Dressed Up Like The Hamptons

Josh Rouse - Nashville I've been a fan of Josh Rouse's since way back at the release of his debut, "Dressed Up Like Nebraska." Since then, it's been very interesting to watch him grow as a performer and songwriter. If you first listen to his debut and then go immediately to his last release, "1972," you might think you were listening to two different performers... the first being extremely introspective, unsure, fragile... the second being more extroverted, more outwardly emotional, a bit more confident. But, the constant thread has been the fantastic songwriting and strong focus of each album. With this latest release, Josh doesn't change his most recent formula too much. Still more upbeat, still more extroverted. But this time, I'd say its an even better mix between the old and new and the whole affair stays very engaging throughout. Now, understand that we're not talking absolute rocking here or anything... It's Josh Rouse, for God's sake... But if you turn it up it will keep a strong hold on your focus. It feels as if he's even more comfortable with this more outward stance than before... Sounds has if he's been performing this way forever. I especially love the Smiths-tinged "Winter in the Hamptons." Enjoy!