Josh Rouse - Home & Under Cold Blue Stars (2000/2002)

Nebraska-born Josh Rouse calls Nashville, Tennessee, home. And now, after writing songs for the follow-up to his intimate 1998 debut (Dressed Up Like Nebraska) from the confines of his living-room couch, the twentysomething singer-songwriter decided "Home" would be a fitting title here. Backed by a cache of cello, violin, horns, vibes, and Wurlitzer, Home delivers a newfangled punch without jumbling the simplicity and gentleness that was the first record's charm. Rouse's sentiments, emotions, and melancholy drift more on the folk or country side of songwriting. But his pleasant, whispery vocals and hook-filled melodies--especially on "Hey Porcupine," "Afraid to Fail," and "Marvin Gaye"--convey more of a pop spirit. --Scott Holter

Under Cold Blue Stars, the third album from native Nebraskan Josh Rouse, is full of elegant, melodic pop songs that are deftly understated but carry hooks as catchy as Coldplay's (whose music the opening song, "Twilight," uncannily evokes). This is music for folk in love with Americana and timeless pop; it's a gentle hinterland of melancholy and hope. The loose concept behind Under Cold Blue Stars is that of a fractious couple in the late 1950s, trying to come to terms with their lives and relationship. "Christmas with Jesus" is an unashamedly beautiful realization of their struggles, as is the upbeat title track, which touches on sources as diverse as Nils Lofgren, the Cure, and even Bruce Springsteen (albeit, a Springsteen shorn of all pride and aggrandizement). All this adds up to make Under Cold Blue Stars rather special. --Everett True