Josh Rouse

This rarities-laden retrospective proves that Josh Rouse is the finest singer-songwriter of his generation. He couches his highly personal narratives in hook-laden tunes that evoke different eras in pop history without being "retro." Rouse spins bittersweet, often biting, confections and then couch his creations in alt country, '80s New Wave, '70s soft rock and bossa nova backings. In earlier times, songs like "Directions," "Love Vibration" and "Winter in the Hamptons" would be hits. Today, Rouse is too hip for the masses yet too accomplished for the search-and-destroy indie set.