Venue:
The Garage, Islington
Date: 25/04/2018
I love a Josh Rouse gig. I’ve done quite a few but I have to say this was one of the best. I’ve had the odd one or two where he seems distracted, as if he’d rather be anywhere but on the stage, but not tonight. The support was Field Division and I was disappointed. I’ve loved what I’ve heard but last night they were a bit non-descrpt. Nice harmonies, nice songs. Just nice. And, mate, if you’re going to play a 12 string acoustic, get a 2nd one so that we don’t have to watch you retune it after every nice song.
By the time Josh and his wonderful band came out the place was packed. I had a great spot behind the mixing desk (with a shelf to lean me and my beer on) and the sound and lights were immaculate.
So, with a new album, he’s going to do loads of it, yeah? Natch. Four new songs, broken up by a stellar Come Back (from 2003’s 1972) and then, BOOM. Winter in the Hamptons, My Love Has Gone, Love In The Modern Age, Businessman (my 2 faves from the new album), It’s The Nighttime and 1972 – what a run of brilliant songs. JR was bouncing off the band and the audience who, trust me, sang their heads off. He even did Under Cold Blue Stars and Nebraska. The encore was a wonderful Sad Eyes, which the audience sang most of, followed by a rocking Love Vibration. A terrific gig.
The audience:
A real spread of ages but many more youngsters than I expected. Unlike a lot of London audiences, they were really up for a good time.
It made me think..
I’ve bought every album he’s ever done and been going to see him for 15 years. Somehow his quiet songs about love and loss have become a huge part of my life. Long may that continue.
I’ve never really gotten into Josh Rouse but I really love Josh Ritter. So bearing that in mind Niall and presuming you know Josh Ritter’s work which of Mr Rouse’s albums, say 3, would you recommend.
Can’t go wrong with the run of 3 albums in 3 years, Under Cold Blue Stars, 1972 and Nashville, 2002 to 2005.
I would completely concur with that. 1972 being the highlight.
I agree. With Nashville, that’s all you need. A classic two album act.
Thanks, I will investigate.
Dressed Up Like Nebraska is head and shoulders above all the rest.
I’m just back from the Manchester gig and I completely agree with everything you say. Even a blown amp couldn’t derail him. An understated tour-de-force, [if that's not too much of a contradiction] It was so good I may even go to the Liverpool show on Saturday 🙂
Excellent. I’m still glowing from the gig. I haven’t sang so much at a gig for years.
Baron, go with the 2cd best of the Rykodisc years – it has all the best songs from 1972 and Dressed up like Nebraska.
Winter in the Hamptons which Niall mentioned in his review is just wonderful.
I got Winter in the Hamptons on my last CD swap – which prompted a purchase of Nashville. Excellent. Subtitulo and Country mouse City House are on emusic.
I saw him phone it in a few years ago and didn’t enjoy it at all but my pal @johna_online was there the other night in London and reports it was excellent.
I love your reviews, Niall. They are so passionate.
*wanders off to find 1972*