Under Cold Blue Stars

Under Cold Blue Stars

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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

Tracks:

Twilight
Nothing Ever Gives Me Pleasure
Miracle
Christmas With Jesus
Under Cold Blue Stars
Ugly Stories
Feeling No Pain
Ears To The Ground
Summer Kitchen Ballad
Women And Men
The Whole Night Through

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

Seek no more... Josh Rouse is it.......2005-09-13

If you feel that America has lacked a good singer-songwriter to fill in the shoes of the Bob Dylans and the Cat Stevens of the past, seek no more. With thought-out lyrics and a blend of alternative with bits of folk, pop and a country feel, Josh Rouse leaves an indelible mark in all his albums I have had the luck to listen to. But having also heard his productions "Nashville", "Home" and a good part of "1972", I feel confident when I say that "Under Cold Blue Stars" (2002) is perhaps his most solid production to date.

Some claim Rouse has a sound that reminds of Coldplay. I think this is a very shortsighted description of his music. His poetic and musical palette flirt with your imagination transporting you to the places that his songs visit, whether they are a dark country road late at night "under cold blue stars" or a bright and upbeat evening under the lights of a downtown. If you are seriously searching for a blend of folk and country with a pop touch, stay away from Jack Johnson. Rouse's unique art is what you are looking for. If you want to listen to more music like his, try Joseph Arthur and Paul Brill.

Excellent Album by an amazing performer..........2004-07-13

This is one of the most hypnotic alternative albums of the decade! I love this cd. There really are no words to describe how great the music is. The songs are all beautifully performed and the melodies are all intoxicating and catchy. I'm not usually a fan of male vocals but I love this album. Definetly one of the best cds I have ever owned.

No question, one of the best.......2004-06-22

If you like heartfelt acoustic rock, this is the album for you. Josh's laid back, matter of fact voice blends perfectly with the funk rhythm on Under the Cold Blue Stars (think almost Remy Shand) and the moving Nothing Gives Me Pleasure. I can shut my eyes and imagine myself walking through Manhattan late in a January evening with the wind nipping at my face. Despite that, no matter what my mood is, there is something on this album that speaks to me each time I play it and the complex layers always keep me coming back to this album, time and again. You won't go wrong with this album, there's not a weak song on it.

Not what I expected.......2003-10-22

I first heard Josh Rousse on a Various Artists album, and this was the first Josh Rousse album I've purchased. I was dissipointed to find out that it wasn't much like the song of his that I heard (Laughter). The album itself is not bad, it has a easy-going, laid back feel, similar artists would be Jack Johnson and Duncan Sheik. The tracks mold together, giving it a somwhat bland feel to it, but overall worth the money.

Essential Listening.......2003-06-17

Under Cold Blue Stars is one of my favorites. Josh Rouse has a talent for writing wonderful songs and he shines on this disc.
Every tune is a keeper...The highlights are:

2. Nothing Ever Gives Me Pleasure
3. Miracle
4. Christmas With Jesus
5. Under Cold Blue Stars
6. Ugly Stories
8. Ears To The Ground
10. Women And Men

7 Excellent songs out of 11 great songs. Not Bad.

If you your looking for something in the vein of Yorn meets Springsteen meets David Gray you're in for a treat-
for this has them all beat!

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