You don't discover a talent like Josh Rouse every day. Like Ron Sexsmith, Freedy Johnston and Jeff Tweedy (to name but a few), Rouse has a knack for coming up with endearing gems that combine elements from roots music ("Americana") and pop… the main difference being that Rouse is obviously more influenced by the heroes of his teenage years. It's not unusual to hear sounds and melodies that recall Echo & the Bunnymen, U2, The Smiths and The Cure (whose "Boys Don't Cry" he regularly performs during gigs). His biggest asset, however, is probably his songwriting. Rouse not only understands that there are a few basic ingredients that a successful song should have, but also that there are a few things that can be omitted. His songs are as much about what is in them, as about what isn't. 
Josh Rouse was born in Nebraska, was taught guitar by his uncle, and wrote his first song at 18. Signed by A&R auteur George Howard to the Rykodisc subsidiary Slow River, in 1998 Rouse issued his debut album, Dressed Up Like Nebraska, to widespread critical acclaim. Many more well received albums have followed. His songs have been in television shows like Ed, Roswell, and Party of Five, and films including Hamlet and Vanilla Sky.
In April 2008, Josh announced that his official website had become Bedroom Classics Closet Archives, where for a yearly subscription users can download rare and unreleased recordings in MP3 format. This fall, Rhino Entertainment will be releasing Josh Rouse: The Best of the Rykodsic Years, featuring choice tracks from his early catalog as well as a bonus disc of demos and out takes, including the rare and out of print original Bedroom Classics, Vol. 1 EP.
Josh just finished a collection of Brazilian influenced tunes this past Monday, 9/1 many sung in Spanish. Tickets Here.
No comments:
Post a Comment