Home
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,Homedelivers 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