Nashville

The first Josh Rouse album I ever purchased was Subtitulo as soon as I heard "It Looks Like Love."Just like the aforementioned album, I heard one song in particular and just decided I had to purchase the CD. I (as I'm sure have others) fell in love with the song "Carolina."Josh Rouse has such an amazing and relaxing voice. The instrumentals only compliment the vocals, and vice versa. Most of the modern day artists could learn a thing or two just from listening to this album. I myself find that Josh's music often inspires me to do a little creative thinking of my own.After Country Mouse City House, I decided I could stand it no longer and finally purchased all the remaining Josh Rouse albums that I did not have. This was one of them.I hate myself a little for not having discovered him sooner =D

There are precious few albums released today that make me wish for more when they end. At first blush I just didn't get into this ablum, but I don't think I was paying attention. It's so lush and melodic. I love the latent hints at the title sprinkled throughout the album. I have heard "It's the Nighttime" and "Winter in the Hamptons" on the World Cafe, but I think the sleeper song on this album may be "My Love Has Gone," though "Saturday" certainly shows some interesting voice work. There is maybe one album a year that becomes an integral part of my CD collection. Last year it was Ray Lamontaigne's "Trouble." I think I have found this year's addition.

Every time you listen there is something new to notice. Rouse takes every song to a higher level. Its pop like the Beatles were pop. Way more than pop. Anyway, every song has something in it that makes you realize this guy can really write, and surprises you. I can certainly understand the review that said it never left his CD player.Buy it.

I recently heard Josh Rouse on the radio (non commercial radio station) and consequently bought his latest CD - El Turista. He sings in Portuguese and Spanish and English of course. Great voice, simple lyrics on subjects that most people know and feel.At first one might think his voice is slightly too weak, but not so, it goes well with the instrumental side. I'd like to buy more.

You know what... this guy sounds like Freedy Johnston!Oh, what the heck. This album rocks. Buy it!

works fine

I must start by saying that these songs are likely to draw a smile on Rouse's faithful fans. Particularly, for those who have rejoiced on the Pop paths this man has traveled on Under Cold Blue Stars and, even more, on 1972.Even for those people, like me, who remain moved by his darker, beautiful Americana debut -Dressed Like Nebraska- this album will have plenty to touch you with.Don't get confused by the title either, although there are some Country hues -mainly the tasteful work of guest Al Perkins' slide guitar- the predominant sound is gorgeous Pop. This album is a tribute to this man's beloved city -perhaps a farewell song, having recently relocated in Spain.Think of a journal of sorts of what someone lived and is now leaving behind, from which songs like "Streetlights," "Saturday," "My Love Has Gone or "Sad Eyes" are remarkable entries.This is further proof of the depth and width of Rouse's great songwriting, a body of work that -at least on my book- deserves much more recognition that it has garnered.Overall, Nashville exudes what a writer appropriately called Rouse's "sunny romanticism." A certain soft mood, the feeling that life is going OK, that things may turn out for the long haul. Yet, where "sunny" may not mean too bright, and "soft" does equate to harmless or easy. In other words, you can have a sweet voice and know how to sing of bitterness. And Rouse has certainly lived through his share of setbacks and anguished moments.This album is glorious proof that you may choose to keep your heart open not due to being naive but because closing will more painful. You may realize -to paraphrase Oscar Wilde- that hearts are meant to be broken, that the real tragedy begins when they turn to stone.This is music bound to keep your heart permeable to life and, in some lucky cases, even more receptive to hope.

Nine years after release I'm getting around to writing the review I should've written. This album from track 1 through 10 is a classic. The mood swings from soft rock through to Jazz and every step of the way, there are hooks and melodies to make you quiver if not weep with the sheer beauty of whats unfolding. The reason I love this album so much is the immediacy and pure quality of the songs. Nary a dud amongst them, with some absolute highlights, Winter in the Hamptons, Middle School Frown, Saturday and Sad Eyes are my favourites. A special shout out to the backing band with just the right amount of input, beautiful guitars are felt all through the album as well as steel guitars and supportive, never cloying keyboards. A light touch throughout, congratulations. In New Zealand this album is frequently in bargain bins, (I hate that when its one of my faves)when it deserves to be on lots of best of lists. Look, I'm just going to keep playing it and enjoy an undiscovered (in New Zealand) gem!!