What I like about Josh Rouse, aside from his luscious arrangements and soft voice, is his fearlessness to say what he wants and to say it beautifully. This, Rouse's seventh full length album, is my introduction to the man and his music. Josh states that this record was an attempt to create a record with a more "wintry" feel than his last, Subtitulo, which had a more "summery" one. He crafts this sensation well enough but his gorgeous production, aided by super engineer/producer Paco Laco, is more easily tied to Summer than any other season. Rouse's music transcends these seasonal categories though and niches itself into the groove of Joni Mitchell and Sufjan Stevens. Rouse's pop sensibilities and simplicity in story-telling enchant the ear and allow the listener to open him/herself to the modesty of this little country mouse. Even when Rouse might sound conceited , wanting to move to Hollywood in "Hollywood Bass Player", he comes off dreamy, slightly niave, and highly likeable. The story of the bass player isn't necessarily Josh himself, which is the mark of a real story-teller. I could go on commenting on the admirable qualities of Rouse's production, his eclectic fusion of musical styles, his down to earth song writing, his quietly penetrating Lou Reed singing (with an upper range), or even talk about the pace at which the record was made (6 days), but what it comes down to is a question of longevity; can Mr. Rouse remain pertinent? I believe that Josh Rouse and his music are something that not only adheres to time but requires it to be appreciated. He may go nearly un-noticed in our century, but this 'mouse' has time on his side. Steadily maturing, Josh Rouse has more to give and I await the results with anticipation.



1. Sweetie

2. Italian Dry Ice

3. Hollywood Bass Player

4. God, Please Let me Go Back

5. Nice To Fit In

6. Pilgrim

7. Domesticated Lover

8. London Bridges

9. Snowy