Josh Rouse

Pandora has been a great tool to use when I'm trying to find new music. You simply type in the names of artists or songs you like, then Pandora plays songs with similar musical qualities. If you like the song playing, you rate it a thumbs up. Likewise, if you don't like the song, it gets a thumbs down. After an hour or so of rating you have a station customized to your music tastes. One of my personalized stations began playing a guy named Josh Rouse, and I have been listening ever since. As a matter of fact, Josh's song called "Hey Porcupine" just started playing on my "Neato" station. That has to be some sort of sign.

As is true with many great artists today, it is difficult to pinpoint Josh's sound. I've been sitting here for twenty minutes trying to compare him to another artist, and the best I can do is say that he's a more upbeat Jack Johnson. But that really doesn't do Josh justice.

Josh was born in Nebraska, and grew up a fan of the Smiths, the Cure, and other British bands. He leanred to play the guitar from his uncle and wrote his first song at age eighteen. After some time in college, he moved to Tennessee and began recording some material. His first release, called Dressed Up Like Nebraska, was released quite successfully in 1998. He released an album in each of the next eight years, and his latest project, Country Mouse City House, is set to be released in July.

I'm going to switch up the format of this spotlight a bit by reviewing by song rather than album. The first Rouse song I ever heard was called "His Majesty Rides." It is quite different than any other song by him, and makes me want to do that stepping forward and back old-guy type of salsa dance. Once you listen to it you'll know what I mean (maybe).

Everyone from here in Whitefish, Montana can relate to "Quiet Town," a song that speaks of living in a small town even though you enjoyed some of the things big city life has to offer. The song is very soft spoken and would be great to listen to at a secluded lake or on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

"It's the Night Time" is a great power pop song, embracing the use of several instruments and upbeat lyrics. "Winter in the Hamptons" is also very similar, as is "It Looks Like Love." Those three songs with similar qualities still jump out at the listener as unique.

No matter what song you're listening to, it is sure to have a catchy beat and some thoughtful lyrics. Explore Josh's wide library of music, I'm sure you'll find a lot of material you'll like.

Recommended Tracks

• Quiet Town
• Sad Eyes
• It's the Night Time
• Winter in the Hamptons
• Looks Like Love
• His Majesty Rides
• Summertime
• 1972
• The Last Train
• Carolina