene from "Anchorman."
I can't believe you haven't played Repo Man yet!

I'll bring him some flowers...{#Umbrella} {#Motor} {#Cowboy} I like this more every time i hear it...7 - 8. Gonna buy it.




Powerful..just fantastic to hear.
 bachbeet wrote:
I really like the songs from this album.  I'm gonna buy it at Amazon.  This one has a nice jazz/R&B feel.
 

It's an amazing album all around.
I really like the songs from this album.  I'm gonna buy it at Amazon.  This one has a nice jazz/R&B feel.
Like the song, RP has overplayed it now.
8, but most of his other work is mediocre.
 birdland wrote:
Very hip sound. Chet Baker would have loved this.
 
We need some Chet here on RP.


Ray Lamontagne by ~teezayyy
Tony Rodriguez  ©2006-2010 ~teezayyy

SInger/Songwriter



He's got the voice for it. Brass and Blues.{#Tongue}
Ray's squeeze is on her way to the great plains to see me, it's a shame about Ray
quiet and tense, like the sound of a lit fuse creeping its way to the dynamite.
Thinking of getting tix to see Ray and David Gray. Ray for me David for the wifey.

smooth like butta...


He´s a great singer and this song makes me almost cry.
Still enjoying this.........

Very mellow - what a great voice.  I haven't yet heard a Ray LaMontagne track that I don't like.