Josh Rouse Museums and Women
I’ve been a fan of Josh Rouse‘s work since he released his debut album, Dressed Up Like Nebraska in 1998. Since then, I’ve looked forward to every new release like a kid does Christmas. Speaking of Christmas his holiday album from a couple years ago is a modern classic. That being said, I’m not here to wax poetic about his former glories but to share my thought on his new album Museums and Women. His first album for the New West label finds Josh in fine form. Produced by, and largely co-written with long time collaborator Brad Jones, the album is nothing short of stellar.
There is something comforting about the familiarity of this release. It has an effortless vibe about it which immediately draws you in. Most of the album was recorded in Nashville with musicians who have long been in Rouse’s orbit but he also recoded a few tracks in Spain. It was not a jarring difference but you can definitely tell which group of musicians were playing. As I listen I keep going back to the word “moment.” The tracks are a collection of unique, tempting, curious moments that have been fleshed out to be so much more than their singular focus would lead you to believe.
Title track “Museums and Women” is one of my favorites and it’s light airiness kinda puts a smile on you face. “Other Side of the Tracks” is one of two songs that really standout in my opinion. Enlisting the talents of of Xema Feurtes and Cayo Bellveser, it highlights the feel of his best Spanish recorded efforts while not falling into the slightly formulaic feel of some of those previous recordings.
“Red Apple Red” co-written with Jones and frequent contributor Daniel Tashian, is LUSH. Chris Carmichael on violin, viola and cello elevate the finished product and deliver one of the best tracks of his career.
Here’s the thing – there is no filler on this album. It is beyond solid and will satisfy the expectations of fans long familiar with his work and delight newcomers alike. I would love to just be discovering Josh’s music with this album and then find out I have 28 years of music to dive into. Never trend chasing, always staying true to the essence and aesthetic that has served him so well, Josh continues to not only be present but relevant as a great singer-songwriter.
Find more information here on his website: https://www.joshrouse.com
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Josh Rouse’s “The Holiday Sounds of Josh Rouse” is Absolutely Perfect