Hersh Forman wrote:
> 
> A couple of years ago a fellow Auditeer (mth-high -
> Pat B.) sent me a few songs from this CD, which I
> quite liked.  Finally picked it up a couple of weeks
> ago.
> 
> Not pop in the purest sense, but a dreamy, tuneful
> acoustically dominated effort.  The perfect CD to
> relax with during a solo car ride in the rain (as I
> did the other day).
> 
> Can anybody comment on his 1998 CD "Dressed Up Like
> Nebraska" or the more recent 2002 "Under Cold Blue
> Stars"?

'Dressed Up Like Nebraska' is probably my favorite Rouse album.
Excellent songs, passionate vocals, it manages to stand in a mid terrain
where relaxed, almost laid back songs, are delivered with much soul and
intensity, complemented by raspy, in some ways energetic vocals.
Comparing with 'Home' - which I suppose is the one you've bought - it
has a less self conscious vibe, and has a warmer, slightly more rustic
production. Or maybe it's just different (in terms of sound, not music
per se). 

'Under Cold Blue Stars' is his most varied album. It sounds more
ambitious and more experimental both in arrangements and songwriting.
Sonically, it is closer to the standard production of 'Home'. Definitely
heady, and even a bit 'difficult', it's in my opinion his less 'poppy'
album. However, I must say I also like it very much.

In short, I like all three: 'Nebraska' is the classic one, 'Home' is the
solid self conscious, safe/polished production follow up, and 'Stars' is
his attempt in experimenting.

Rafael.