Rosie Thomas - When We Were Small (2001)

This is Rosie's first long player. Ten songs, focused on vivid childhood memories and images from the perspective of a young girl in the process of growing up, dealing with complex emotions. Peppered with audio samples from her childhood, the record spotlights Rosie's striking voice, which rings out wonderfully in the spirit of Joni Mitchell. When We Were Small is Rosie Thomas' debut full-length and on it she sings, plays guitar and piano.

Rosie Thomas's voice is strong, with a folky quiver and, when not backed by a steady, resourceful band, she accompanies herself on acoustic guitar and a piano so deep and resonant it recalls the purposefully homespun work of Victoria Williams . Yet despite its nostalgic bent, When We Were Small is far from twee. "Farewell" opens with the family happily chatting back in 1980, chirpy little Rosie's voice ringing out, then slides into a pained lament about her parents' eventual divorce. "Wedding Day" sees Rosie seeking a life as joyful as the first day of a marriage turned sour. "I'm gonna be carefree," she ends, "and let nothing pass me by/ Never ever again." "I Run" comes across like a sorrowful yet angry Tori Amos. Heavily marked by fear of abandonment, yet romantic and hopeful still, this is an unexpectedly beautiful piece. --Dominic Wills