Our Review
Oh, wow! How can it be that Rosie Thomas isn't already on my radar? A Very Rosie Christmas took me completely by surprise. Ms. Thomas's vocals make me want to hug something. The informality of her lyricality reminds me just a bit of Sufjan Stevens, but the delicacy of her vocals puts her more in league with Leigh Nash. Comparisons are meaningless; you just have to hear people to know them. And hearing Rosie Thomas is a real treat. I have heard a lot of covers in recent years of Joni Mitchell's classic River but no one has nailed it quite like Ms. Thomas (not even Leigh Nash who included it on Sixpence None The Richer's new The Dawn of Grace release.) Ms. Thomas is somehow able to capture the desperate sensibility of the song without imitating Joni's style.
There are any number of things to like about A Very Rosie Christmas, not the least of which are the pleasing new pop arrangements and the collaboration of so many fine musicians. Every track offers something different, but throughout it all Ms. Thomas's stunning vocal performance rides like a surf goddess on a wave. After River, I think I like Christmas, Don't Be Late. I checked the database, and found only one other cover by this overexposed Chipmunks tune. Rosie Thomas turns the song on its head, taking cheesy kitsch and remaking it into a plaintive, alt/pop hit.
There are so many things that deserve honorable mention on this CD, but I wouldn't be doing my duty as spirit guide if I didn't say something about the indescribably weird Sheila's Christmas Miracle!, featuring the vocal stylings of Sheila Saputo, Thomas's comedic alter ego. But I have no idea what, exactly, to say about it. It made me laugh. I can say that.
A Very Rosie Christmas is a leading candidate for this year's favorite.
--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2008)
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From the liner notes:
Rosie Thomas: Vocals, Piano, Guitar
Brian Thomas: Piano, Vocals
Josh Myers: Piano, Rhodes, Guitar, Vocals
James McAlister: Drums, Percussion, Organ
Jeff Shoop: Bass, Piano, Guitar, Glockenspiel, Vocals
Teddy Roosevelt: Piano
Casey Foubert: Guitar, Pedal Steel
Greg Suran: Guitar
Brandon Harris: Guitar
Chris Benson: Double Bass
Jenna COnrad: Cello
Jeremiah Austin:Trumpet
Jeff Ballew: French Horn
Andi Fitts: Vocals
Jen Wood: Vocals
Sheils's Christmas Miracle!:
Jeff Shoop: Story & Muzak
Damien Jurado: Narrator
Brian Shoop: Mr. Krinkle
Sheila Saputo: Sheila Saputo
Jeff Shoop: Radio DJ, Bus Driver
Santa's Helpers Choir: Chris Benson, Heather Benson, Avery Danforth, Greg Danforth, Laura Danforth, Cameron "Dirty Santa" Elliot, Susan Felker, Andy Fitts, Billy Hatcher, Julie Jane, Hazel Many, Caroline McAlister, James McAlister, Dana Jill Meaux, Andrew Morgan, Andy Myers, Josh Ottum, Colleen Smith, Jesse Smith, Jessica Toon, Noah Star Weaver, Jen Wood
Rosie Thomas
A Very Rosie Christmas
Artist link
Label: Sing-a-long Records
Length: 49 minutes
Genre: Pop
Release: 2008
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Christmastime Is Here |
| Why Can't It Be Christmastime All Year? |
| River |
| Winter Wonderland |
| Silent Night |
| O Come O Come Emmanuel |
| Snow Day |
| Alone A CHristmastime |
| Christmas Don't Be Late |
| Let It Snow |
| Sheila's Christmas Miracle! |
| Rosie's Christmas Wish |