I've been a Josh Rouse fan for a long time. Unfortunately, I've only had the opportunity to see him once, right around the time that "1972" came out. If you look back on Josh Rouse's career, I think "1972" is a pretty definitive turning point in the type of music that he has released. His early music told stories about unhappy families and people in the Midwest. These days, he can write songs about a guy named "James" who can't stop hanging out at the bars, or a "Hollywood Bass Player." His newer songs are flawless, though, pretty perfectly written and produced. Good enough to catch the ear of most musicphiles.

It's a whole new Rouse since he moved to Spain, and you can tell that he's pretty comfortable with his new life and the songs he continues to add to his catalog. Josh took the stage, took some time to tune, and just started to churn out his recent hits. I particularly enjoyed the acoustic driven "Carolina," "It Looks Like Love" followed by "It's the Night Time," and of course, the sweet bass line in "Come Back." Also, "Love Vibration" was a nice touch during the encore, since by then the crowd had downed enough premium beers to move past some of the awkward silences between songs early in the show. Secretly, I was hoping for him to perform something from "Under Cold Blue Stars" or "Dressed Up Like Nebraska."

Overall, Josh Rouse is on top of his game. If you've been a fan at any time of his career, you should definitely see him. While it's a shame that his career didn't bring him the notoriety of a Damien Rice or John Mayer or Ryan Adams, it shouldn't skew your appreciation for his music. If anything, it's a great opportunity to see what type of music an artist will make when he's able to function with complete control of his environment and creative direction.

And if you don't believe that he is good, how about checking out Josh Rouse mentioned in John Mayer's blog about a year ago:

This CD is KILLING me lately. By Josh Rouse, called Bedroom Classics Vol. 2. I'm not sure if it was really made in his bedroom, but it sure feels classic-y. I've been hearing this guy's name for years, usually used when trying to equalize my success with his. Can't argue with that attempt. I've had this CD for about a year now, and every time it comes on, I flip. Except before now my flipping went un-noticed by me. Ever flip like that? Anyway, I'm flipping on the outside now. I probably don't even have the best Josh Rouse money can buy, but if that's the case, more to my point. I want to tour with him. Booking agent man, can we tour with Josh Rouse?

Here are some MP3s from various points in Josh Rouse's Career:
MP3: Josh Rouse - Hollywood Bass Player
[from "Country Mouse, City House" (2007)]

MP3: Josh Rouse - Winter in the Hamptons
[from "Nashville" (2005)]

MP3: Josh Rouse - Miracle
[from "Under Cold Blue Stars" (2002) This album is one of my favourites of all time.]

Visit JoshRouse.com
See what people are saying about the Austin show at the Josh Rouse Message Boards

Buy Country Mouse, City House at Amazon.