So, my musical obsession with Rosie Thomas continues...
I discovered that Rosie Thomas released a Christmas album on her own record label, just last year. It is entitled, "A VERY ROSIE CHRISTMAS"... and it was VERY rosy indeed. My average listen would include two immediate re-listens. I couldn't get enough. Her arrangements of classic songs, such as "Silent Night" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" were fresh, as were her renditions of now-classic songs such as Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time is Here" and Joni Mitchell's "River". The thing I love about Rosie's versions, is that she takes the familiarity and alters a few notes, giving the songs new life. The perfect example of this, is when she takes the now legendary song by "Alvin and The Chipmunks", and gives it a completely fresh overhaul. Not only is the song a very moody ballad, but after the first verse, Rosie has added two additional verses, offering the listener a very heart warming and thought provoking message.
In addition, the album also features an appearance by Rosie's alter-ego Sheila Saputo, including a very humorous reference to Smooth Jazz icon "Kenneth Guh". A treat, indeed... at least for the four or five people that would get the joke.
Anyhoo.... in addition to getting Rosie's Christmas album, I also secured a late Christmas present of "ALL THE WAY FROM MICHIGAN NOT MARS", a limited edition special edition of a documentary DVD that takes you behind the scenes of Rosie's world.... which is a very intriguing world, indeed. It talks about her decision to leave Sub Pop Records, one of the bigger "Indie" labels, to begin her own record label, giving her the chance to do things at her pace, without the pressures that normally go along with the record industry. Also included in this beautiful set was a snow white LP record of "the apartment sessions", featuring intimate recordings with fellow singer/songwriters, Sufjan Stevens and Denison Witmer. These songs were, in fact, recorded in their various apartments. This set is stunningly beautiful in every way.
So, here I am... two studio albums and one Christmas album down... and let's not forget the fascinating DVD and live (NOT in front of an audience, mind you) LP... with three more to go. I can't wait...
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