Josh Rouse: Nashville

Herald rating: * * *

Fifth album finds the singer-songwriter a long way from the alt.folk and country of his early years and wearily going through his 80s record collection.

Rouse's last album 1972 was a nod of tribute to 70s singer-songwriters but, despite the title and presence of Al Perkins steel guitar here, this isn't Josh exploring the country music of his Nashville hometown.

Rather, it sounds like he's shifted up a decade from '72 and buried himself in his pop-rock record collection. The influence of Morrissey and the Smiths on Winter in the Hamptons is undeniable. Elsewhere he specifically cites what sounds like an uncomfortable school-days 80s experiences in Middle School Frown. And he walks off with a disco-soul chorus for Saturday (which might also remind you of Bread balladry).

There's usually a fair bit of emotional trouble in Rouse's lyrics (here love has left him, he sleeps with the TV on, and the title of Sad Eyes conveys much of the prevailing mood), but he has also always had a way with an effortless-sounding chord progression and that hasn't changed - although on the opener It's The Night-time he lifts it straight from Paul Westerberg's First Glimmer and Knockin' On Mine.

So, while this never matches the emotional content and musical innovation of Under Cold Blue Stars of 2002, nor possesses the breezy pop charm of 1972, it isn't too bad. But Josh needs to rouse himself out of his melancholy and get off the couch.

Label: Ryko