Josh Rouse's follow-up to his critically acclaimed album 1972 ventures still deeper into the territory of mellow, nostalgia-tinged '70s FM radio, and this time the results are a little less Philly soul and a little more Laurel Canyon. The gently lilting "Winter in the Hamptons" and "Saturday" find Rouse nestled comfortably between the Rolling Stones' "Tops" and Bob Dylan's "Sweetheart Like You" on the jukebox, while "Carolina" is so light it could make James Taylor cry into his lemonade. Tinkly piano floats under Rouse's breathy vocals on "Sad Eyes" in a manner sure to enhance any romantic yearning to the point of pain, while a boogie-woogie vibe turns up on "Why Won't You Tell Me What." It's great to see this Nebraska singer/songwriter stepping unashamedly into the AOR-ready troubadour mold left empty for decades, and it's a role he inhabits beautifully and proudly. Incidentally, the title of the album refers more to geography (Rouse lived in Nashville for a decade), than rhinestone-spangled cowboy style, though some nice pedal-steel guitar does sweeten up a few tracks.
Live Recording
Recording information: Alex The Great Studios, Nashville, TN.
Photographers: Josh Rouse; Joe Pisapia.
Personnel: Josh Rouse (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboards); Josh Rouse; Marc Pisapia (vocals, keyboards, drums); James "Hags" Haggerty (vocals, bass guitar); Al Perkins (pedal steel guitar); Brad Jones (piano, double bass, upright bass); Daniel Tashian (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Curt Perkins (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Joe Pisapia (vocals, keyboards, drums, background vocals); Chris Carmichael (strings).
Audio Mixer: Brad Jones .
Entertainment Weekly (No. 808, p.102) - "[P]ersistently gorgeous....[patches] together Cali rock's orange-sunset warmth with Britpop's relentless longing..." - Grade: A- Uncut (pp.90-91) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[H]is crafted, gorgeous cunning won't leave that cityscape in your head for a long, long time." Mojo (Publisher) (p.106) - 3 stars out of 5 - "A journey through Rouse's teenage years seen through the teary haze of a broken heart concludes with a slab of closing-time philosophy."
solid rouse effort This is a real good record. Probably my third favorite record by josh. This guy is the real deal. A great songwriter. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up any of his recordings. Submitted by troyn (Chelan Wa usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
New convert to the Church of Rouse Stumbled upon Winter In The Hamptons on a complication CD I got from a magazine and was hooked. I took a chance and got the album and it was well worth it.
This guy writes melodies and hooks and lyrics that grab you by the ear and make you listen. As a songwriter myself, I ache with envy - this guy's that good.
Submitted by theechomusic (NY, NY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
This Guy Is Awesome Why this guy isnt popular, I dont know, but he can sure sing alot better than those people that are popular today. Great creative music and a great style you can relax to. Everyone needs to experience this type of rock! Submitted by Trent (Kentucky,USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Album of the Year This album is by far the best album i've purchased or listened to all year. if you like Ryan Adams, Howie Day, or any other singer-songwriter for that matter this should be another album in your collection. In a time when good music is no longer appreciated this cd and artist will surely be overlooked by mainstream media. You will regret it if you do the same. This is truly the first album i've had that is great from beginning to end. Submitted by Travis (Atlanta, Georgia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
solid rouse effort
New convert to the Church of Rouse
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