Josh Rouse has always been the kind of singer songwriter that has been consistently overlooked, even though every album he's ever released has been damn near perfect. His last album, Under Cold Blue Stars was a great piece
of alt country chamber pop that belongs next to other great artists such as
Lambchop and Wilco. But for 1972, he's completely thrown a curve ball into
the mix. Refreshingly enough, he's brought in horns, strings, xylophones,
flutes, and even back up gospel singers to give his new album a feel like it
came out of?. well... 1972.

On the self titled track, Rouse sings about groovin? to a Carole King tune,
and on songs like "James" and the fantastic single "Love Vibration" you
can?t help but think of 70's greats like Chicago or Steely Dan. But Rouse
leaves the best for the almost church revivalist sounding "Slaveship." With
Rouse?s bouncy chorus of "I love you, would you marry me?" You can't help
but smack your imaginary tambourine against your hip. The equally great
"Comeback" also brings in fantastic string arrangements that are very
reminiscent to the very best that Jeff Lynne had to offer with ELO. With
1972, Rouse has shown a real penchant for the past. Hopefully, he'll stay
there for at least a couple of more albums.