Ray Lamontagne "Beg Steal Or Borrow"

We opened up the voting process for the Top 25 this year, several weeks earlier than usual, and it seemed to work---we got more votes than ever.

Particularly stunning, was the wide variety of votes that came in for Ray Lamontagne. In the end, "God Willin' And The Creek Don't Rise" had twice as many votes as the next highest vote getter. Even with 80-plus albums to chose from, Lamontagne appeared on nearly one out of every three votes.

I think that says something. But it's taken me a bit to figure out exactly what that is.

In the end, I guess it speaks to the timelessness of the music he is creating. It fits seamlessly, whether in the past or present. "God Willin'" was enjoyed by the folks who voted for James Taylor & Carole King. But modern music fans of "Vampire Weekend" found the record hip enough. And if you voted for a soul ticket, with Bettye Lavette, Sharon Jones and Janiva Magness, you could still have Ray on your list and be consistent.

It hardly mattered who was listening. They were able to hear a sound that connected with the niche of music they love.

It's an incredible illusion to be able to do that. But in this case, it's not an illusion, it's real. This record really is folky, modern, soulful, alternative, roots and so many other things.

And that's why it's Number 1.

See the full list at mvyradio's website.