With Love

Rosie Thomas is an artist I fell in love with because a friend put some of her songs on a mix for me. I started listening to her lovely lyrics and lilting voice, finding much to relate to both in her moods and her words. So, when I heard that she was coming out with a new album (releasing today!) I just had to pre-order it (on vinyl, of course). When I did so, I had the opportunity to download the entire album and I spent the next 24 hours or so waiting for the right opportunity to listen without distractions. In the midst of deadlines, writing and getting work done, the sun came out and I couldn't ignore the day further. For the first time this year, I went for a walk. Outside. This was (I thought, as I walked) perhaps a bit premature. Rosie and I walked together in the failing light of the day, still bright enough to make me wish I'd brought sunglasses. These things are all combined with this album now in my mind.

On this walk, I met a new Rosie. This album is slightly more upbeat than her usual fare and it works. It's like a great vintage dress that is both classy and cute and FITS. These songs are sung like stories and there are some beautiful things to be heard here. Aside from the wonderful love songs (Rosie got married since her last album) there is a wonderful song about a road trip taken by young girls (2 Birds), a couple of quite lovely heartbroken songs and a song about waiting and growing (Like Wildflowers). "It's Been a Really Long Year" is a song filled to the brim with memory and musical variety.

This is one of those albums I'm excited to have on vinyl. I like every song, which is good because I'm not very good at switching tracks.

If you're a fan of Rosie, give this work a listen. If you're not a fan, I'd start here. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Happy Valentine's Day!