Josh Rouse - "1972"

Posted by: Minky on 15 September 2003



If you are still playing "Under cold blue stars" or think that Ryan Adams is the man, this should interest you. A strange and lovely album that initially has you believing Rouse has gone all retro 70's happy. After a few listens though you realise that he has just swapped melancholia for a slightly less dark nostalgia. References to the music of the "Tapestry/Deja vu" years are everywhere you look together with thick funky bass lines, porno reverb and flowery flutes that take things dangerously close to a Starsky and Hutch soundtrack only to be rescued by Rouse's wonderful melodies and fractured voice.

I give it my vote for Happy/Sad album of the year.
Posted on: 16 September 2003 by woodface
I bought his last one and to be honest I found it really underwhelming. Played it a few times but it did nothing for me.
Posted on: 16 September 2003 by Minky
Woodface,

Fair enough but "Under cold blue stars" is a real grower. I played it a few times when I first got it and then put it to one side. Played it again 6 months later and thought "not bad" and forgot about it again. Next time I listened to it something clicked. Mind you I am a bit slow : it took me a while to "get" why everyone was raving about Ryan Adams "Gold".

"1972" is a different story. It's so instantly catchy and accessible that the worry is that it won't be a stayer.
Posted on: 17 September 2003 by woodface
I may have to revisit it and see if it does anything for me. You do get that with some albums (it took me two years with a 'Love Supreme'!).
Posted on: 18 September 2003 by Minky
Cheers Matthew. Interesting combination. I wouldn't have put those two in the same bucket. I have been playing "is a woman" a bit lately as it happens.

I'll hunt it out. Thanks ! Smile
Posted on: 23 October 2003 by skraft
I'm a great fan of "1972". It's a keeper. Interestingly, my wife on first hearing it said it reminded her of Lambchop, even though she didn't know the connection.

A very complete album from a budding talent. Could end up there with Wagner and Beck if he keeps on this trajectory.