Preview: Josh Rouse and the Long Vacation Shows
26 January @ The Black-E (Great George Street) , 7.30pm
The Past. The Present. The Future. This record is in some ways unique. One that bridges both history, and what is to come. All highlighted in a musical collection that also reflects the current day, and the here and now for the artist. This is the world of Josh Rouse circa 2011: An American, born in the Midwest, who has over his life called many parts of the United States home, but an American now living a more cosmopolitan existence in modern Europe. The common thread through this rich journey has been the music – distinctive, appealing, and much celebrated across the globe. And so the life of Josh Rouse, of the Artist, is reflected in this set of new recordings, a new album, his ninth overall, and with the simple title, ‘Josh Rouse and the Long Vacations’.
To the musician’s credit, this is an album that makes a bold statement and reaches its lofty goals. Then, the Artist is no stranger to brave moves, having made the choice to uproot a life and relocate to a new continent, a far, far cry from his home in Nashville, Tennessee. But as courageous as this album may be, at the same time it keeps its contents both fun and, irreverent. As the Artist himself has said “This album is a variety of short, colorful, pop songs influenced by the sun, city living, adapting, and humor!” A reminder that music, at its essence, is entertainment.
This down-to-earth singer-songwriter came out early in his career with an astounding and acclaimed piece of music in ‘Dressed Up like Nebraska’, highlighted by its title cut, and the song “Suburban Sweetheart”, which 15 years later still stands up majestically alongside other tracks of its canon. And the Artist continued to build on that impressive debut with subsequent albums, via his fruitful and long-running collaborations with producer Brad Jones. To many, this is personified in the break out hit album ‘1972’. It has been a career that, thankfully, has seen the Artist exhibit a welcome reluctance to follow the “devil-may-care, lets release everything recorded on tape” attitude of some of his contemporaries. Careful and thoughtful with his output, the Nebraskan ensures that the songs are well considered, and striving for the gold standard.
The playfully loping tune “Lazy Days” looks to ‘The Kinks’ “Sunny Afternoon” as a kindred spirit. Indeed, a nod to the past again. And the words relay a tale of a carefree life, which the Rouse draws from his time in 21st century Spain. But it could be the third cut on the record, “Fine, Fine”, which really encapsulates the new and old worlds. Distinctive, it could not be mistaken for anyone but ‘Josh Rouse’, but at the same time, melodically it is the most ethnic. It is a song steeped in the musical movement known as Bossa Nova, made popular by the classic ‘60s’ recordings of Antonio Carlos Jobim, which featured the guitar work of Brazilian legend, Joao Gilberto.
And let us not forget to mention the opener “Diggin’ in the Sand”. Musically reminiscent of the carefree folk of Simon and Garfunkel, in words and music, it predicts the tone and feel of the entire album, and the themes within. And in simple terms, to quote the Artist’s lyrics, it indeed references the “future and the past”.
‘Josh Rouse and the Long Vacations’ is a stellar collection of new recordings. A set of songs, both thoughtful, melodious, and indeed enjoyable. An album that is likely to bring a summery feel to any time of the year. It is an album of great feeling and unity, encapsulating a full moon of ideas and ideals. Ideas and ideals that are fashioned, and continue to inhabit, the past, the present, and the future.
Words: Harvest Sun/Josh Rouse
Photography: Josh Rouse
Josh Rouse and the Long Vacation Shows
26 January @ The Black-E (Great George Street) , 7.30pm
Tickets £15adv from Ticketline, Seetickets, Probe Records, Hairy Records (The Music Consortium - Bold St)
_____________________________________________________________________ Let us know what you think of this article on the Man Gone Splat facebook wall. This article is from http://www.mangoneblog.tumblr.com
