For a singer/songwriter to really appeal to a mass audience it often seems as though they need some personality trait that sets them apart from the rest of the talented musicians out there creating music. For anyone who has seen Rosie Thomas live they would know what I'm talking about when I say that Rosie has what it takes to set her apart. Not only does she have the voice of an angel, but she has the sense of humor of a staff writer for Saturday Night Live, as evident by her alter ego "Sheila" (a nerdy social outcast with a neck brace and broken glasses), which she occasionally pulls out at shows. Although Sheila has yet to show up in any Rosie Thomas songs, she's still a big part of who Rosie Thomas is as a performer and a big part of what helps set her apart from the crowd.
With that said...the music on her 2nd full-length "Only with Laughter Can You Win" released on Sub-Pop Records is the complete opposite of what you would expect Thomas's alter ego to create. Comprised mostly of story-telling ballads set to a slow to mid-tempo beat incorporating piano, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, moog and bass these songs are destined to touch the heart, mind and soul of many listeners. The music in this release is simple and nothing groundbreaking, but it's Rosie's voice that is truly unforgettable.
3/4
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2003Reviewed by Chris BrownSeattle's Rosie Thomas had a good thing going with last year's Sub Pop debut When We Were Small, and she's smart enough not to mess with it here. Only With Laughter Can You Win is filled with the same hushed, dreamlike tones as her debut and Thomas still has that same wistfully beautiful voice that can make you fall in love with her from a distance. Production values owe far more to the '70s folk…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Trae CadenheadOne of the most striking of last year's debut releases was When We Were Small from a virtually unheard of singer / songwriter named Rosie Thomas. On that album, she proved her value as a songwriter and showcased one of the most soothing, beautiful voices in music. Only With Laughter Can You Win is the follow up to that album. This album finds Thomas stretching herself a bit musically. This is…Similar sounding releases
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