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First-ever compilation from this acclaimed singer-songwriter, spanning seven years and featuring 32 songs on two CDs - favourites, rarities and unreleased gems. Nebraska-born Josh Rouse started out on Rykodisc where he released five albums and two EPs of literate and engaging guitar pop, which garnered him both critical raves and a devoted following. Now, a decade after his debut, "The Best Of The Rykodisc Years" collects together highlights from those Rykodisc albums as well as treasures from Josh's own personal vaults, including seven previously unreleased tracks, to produce over two hours of sublime music spanning 1998-2005. "The Best Of The Rykodisc Years" distils the essence of what Rouse calls his 'first stage'. Years and musical styles may separate these songs, but ultimately they are linked through the warmth of Rouse's voice, the conversational ease of his singing and his unfailing melodic gift. From the folk-rock of "Late Night Conversation" to the knowing country of "It's The Nighttime", from the smart pop of "Feeling No Pain" to the rhythmically sly white-boy soul of "Comeback (Light Therapy)" - each bears Rouse's unmistakable musical fingerprint.