Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

Usually I’m skeptical of artists putting fewer than 10 songs on album–can you even call it an album at that point? But as prolific and talented as Josh Rouse is, I only have praise for Rouse’s newly released Country Mouse, City House (July 31st). The 9-track showcase has Rouse doing what he does best–playing understated pop tunes that will induce a whole lot of foot tapping and sing-along-ing (go with it). From the higher-charged “Nice to Fit In” to the organ-filled “Pilgrim” to the bass-trippy “Hollywood Bassplayer”, Rouse exudes a form of confident vulnerability–that is, he isn’t quite afraid to express his own insecurities in his songs. Even in concert, Rouse still retains a boyishness that makes him all the more affable, as he jumps from one song to the next in his now large catalogue of deliciuosly sweet, 70s-pop-rock tracks.

The Go! Team–”Grip Like a Vice” (via IGIF)
Everybody’s favorite UK garage-playground band The Go! Team has released the first song off their new untitled album. With all the intensity that appeared on their debut, this song means good things for the coming album. The production is a little cleaner this time around, but still retains that lo-fi sound. Check it, yo.

Josh Rouse–”Sweetie” (courtesy of MOKB)
CSV darling Josh Rouse is releasing a new album Country Moose, City House on July 31st. And every Monday he’s previewing a new song off the album. Last week was “Sweetie” and this week is “Snowy”. So go and listen. Go on.

If you thought the prolific Josh Rouse was going to ride easy into the sunset after his summertime classic Subtitulo that he released last June, you thought wrong. Josh Rouse has teamed up with his girlfriend Paz Suay, with whom he collaborated with on Subtitulo. The result is “She’s Spanish, I’m American”, a rather bland title for an exciting duo.

Their self-titled EP “She’s Spanish, I’m American” was all Rouse’s idea, and the two released the EP on Rouse’s record label Bedroom Classics. She’s Spanish I’m American EP is like a more upbeat, faster-paced extension of Subtitulo. Featuring the always soothing voice of Rouse and the interesting sound of Suay’s vocals, the 5 track EP certainly does more than simply satisfy Rouse’s fanbase. Perhaps this is his new direction, as is becoming increasingly clear from his last two albums–sunnier, poppier, more delightful tunes.

Even “Car Crash” which might seem dreary and melancholy is actually a playful and witty song about driving in a cab in New York City. Or take a listen to “Jon Jon” which is definitely has that “I’m feeling hot, hot, hot” beat in the background (you know what I’m talking about?). What I’m most impressed with is the complex percussions on the EP–it’s the Spanish influence I guess.

Visit their myspace. Buy the EP.
Listen to “Jon Jon” (4/5)
Listen to “Car Crash” (4.3/5)